William Yake
William Yake

Obituary of William E. Yake

An Olympia poet and scientist, William E. “Bill” Yake died after a brief illness on December 12, 2022, in Olympia, Washington.  He was 75 years old.  Memorial Service to be announced at a later date. 

 

Bill was born in Spokane, Washington, on March 9, 1947, and grew up in the South Hill neighborhood.  His parents were William A. and Barbara (Ellsworth) Yake.  He was an honors student at WSU, where he also earned Master’s degrees in Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering.  He first worked for Spokane County Air Pollution Control Authority.  In 1977, Bill moved to Olympia and began work for Washington State Department of Ecology.  He retired as a Senior Scientist in 2002.

 

Bill was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, scientist, poet, musician, photographer, and philosopher.  As a scientist, he directed investigations into the toxic contaminants in water, fish, and sediment.  Since retirement, he has traveled to Papua New Guinea, China, Mongolia, Peru, and many other places around the world.  As a poet, he has published several collections and his poems appear widely in anthologies and publications serving the environmental and literary communities. He was a long-time member of the Olympia Poetry Network.

 

He leaves behind his wife of 25 years, Jeannette Barreca; his son, Matthew (Liza Rietz); two grandchildren; siblings, Tom Yake, Mary Wolenski, Betsy Flatbush; and many nieces and nephews. 

 

You may view a photojournal of his life at: https://photos.app.goo.gl/vFxxYQuqVAcxQDyi9

 

Donations in his name may be sent to Capitol Land Trust, 4405 7th Ave. SE, Suite 306, Lacey, WA 98503; or The Nature Conservancy at https://preserve.nature.org.

 

Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.

 

 

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Yake, please visit Tribute Store
A Memorial Tree was planted for William
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Funeral Alternatives of Washington - Tumwater
Share Your Memory of
William