Gary Yonaka

Gary Yonaka passed away peacefully on December 4, 2024, with his wife Agnes at his side. 

He was 83 years old. Gary was born on July 1, 1941 in Pendleton, Oregon, to Clarence (“Clink”) Yonaka and Ivene Emerson Goemaere. He was the second of two children and was the loving brother to his sister, Sherre Clerf.

He spent the early years of his life in Bothell, Washington, with his mother, Ivene, and stepfather, Val Goemaere. He was a proud graduate of Bothell High School, class of 1959, and received a Bachelor of Science from Washington State University in 1964. In 1972, as the recipient of a National Science Foundation fellowship, he received a Master of Science degree at the University of Idaho.

He married Carlyn Munson in 1964, and they had two children, Brad and Petra. Gary and Carlyn parted ways, and he remarried in 1988 to Agnes O’Connor. Gary loved education and remained a secondary school teacher and wrestling coach for most of his career. He taught in the Northshore School District before accepting a position at the American Community School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 1976.

It was through this bold departure from the usual, and later assignment as a high school teacher at Cairo American College, Cairo, Egypt, that he instilled in his children the drive to explore the world and spend significant spans of their adult lives overseas. 

As a teacher, Gary brought a unique style of instruction that incorporated his longstanding dry wit and deadpan jokes. Monty Python was among his favorite styles of humor. Many of his students still remember him for that today, and, for better or for worse, his children have carried on with this bewildering trait.

Gary would go on to teach in Kobe, Japan, and eventually return to the US, landing in the international division of the IRS in Seattle. Here, he and Agnes moved to Snohomish to a setting resembling the woodlands of his childhood.

Gary became intensely interested in mountain climbing. He found a new purpose in helping others by joining Everett Mountain Rescue (EMR). With this organization, he took part in many mountain rescue operations in the Cascade Range, placing the value of rescuing others above his own safety.

Remembrances in Gary’s name can be directed to EMR. Please consider donating to EMR so that others may live. Google ‘Everett Mountain Rescue’ for additional information. Donations may also be mailed to Everett Mountain Rescue, 5506 Old Machias Road, Snohomish, WA 98290.

Gary cared deeply about his family and although his children and grandchildren were usually scattered around the world, the times they could get together were precious. He remained true to his wit and character until the end. In addition, Gary forged memorable friendships during his international career. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Agnes O’Connor, sister Sherre Clerf, son Brad Yonaka (Janet), daughter Petra Willette (Aaron Willette), grandchildren (Becquerel Yonaka, Odette Yonaka, and Guinevere Willette), and Carlyn Jokinen. He is also survived by his much-loved nieces, nephews, and Emerson cousins.

We would like to thank the physicians, especially Dr. Prakash Varadarajan, nurses, and staff of the Fred Hutch Cancer Center. Also Dr. Lindsay Collins and Dr. Jennifer Witt of Evergreen Medical Center for their immense efforts in helping Gary navigate the decade-long treatment of his Parkinson’s and cancer. Through their efforts, he remained in the comfort of his family home.

Please join us for a celebration of Gary’s life. The event will be held on Saturday, December 28 at 11 AM PST, in Haynes Hall at the McMenamins Anderson School on 18607 Bothell Way NE, Bothell, to be followed by refreshments.

The family regrets that the Celebration of Life will not be livestreamed.

Detailed map locating Haynes Hall on the McMenamins campus can be found at this link. Then, search for "map."