Wilbur “Bill” Yale 

Wilbur “Bill” Yale was born October 3, 1930 in Polo, Missouri to his proud parents, Colin and Irene Yale. Bill passed on June 29, 2015.

In his early years Bill’s family, which finally totaled seven siblings, parents and numerous dogs, lived a nomadic life. His first eight years of schooling were spent in seven cities and schools. His father was an entrepreneur in his early career, but finally utilized his civil engineer degree and joined the Corps of Engineers, working at Kankakee and Wasbash Ordinance Works before transferring to the Richland Washington office, reporting to his former boss Lt. Col. H.R. Kadlec, for whom the Richland was later named, this ended the nomadic life for the family. 

Bill attended the first four year class of the new Richland High School. During that time the school mascot was changed from the Richland Beavers to the Richland Bombers, to honor the “Day’s Pay”, a B-17 Bomber purchased with one day’s pay from each project employee. This flying fortress flew many missions in the European theater during World War II.

Bill worked at the Hanford Project for twenty years, mainly in the quality control areas. He then transferred to Exxon Nuclear for his last twenty years of employment, working his way up to Senior Quality Assurance Engineer in later years. Exxon Nuclear, now Areva Nuclear, provides nuclear fuel to numerous commercial nuclear power reactors in the U.S.

When men played fast pitch softball, Bill was a journeyman pitcher for many years in the late 40’s and early 50’s. The Tri-Cities was among the elite of the softball leagues in the nation at that time. As there was no TV or organized little league baseball during this period, several hundred people attended these games each night – the only entertainment in town!

Bill and his deceased wife Jo had fond memories of their many golfing trips to Hawaii, all across the U.S., Western Canada and Mexico, with their good friends the Wallgrens. 

He was an active member of the Kennewick First Presbyterian Church and served as a Stephen Minister for several years.

We feel that Bill’s legacy was his love, guidance, encouragement and care of a very large family. He inherited this position from his wife when she passed away and it seemed to nourish him. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate your contribution to your choice of the following services: Kennewick First Presbyterian Church, Kadlec Hematology and Oncology Clinic. 

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 2:00 pm at the Crossview Community Church in Kennewick, WA. A private family graveside was held at Sunset Gardens in Richland, WA.