To improve the quality of life and excellence in care for residents of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, our... moreTo improve the quality of life and excellence in care for residents of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, our nation's oldest home for enlisted veterans
We created this memorial to celebrate the life of LT General Robert Yerks. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Click on the heart to let us know you were here, share your photos and stories.
OBITUARY
LT General Yerks, Hon, Dad, Poppop, Uncle Bob.
Patriot, hero, and dedicated servant of humanity whose love of country led to a distinguished career in its service. His love of peace reflected in his selfless effort to resolve conflict in strife torn lands. He was a true solder of peace whose accomplishments as a soldier, diplomat, and humanitarian are respected by all.
But also, he was a warm fire in the fireplace, sometimes in... see more
LT General Yerks, Hon, Dad, Poppop, Uncle Bob.
Patriot, hero, and dedicated servant of humanity whose love of country led to a distinguished career in its service. His love of peace reflected in his selfless effort to resolve conflict in strife torn lands. He was a true solder of peace whose accomplishments as a soldier, diplomat, and humanitarian are respected by all.
But also, he was a warm fire in the fireplace, sometimes in July. A rare steak with extra salt. The American flag hoisted high in the front lawn. A tattered marathon race bib. A bourbon on ice. A heartfelt, hand-scrawled note on 3-star stationary. "Silver Bells" at Christmas. A father of ten, but family to so many more.
In his own words, we close this tribute "short, but long on sincerity." He will be forever missed by so many.
To the wonderful Yerks family,
In the summer of 2008, with his neck brace on, LT General Yerks, Bob, made the long journey from Kentucky to visit my dying father in Monterey, Ca. We laughed and cried as they told their stories and long-standing jokes... moreTo the wonderful Yerks family,
In the summer of 2008, with his neck brace on, LT General Yerks, Bob, made the long journey from Kentucky to visit my dying father in Monterey, Ca. We laughed and cried as they told their stories and long-standing jokes with measured and corny punchlines. It meant the world to my dad. It meant the world to me. His warmth and kindness during that difficult time brought comfort and calm to me as he reassured us with his firm belief in a higher power and the goodness of love. His generosity of affection has continued to be a huge part of my life. What a thrill it is to see his handwriting on that cream-colored stationary, in my mailbox! I’ve saved every letter as “precious treasures.” His every word held dear. I join the many others who felt special in his eyes. I feel very lucky to have had lunch with him a couple of years ago while he was living in the Portland area.
His wonderful spirit radiates through his wonderful children and extended family. One of my most enduring memories of my dad’s funeral in Arlington, was walking down the road with Roberta, and as we came around a bend she told me that her Mom and Dad would be buried around the corner one day and they would be joining my parents and would always be close by. I am deeply saddened that that day has come. I am also glad to know that Bob joins his Iris in peace. I know the missing of his twinkly presence will be very difficult and I am sending you my deepest of love and care. While not wanting to sound light in saying that your memories will hold you, I do know that you have a treasure trove of precious memories indeed.
With love, Cecily less
As Pop Pop spent the last 4 years with your Aunt Maribeth and me, I thought I would send you a note to thank you all for the love and respect you showed him in the last years of his life.
I am certain your parents... moreLetter to Pop Pop’s Grandchildren
As Pop Pop spent the last 4 years with your Aunt Maribeth and me, I thought I would send you a note to thank you all for the love and respect you showed him in the last years of his life.
I am certain your parents have done their level best to explain to you what happened to Pop Pop and help you deal with our collective loss. Yet, I am not sure they can convey the enormous impact each of you had on Pop Pop’s happiness. Your phone calls and letters meant so much to him and they picked his morale up more than you can possibly imagine. Each of you had a unique relationship with him and a special place in his heart.
Many of you may know that each night, before bedtime, Pop Pop and I would sit and talk about the days events and if there was a phone call or letter from one of you, it would be the topic of our conversation; it was always, always a wonderful conversation. He was so very proud of each of you.
I hope each of you have something from Pop Pop that brings back a special memory of your time with him. If not, let me know and I will find something for you to cherish as you remember him during your lifetime.
Pop Pop only wanted what was best for each of you, and in his own way, be it a prayer, some sage advice or when he snuck you a few dollars, it was his way of saying how much he loved you.
I was just thinking about Gen. Yerks and had not realized he has passed into his next adventure just a few weeks ago. I met Bob as we called him through his West Point classmate Garrett Sanderson at the advertising agency then known as Stackig Sanderson... moreI was just thinking about Gen. Yerks and had not realized he has passed into his next adventure just a few weeks ago. I met Bob as we called him through his West Point classmate Garrett Sanderson at the advertising agency then known as Stackig Sanderson and White, We were working together on a big project to bring the National Guard account into the agency. We were vast underdogs because the account always went to more consumer-like agencies. It was a lot of work and great fun, all the way to our on-base presentation. Bob said that these presentations for a service account usually ended with a spectacular "stars and stripes" video. That was beyond our means. So we played a video that we had created for the Battle of Normandy museum with President Reagan's 1984 moving speech about the contribution of regular Americans to defense. Bob had liked that video from years before (all Garrett's General friends would come and see it). He introduced it, and, hopefully, it had meaning to our very young judges. We were indeed very fired up, but, despite Bob's connections and guidance, we lost to the incumbent. Bob continued to work on some other accounts and then left for Liberia, which shocked me...but he was doing it for his family's economic well-being. Before he left, it was a tradition of the agency to decorate our office doors for the Christmas holidays. The winner would get the agency CEO David Pogue's red jacket. People would get very creative and elaborate (after all, it was advertising). Bob's solution was simple: He put up a wooden cross. It was emblematic of the life of dedication and service he led. Heartfelt wishes to the family, Ellis less
I am very sorry to hear about General Yerks passing.
Like so many people, Gary’s Dad helped me many times over the years. In 1996 I was looking for a job after retiring early from... moreFrom Our Cousin Bobby Vasta:
Hello Classmates, Family and Friends,
I am very sorry to hear about General Yerks passing.
Like so many people, Gary’s Dad helped me many times over the years. In 1996 I was looking for a job after retiring early from the Army. I stayed at General Yerks’ house as I interviewed in DC. Every morning we ate breakfast early in the morning and he gave me fantastic advice.
I am also very proud to be a relative of Gary and General Yerks.
My grandfather and Gary’s grandfather are first cousins. They were best friends, growing up in Ossining, NY. They both signed up for WWI together. My grandfather, Arthur Quinn, was only 16 years old and too young to sign up. So my grandfather went to Canada and said he was 17 and joined the Canadian Army. Arthur met Austin (Gary’s Grandfather) in Paris, while on R&R. After WWI, they started a trucking company.
When I was applying to West Point in 1973/4, my mother said, you should contact General Yerks, he is your cousin. I didn’t know General Yerks at all, just family stories from time to time.
Well, General Yerks wrote Admissions with a glowing letter about me form a resume I sent him. I was very grateful for this nice letter.
The last story is about the entire Yerks family, after our graduation from West Point on 6 June, 1979. They all came to my graduation party in the backyard of my house in Croton-on-Hudson, NY. Seeing General Yerks with his uniform on at my party was very special. We all had a great time.
My mother is still living and a year younger then General Yerks. She has the nicest stories of growing up in Ossining with General Yerks and his family.
Again, very glad to be a part of the Yerks family.
We have so many memories and photos in our hearts of the best times on Shadow Fox Court. Bob was the “Mayor”. His nightly stroll around the circle with his glass of his favorite beverage on ice was always expected and looked forward to. He ended his... moreWe have so many memories and photos in our hearts of the best times on Shadow Fox Court. Bob was the “Mayor”. His nightly stroll around the circle with his glass of his favorite beverage on ice was always expected and looked forward to. He ended his nightly journey at our steps to share the last of his glass with Jimmy. LOL..each time a house was to be sold he made sure that we knew who wanted to join our little family circle. His generosity to all of us on the circle will be engrained in our hearts. Bob and Iris opened their home and family to everyone. From the dinners with them and the guest of the event, ours was the wonderful couple from Liberia. His stories of his life as a soldier and his experiences never grew old. His thoughtfulness toward everyone never stopped. His faith was unsurpassed. His gift to Jackie of the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of her loved Capitals hang on the wall to this day and she speaks of it often. There are just so many memories……we will cherish and speak of them often with a warm heart and a smile. Peace and love to you Bob, hug Iris and Virginia for us. To the entire family…..we will keep you all in our prayers. We are so honored to have met you all. less
Trying to tell all of the stories about good memories involving Bob and his family would create an entire book. And I include his family because they are all a direct result of the kind of person he was, and along with Iris it was always Team Yerks. The... moreTrying to tell all of the stories about good memories involving Bob and his family would create an entire book. And I include his family because they are all a direct result of the kind of person he was, and along with Iris it was always Team Yerks. The overall kindness and generosity provided to my family and me will carry inside of me forever.
When having a conversation with Bob about any subject, you could tell he was listening and cared about what you were saying. You could just see it in his eyes. And it didn’t matter if it was a conversation with an accomplished adult or an eight-year-old kid, he just cared and it was obvious.
I always laughed a little when hearing stories about his professional accomplishments, and the accomplishments were awesome. But I laughed because after hearing them I’d think about what a revered person he was for those professional actions, but to me he was just Bob. That nice man who told great stories, was always welcoming, loved his wife and family, and enjoyed his p-u juice while walking around his yard checking to make sure the house and yard looked just right.
My heart goes out to his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. I know what he meant to all of you. He will be missed by many, including me, he was just a great human. There need to be more Bob’s in this world. less
General Yerks was a true hero and a gentleman. He wrote Ken several letters at important times during his army career. These letters and notes and words of wisdom meant the world to Ken. We had such a great time talking to General Yerks at an Army... moreGeneral Yerks was a true hero and a gentleman. He wrote Ken several letters at important times during his army career. These letters and notes and words of wisdom meant the world to Ken. We had such a great time talking to General Yerks at an Army football game a few years ago. He was a class act, an inspiration to all, and a soldier’s soldier. We will miss him!! Sending hugs and love to you all. less
General Bob was a great man!! He used to sneak me root beer and cream sodas in his garage and gave me my first pocket knife (I'm pretty sure I was 5 years old). He was a true hero and role model for anyone who knew him. Thinking of you all!
My grandfather's hard work, heroism and unwavering dedication to our country, military and helping others has no doubt been an inspiration to everyone who came into his life. His endless list of accomplishments and achievements continued to make our... moreMy grandfather's hard work, heroism and unwavering dedication to our country, military and helping others has no doubt been an inspiration to everyone who came into his life. His endless list of accomplishments and achievements continued to make our family so proud to call him our own. However, behind that decorated uniform was our beloved PopPop. A man who loved harder than anyone I know. Whether you knew him for 5 minutes or 50 years you were part of our family. And when it came to our family, he was our biggest cheerleader. He celebrated all of our successes, big or small, but also felt every struggle, pain, and heartache that we felt. And no matter the magnitude of those hardships or what he had going on in his own life, he would not rest until he could help in some way. With a heartfelt phone call, a warm smile, a comforting hug, a quiet prayer, opening his home and wallet to you, presenting you with his signature coin or sending you an elegant note, he made sure you knew that you were special to him and that he was on your side. While his love and generosity were sometimes unappreciated, he made it his goal each and every day to make the world a better place in any way he could, and he truly succeeded in that.
I will always cherish sitting by the fire with my cousins listening to his stories, watching in awe his ability not spill his drink when he fell asleep on his chair, playing with the dog bank in his living room, laughing at him balancing random items on his head in pictures, family beach trips, Christmas's at the lodge, giggling as he shuffled around the house in his whitey-tighties, matching Christmas stockings hanging from the staircase, piling on the hammock in his backyard, catching him sneaking sweets from the pantry, reluctantly watching him eat tomatoes and mayonnaise, hearing the vacuum at 6am, his 3 star shirt, hats and notepads, his George Washington room, buttered bread before dinner, getting him "just a splash" more of his drink, his handkerchiefs, family fun runs, his endearing nicknames, wondering how every cup I put on the counter somehow got put in the dishwasher the second I would turn around, when he would tap my leg and give me a wink before he was going to try to instigate a laugh out of someone, looking for his "ears", his speeches, listening to Christmas music with him even if it was July, constantly changing the names of my dogs, his pride for his white teeth and blonde hair, seeing him holding grandmas hand, snuggling with him under a blanket in 100 degree weather, sharing the salt shaker (and so on and so forth).
But most importantly I will always cherish the family he gave me. My continuously growing cousin crew, who while we don't see each other often, always seem to pick up where we left off with our fun and laughter; my aunts and uncles, continue to show me unconditional love and support; and most of all my amazing father who undoubtedly inherited his father's love, humor, perseverance, generosity (and baldness). The greatest gift we can give him to honor his legacy is to strive each day to love each other, appreciate each other, forgive and respect each other.
Love you PopPop! less
General Bob’s smile and his gentle voice will be a constant reminder of a friend I won’t ever forget. What a privilege to know him and his wonderful family. “May it be said, Well Done…Be Thou at Peace.”
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