Robert Yardley

Robert Craig Yardley, 79, passed away peacefully on October 25 surrounded by his family. Most knew him as Bob, but his wife Isabel, who survives him, called him Robert. She was Robert's best friend and companion for over 60 years. Robert grew up in East Hampton, NY, raised by Fred and Ruth, along with older brother Fred and younger sister Cathy. He spent his school years at East Hampton High, where he excelled as a student and also quarterbacked the undefeated 1952 Bonackers, the first championship team in the school's history. His summers were spent on the beach, as a lifeguard. While rescuing tourists from the infamous Atlantic undertow he also managed to find time to meet the young girl from Mineola, NY who would become his wife. After graduating from Ithaca College, Robert returned to East Hampton and had a long career teaching, as well as coaching football, initially in the middle school and then in the high school. He taught history, and his interest in the subject extended well beyond the classroom. He was a voracious reader, typically finishing at least one book a week. His favorites were biographies of U. S. presidents and other historical figures. Thick volumes always surrounded his reading chair. During the summers he worked at the Maidstone Club, directing the beach operations and the Junior Activities program. Robert spent 54 years at the place he fondly referred to as "the club." He was known for running a tight ship, and he expected things to be done right. As a boss and a mentor Robert was firm but always fair; some may have feared him, but they did so with affection. In 1989 the governing board at Maidstone, in recognition of his many contributions, established the Robert Yardley Award. The award is given each summer to a boy and a girl in the Junior Activities program who distinguish themselves through their sportsmanship and character, principles that Robert instilled in hundreds of children-both at Maidstone and in the East Hampton school district-over the course of his career. Robert is also survived by his children - Alison of Amagansett, NY, Peter of Tarrytown, NY, Michael of Scottsdale, AZ and Craig of Atlanta, GA; and five grandchildren - Isabella, Jennings (a.k.a., JJ), Owen, Drew and Clare. He loved them all dearly, and was immensely proud that the children that he and Isabel raised have carried forward the values that were so much a part of Robert. Simple but important things like kindness, generosity, a strong work ethic and a sharp sense of humor. His favorite movie was "It's a Wonderful Life" and it is fitting that he himself had a long, wonderful life. Robert's life was one filled with deep friendships, loving family memories and lots and lots of laughs. It is those laughs and all the wonderful memories that will live on in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to know him, and to be part of his "Wonderful Life." In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an organization that was important to Robert, the MPN Research Foundation, 180 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1870, Chicago, IL 60601.