Given that I started in this job way back in 2006, there aren’t all that many folks who were around when I started and continued to stick around for the wild, gratifying ride we’ve had since then. One of those adventurous souls was Don Yeager, who sadly passed away way too early on Wednesday, April 13th.
Don worked at the Y in Central Maryland for over 18 years in the finance department, most of that time as Grants Accounting Manager. One of the most unassuming people you'd ever meet, Don exuded integrity and commitment to the Y’s mission. One of the things I remember best about my initial few months here was the tour of some of our Head Start and school-based sites that Don organized for me and others working in the association office. Although his role was decidedly “behind the scenes,” he was rightfully proud of the work we did then and continue to do (at an even greater scale) today in some of our community’s most neglected neighborhoods. As the guy who created and closely monitored the budgets for our work funded by a dizzying array of grants, Don knew as well as anyone how to stretch the dollars we received as far as possible in order to serve as many in need as we could.
Don successfully oversaw multiple intensive federal reviews of Y Head Start, which I can assure you is not for the faint of heart! Not surprisingly, they always went well due to the work of many good people, including the ever-attentive Don Yeager. In fact, Don’s work with our Head Start team helped us achieve a significant number of expansion grants, which in turn meant we could impact many more children and families throughout central Maryland. Simply put, his work meant that more children, youth and families in our community could access Y resources helping them to thrive, feel connected, and cared about. Don was passionate about serving others and his sense of service showed through the integrity with which he approached his work.
A widower, Don loved music and the Ravens, but he most importantly loved watching his beloved daughter MacKenzie dance. He retired early from the Y so that he could be by MacKenzie’s side and be both dad and mom to her. Recently, Don spent a week in Colorado building a guitar and learning to perfect that hobby. He was passionate about one day working in a music shop to help fix guitars and teach others how to play.
Don's family has shared that there will be a memorial service in May. We will share the details when they are known. Expressions of sympathy may be sent care of his sister Cynthia at 3124 Ellerslie Court, Glenwood, MD. 21738.
Rest in peace, Don Yeager. You are already missed by those of us who were privileged enough to know and work alongside you. And, although they never got the opportunity to know you, you will certainly be missed by so many across central Maryland whose lives were uplifted thanks to your dedication to them.
All the best,
John K. Hoey
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Y in Central Maryland