Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Robert Eugene Yarnell, 57, passed away Jan. 14, 2024, at home with his longtime partner Patty Clemence and his mom by his side.
He was born March 22, 1966, at Skyline Hospital in White Salmon, Wash., to Raymond Yarnell and Audrey (Kelly) Bruce. Robby graduated from Columbia High School, class of 1984. Upon graduation, he served with the U.S. Army in Washington State from 1984-1987.
Robby was an avid and skilled fisherman and hunter. He was the guy who could catch a fish in an empty barrel, and he usually shot what he aimed at, a skill he learned from his step-dad Ronnie Bruce. And he took those skills and shared them with any who wanted to learn. He loved taking people fishing and showing them how to catch what we called “hogs,” great big 10-feet or larger sturgeons. Robby loved spending time with his friends Doug and Don, and he spent many a season fishing in Alaska. Robby gave all the younger cousins a great love of Scooby Doo and funny fishing signs, fishing and hunting, and for some, a really weird sandwich.
Robby has left behind his partner Patty; mom Audrey; dad Raymond; sisters Debra, Raelene, Betty and Cheryl; his brothers Randy and Jeff; nephew Joey; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his stepdad, Ronnie Bruce, as well as his sister, Iva Kay Laffranchi.
Robby also enjoyed picking huckleberries with his mom Audrey. The two of them got apples and placed them out during the winter to help keep the deer and other animals fed. When he could, he had his mom cook breakfast. Robby loved big, laughed when he found it funny, and made sure you knew his opinions.
He leaves a whole list of family and friends, but especially his hunting and fishing pals and pallbearers, Mike Solomon, Ron Solomon, Brian Pedlar, Mike Murphy, Larry Murphy, Rod Murphy and Randy Davis — you all made him very happy doing what he loved with you.
He also asked for a special thank you to Devin, The Dalles, and Paco, White Salmon, for always making sure he and his vehicles were well taken care of so he could continue to do what he loved most.
Robby’s graveside service will be at the White Salmon Cemetery on Snowden Road March 9 at 11:30 a.m. There will be a celebration of life and potluck at 12:30 p.m., after the graveside service, at Grace Baptist Church 1280 W. Jewett Blvd., White Salmon. On May 18 at noon in the Bingen Park, a barbecue potluck is also planned for those who cannot make the service in March.
To plant a tree in memory of Robert Yarnell as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
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