Memory Eternal! + Erwin Christopher Yarnell
Erwin Christopher Yarnell gently reposed in the Lord on January 17, 2013 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Erwin was born September 19, 1924, in Saticoy, Cailfornia, to Harold and Mabel (Adams) Yarnell. After returning from WWII military service, he and Cherry (Frances) Glaeser enjoyed 40+ years of marriage. They raised two sons, Christopher and Kenneth. After Cherry's death, Erwin married Dorothy Vyse.
Erwin loved God and people. He was quick to give smiles, compliments, words of encouragement, and blessings to those he encountered. He had awe and love for creation, which found expression in care for animals, gardening through his 88th year of life, and countless mountain and backcountry adventures. Forever a student, Erwin loved learning and reading. Although a very learned man with a fascinating variety of life experiences, he lived a simple life with a humble demeanor. Among his experiences were serving in WWII, winning military wrestling championships, and working for the National Park Service as ranger, guide, and lecturer. He taught in California and on the Navajo and Hopi reservations in Arizona. He and Cherry were made honorable members of the Coyote Clan. They both were good friends with White Bear, a Hopi with considerable influence within his clan as well as the tribe. Erwin was given the name White Bull. He also worked as a horticulturist, and as a greeter at the Santa Fe Walmart.
Erwin was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mabel, brother Harold, wife Cherry, and wife Dorothy. He is survived by sons Christopher and Kenneth, nephew Richard Douse and great-nieces, Jenny Hall and Shannon Carnegie. He will be lovingly remembered by many.
Special thanks to all PMS Hospice Center care providers for their exceptional support. Erwin's funeral will be held at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Santa Fe, New Mexico on Monday, January 21, 2013 at 10:00am, immediately followed by mercy meal in the parish hall. The interment will follow at St. Michael Monastery in Canones, NM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to PMS Hospice Center, 1400 Chama Ave., Santa Fe, NM 87505 or Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 231 E. Cordova, Santa Fe, NM 87505.