Thomas A. Yates

We bid farewell to an honored veteran, Thomas A. Yates, who passed away on September 15, 2021, after courageously enduring Huntington’s Disease for the past decade. He was born on June 9, 1948, to Henry and Audrey (Ott) Yates in Cleveland, Ohio. Tom will forever be loved by all who knew him, yet most fondly revered by his immediate family; his wife Betsy Parke, his sons David and Brian (Tasha) Yates and their mother Kathy McPeak, and his stepsons Steven, Luke (Natalie), and Harley (Marcella) Parke. He is cherished as “Poppy” by Chapin, Oliver, and Abigail Yates, and forever adored as “Papa Tom” by Sylvia, Sophia, Cecelia, Lucy, and Max Parke. Tom was a quiet, kind and generous man whose gifts and knowledge touched many lives. He brought much beauty to the world during his 40 year career at The Holden Arboretum. He shared his vast knowledge of the natural world with many appreciative people. Tom helped others as a volunteer for: Boy Scouts of America, Meals on Wheels, Mentor Special Skaters, Lake Metro Parks, leading The Mentor Senior Center Hiking Club and rugged all day hikes for various organizations and as a multi gallon blood donor for the American Red Cross. Huntington’s Disease may have taken his body but his spirit lives on in his sons and grandchildren as well as in his passion for the natural world. Take a walk in nature and you will feel his spirit there. Tom’s family will hold a private family service in celebration of his life. To honor Tom’s memory please consider a donation to: The HDSA Northeast Ohio Chapter (for research) PO Box 14668 Cleveland, OH 44114 The Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio 6892 Highland Dr. Solon, OH 44139 Please offer condolences and your memories of Tom below on Blessing’s website.