Yates; Howard Yates, age 52, of the Gull Lake District, passed away October 11, 2009 at the Cypress Regional Hospital. Howard was born at Gull Lake on June 2, 1957. He started school in 1963 at the Twin Butte Country School. He attended for one year and then went to Gull Lake until grade 10. At the age of 12, Howard was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. After school Howard helped his grandpa and dad with the farming. He also worked for neighbors on their farms. Howard loved the farming life, both the fieldwork and the animals. He decided to branch out and diversify and with the help of his in-laws, bought his first semi tractor and cattle-liner. Howard often talked of his grandpa Yates driving truck and was very proud to own his own rig. As his business grew so did his fleet, as he purchased another semi, two grain trailers, 2 cattle-liners and two flat decks. H. A. Yates Trucking was developed. Sports was a large part of Howard's life. He played minor hockey in Gull Lake and joined his dad and brother Mike on the Aldag Eagles Fast Ball Team. He was the youngest member at 15. Howard also played fastball with Pioneer, Shaunavon Steelers and the Bench Braves. He would act as linesman for minor hockey and the Gull Lake Greyhounds and also acted as score keeper. He enjoyed going to antique tractor pulls using a 1950 Cockshot Tractor. Howard also rode dirt bikes with Kathy and the kids and he and his brother Mike enjoyed snowmobile racing and formed Yates Bros Racing and won many trophies together. In the past few years he would join his son Colin and go back country snowmobiling. Howard was a member of the Sask Wheat Pool Committee and served as secretary for a few years. He was also a member of the P.F.R.A. Howard's life interests were farming, trucking, cattle and his family. Although he often couldn't express his feelings with words, his actions spoke loud and it was through these action he expressed his love for his family. Howard is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Kathy; his children Lisa (Brian) Willows and their children Nicole and Tenille of Swift Current; his son Colin (Rachel) of Blairmore, AB; his parents Walter and Maevis of Gull Lake; mother-in-law, Gertie (Karl) Slaferek-Zeller of Pennant; brother Michael (Deb) of Gull Lake; sister Donna (George) of Shaunavon; and several nieces, nephews, Aunts, Uncles, and friends. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Elmer and Helen Yates; his maternal grandparents Albert and Tillie Voll; father-in-law Sam Slaferek; brothers-in-law Brian Slaferek and Jim McCallum and his son Jarvis. The funeral service was held Friday, October 16, 2009 from the Tompkins Community Hall with Father James Owolagba officiating. The life tribute was presented by Anne Willman. The ushers were Dale Klink and Jason Craig and the pallbearers were Dale Fernquist, Wayne Willman, Larry Smith, Kim Yates, Calvin Dyer and Mike Bergquist. The interment service was held at Gull Lake Cemetery. In Howard's memory, friends may make a memorial donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association. Warren's Funeral Home in care of arrangements. For further information please call 773-8831 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to the family in our book of condolence.