For Posterity's Sake         

A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project

In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

YATES, Eric Oliver - With sadness we announce the passing of Eric Yates on September 11, 2019. His diligence, ethic, generosity, loyalty as well as his frank and ornery nature will be remembered (with a nod and a smile) by those who knew him best. Born in Botwood, N.L., August 1, 1939, Eric was the middle son of Oliver and Ethel (Cole) Yates. Eric learned his aircraft maintenance trade on the HMCS Bonaventure. In the early 60s he was encouraged to apply to the fledgling Eastern Provincial Airways when Harry Steele put out the call for "navy boys" as the company transitioned from cargo, mail, and water-bombing runs to public transportation. After several corporate acquisitions, Eric retired from Air Canada as Maintenance Manager in 2004 after over 40 years of continuous service. Right Worshipful Brother Yates was an active and proud Freemason: a Charter Member of both the Grand Lodge of Newfoundland and Labrador and Sackville Lodge 137, Lower Sackville, serving the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia as Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2002. Service to other concordant bodies included Royal Arch, Royal and Select Masters, Red Cross of Constantine, and the Knights Templar. Eric was predeceased by his wife, Maud; brothers, Arthur (Gerald) and Allister Yates; and sisters-in-law, Elizabeth and Mildred Yates. Eric is survived by daughters, Barbara (Derek) Bywater, Oromocto, N.B.; Carolyn Yates, Mississauga, Ont.; sons, Robert (Anita) Yates, Oromocto, N.B.; Darrell Yates, North Battleford, Sask.; grandchildren, Cory, Andrew, Cameron, Nina, Samantha, Lindsey, and Melanie; brothers, Austin (Pansy) Yates, Beaton (Phyllis) Yates, Roy (Diane) Yates, all of Botwood; Hayward and Lloyd (Paulette) Yates, both of Fraser Lake, B.C.; sisters, Lt. Col. Ruby (Stan) Anthony (ret.), Whitby, Ont.; Wynn Yates-Browning, St. John's; Jean (Vince) Hendry, Spring Hill, Fla.; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place with visitation 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Thursday, September 19th, and Masonic Service 11 a.m. Friday, September 20th with regular Funeral Service immediately following (at approximately 11:30 a.m.) in J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax. Family interment in Pleasant Hill Memorial Cemetery, Lower Sackville, Captain Kristian Simms officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army, Halifax Citadel Community Church, or the Masonic Foundation of Nova Scotia.