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Robert William Yank

Robert William Yank, 88, died Sept. 7, 2012, in Sonoma.

  Bob was born in Redding, on May 14, 1924. Bob was the adored son of pioneers of that city. His family, including sister, Lois, would have an idyllic childhood of happy times, family get-togethers camping, going to their cabin at Moose Camp in the summer and skiing into the cabin in winter, Mom, Dad and the kids.

  He loved the Boy Scouts and took his troop on overnight trips when he was maybe 12.

  When he was in grade school, he decided he wanted to be a great lawyer someday. His Mom had to help him over a barrier in reading because he just didn’t get it. But with a lot of help, he got over the hump and became an avid reader. He studied hard in school and graduated with honors. Then college came and he made it into the University of California at Berkeley.

  Then came WWII; he knew he’d be drafted so volunteered for the U.S. Army, the 10th Mountain Division. You had to have three letters of recommendations and be familiar with skiing, mountain climbing or mules. He made it into the 10th Mountain Division and they trained in Colorado.

  When the war ended, Bob returned to college, graduating from Cal, then Hastings Law school, and then began his career as a lawyer. He married Claire Stauber. They had two children, Clifford and Robyn. Claire died after a long illness. He is also survived by stepchildren, Jennifer, Richard and Allison; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

  Always, Bob’s main diversion was skiing. His children became class-A skiers. So when he met Grace a few years later, they had a common interest in skiing and the Oakland Ski Club. It led to a marriage in 1981, and that began an adventure that brought them both happiness and fun. They even became caretakers at the Ski Club for two winters – a great experience.

  Retirement years brought Bob and Grace to Sonoma where they have enjoyed 18 years of life with many new friends, church activities and Bob playing the saxophone in the Hometown Band, and gardening Sonoma style with Meyer lemons and roses.

  Until the very end of his life, Robert lived his life committed to his family, God and country; enjoying life and living it with optimism.

  Private inurnment was held at Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park.

  Friends are invited to a celebration of life at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 16290 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, on Friday, Sept. 21, 2012, at 3 p.m.

  Donations are preferred to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church or 10th Mountain Division Foundation Inc., 133 South Van Gordon St. Suite 200, Lakewood, CO 80228.

Duggan’s Mission Chapel.

Mission Cremation Service

525 W. Napa St.

Sonoma, CA 95476

707-996-3655