R. "Walker" Yeates

Rush Walker Yeates was born September 25, 1951, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to William Rush Thomas and Jean Walker. He and his siblings were raised by his mother Jean and stepfather Calvin, beloved by both. In his youth Walker was an avid Boyscout and enjoyed activities like swimming, astronomy and sailing. In his young adulthood, he attended Willamette University and completed a Bachelor of Political Science. He had a lifelong interest in politics and was proudly involved in a few local campaigns. His other enduring hobbies included playing pool, at which he was very accomplished, computer gaming, and a love of Japanese art and culture. His dominant career path through life was as a fine jeweler and previous to owning his business, he learned the trade working for Jewelry companies in the western states. In 1976 Walker married Laura Arnold and had three children Quick, Morgan and Tristan Yeates. When they were little he would set aside time to play and read to them, and coached soccer, cherished memories. He maintained a loving relationship with his kids and supported them in several capacities throughout his life. He was a kind grandfather to Tristan’s children, Ava, Isabelle, and Calvin.In 2004 Walker re-partnered with Pamala Bedford and settled in Silverton, Oregon permanently. They enjoyed socializing and playing pool together. He cared for Pam and her family with love. Her three grandchildren, Ayden, Illiah and Oliver brought Walker much happiness. Also in 2004, he proudly opened “I’ve Got Rocks In My Head”, a fine jewelry repair and rock shop. He found a welcoming place in Silverton’s business community and worked hard to create an eclectic, successful business in the heart of the city. Walker was an engaged part of the downtown business community and happily helped out with local events, offering resources and space.Walker was a confident, generous man who proceeded through life with conviction and along a path of personal idology. He was supportive of his family and friends, an intelligent person and often funny. On July 3, 2021, Walker passed away at the age of 69. He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin and Jean Yeates; biological father, William Rush Thomas; and sister Shari Walter. Walker will be deeply missed by those he leaves behind including his children Quick, Morgan, and Tristan (Shar) Yeates; grandchildren Calvin, Ava, Isabelle, Ayden, Illiah, and Oliver; significant other Pamala Bedford; ex-wife Laura Yeates; siblings Colleen (Rob) Marsh, Kathleen Yeates, and Jeff (Laura) Yeates. A memorial will be held on August 22, 2021 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Main Street Bistro: 201 E. Main Street Silverton, Oregon 97381 Family, friends and community are welcome to come.