Obituary of Martin J. Yates

On August 31, 2013, Martin J. Yates succumbed to renal cancer at his home in Olympia, Washington. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Candace A. Jacobs; two twin brothers, Christopher Yates of Tacoma, Washington, and Stephen Yates of Cardiff, Wales; and a sister-in-law, Teffie Heitkemper of Tacoma, Washington. In addition to these family members, Martin leaves behind his twin sister, Colette White of Cardiff, Wales; his older twin siblings, Imelda Blake of Cardiff, Wales and Philip Yates of London, England; and his eldest brother, Laurence Yates of Cardiff, Wales. In-laws include Jean Yates, Chris White, Stephen Blake, and Sandra Yates in Cardiff; Joy Yates in London; Hal Jacobs in Lincoln, Nebraska; and Cheryl Sawtelle in Vail, Colorado. Fifteen nieces and nephews are counted in the immediate family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Horace “Ozzie” and Winifred Yates. Martin was born on October 31, 1956 in Cardiff, Wales, twin to Colette. His mother had delivered a single son and two sets of twins prior to their birth, and stopped having children after she achieved perfection with Martin. He was never a big fan of Halloween, and disdained celebrating his birthday and the holiday. Martin was also not fond of parades, though he begrudgingly would attend Olympia’s annual Procession of the Species. After graduating as a Registered Mental Health Nurse with the General Nursing Council of England and Wales, Martin worked as a staff nurse in hospital-based psychiatry at University Hospital of Wales. He moved to the United States in 1983 and worked in mental health programs in San Diego County, California. In 1989, he moved to Olympia and worked at Senior Services for South Sound, Providence St. Peter Hospital, and for Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). He met his future wife, Candace Jacobs, at a Cinco de Mayo party in 1992, courted her, and they married on September 24, 1993. They resided in Olympia until 2000, when they moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Martin became a house husband and community volunteer for many years thereafter, happily following his wife along as she took on jobs in the food and beverage industry. They lived in Atlanta; San Antonio, Texas; Haddonfield, New Jersey; Claremont, California; and moved back to Olympia in 2012. He gathered a loyal following of friends, golfing buddies, fishing partners, and fellow beer lovers as they moved from state to state. He volunteered at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and the Brooks Army Medical Center burns unit, among other community activities. An avid gardener, Martin became a Master Gardener in Bexar County, Texas and enjoyed volunteer work with that organization. Upon arriving back in Olympia, Martin returned to work at DSHS, where he was employed until his death. Martin was a quick wit, very kind, and an avid reader. He loved crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and watching rugby and soccer. Fly fishing was a favorite activity for Martin, as was golfing, snow skiing, and snorkeling. He also loved music (Richard Thompson was a favorite) and could mix a mean martini. Martin and Candace loved to entertain and Martin’s culinary skills (even beyond grillin’) were widely appreciated. He loved his standard Poodles, and could often be found walking Tache and her predecessors around neighborhoods where they lived, puffing on a cigar and enjoying life (except for the waste pick-up part). When the spirit moved him, Martin played the ukulele and guitar (after a fashion). Many thanks to the staff at Assured Hospice for making Martin’s last days comfortable. His family is also grateful for his co-workers at DSHS Aging and Disability Services Division who were incredibly supportive and accommodating during his bout with cancer. Thank you for your ongoing support and sacrifices. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. at 5909 Swayne Drive on Sunday, September 22, 2013. As you see fit, you may send a donation in Martin’s memory to the American Cancer Society. Please leave memories of Martin or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.