Harry K. Yost, of Arlington, Washington, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2009 at the age of 87, surrounded by his wife and family at their home.

Harry was born on the family farm on the Jordan Road, to Joseph and Carolina Yost, and was one of five children. On April 3, 1945 Harry married his childhood sweetheart, Ruth Wangsmo.

Harry was extremely active as a youth in the Arlington Schools and served as the business manager for the associated student body.

Harry was the “go to” guy and drove school bus while attending high school as well as played on the Arlington High School football team.

As a senior, Harry received the faculty’s highest award, the Boyer award.

Following high school, Harry joined the Navy in 1942 and served in the South Pacific theatre as a second class aviation machinist mate.

Harry received an honorable discharge in October 1945, while stationed at the Arlington Naval Air Station; now the Arlington Airport.

Following his Navy career, Harry and one of his best friends, Clarence Wayt, partnered in a cabinet shop located in downtown Arlington. This was followed by a 6 to 7 year employment with the Arlington School District where Harry worked as a maintenance supervisor. Harry then joined the staff at Arlington’s Columbia Valley Lumber Company, later becoming Copeland Lumber, where he became the lead installer of floor covering, counter tops and tile. He took these incredible skills and ventured out as an independent business owner in 1969, touching many lives in this community. He donated many hours of his skills to family, friends, churches and neighbors. Harry retired at the age of 58 to travel with his wife, Ruth, to Norway, Europe and the South Pacific.

It was at this time that Harry transferred his skills and unlimited energy into the Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Association and soon was serving as their president. Along with the inspiration of many others, Harry and the Pioneer Association formed a museum committee and embarked on an incredible building project and in 1995 completed their dream with a three story, 20,000 square foot museum which now displays the history of the Stillaguamish Valley.

Through his life, Harry as been very active with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Harry coached and umpired little league baseball as well as Lassie League baseball. He served as the Cub Master for Pack 29, was president of the Arlington PTA, served on the Arlington Centennial Committee, Arlington American Legion and was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, where he had served as president.

Harry received many community awards, including “One of a Kind” Citizens award from past Mayor, Robert Kraski. He received the Veterans of Foreign Wars Lifetime Achievement & Outstanding Service award. Citizen of the Year award from the Arlington Chamber, Grand Marshall of the 4th of July parade, Arlington Rotary Paul Harris Fellow and the Life Time Achievement Award from the Stillaguamish Senior Center completed a small portion of his life time awards.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, Martin and Frank; his two sisters, Ella Mattson and Amanda Miller; and great-grandson, Benjamin Peterson. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth, their sons Marv (Pam) Yost of Renton, Merlin (Suzanne) Yost of Stanwood and his daughter Carol (Dale) Duskin of Arlington.

He leaves seven grandchildren, Kasey (Jenifer) Yost of Kent, John Yost of Renton, Nathan Gilman of Arlington, Sarah Gilman of Seatac, Chad Duskin, Cory (Desa) Duskin and Nicole (Scott) Peterson, all of Arlington. He also leaves 13 great grand-children.

A memorial service will be held at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church on Highland Drive in Arlington at 1PM, Thursday, February 19th.

In place of flowers, remembrances can be made to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, The Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum or the charity of your choice.