Richard Earl “Rick” Yardley of Irrigon passed away in Irrigon on Dec. 27, 2025 at the age of 72.
He was born on Feb. 9, 1953 in Ballard, Wash. to Earl and Betty Wilkerson Yardley.
Rick grew up and attended schools in northern Washington. He joined the Army as a young man and served three years’ active duty, one year in the Army Reserves and nine years with the Oregon National Guard. He served as a tank gunner and an aide to a brigadier general and ended as a platoon sergeant in the 249th TOW Battalion in Salem.
Rick worked as a pipefitter and a welder in his early career in the Seattle and Everett, Wash. areas. He received his pastoral schooling at Overlake Christian Church in Bellevue, Wash. in their graduate school of ministry. He was called to the ministry and served as the pastor of Columbia View Community Church in Irrigon for 16 years, beginning in 2001 and retiring in 2017. He also served as chaplain for the Irrigon Fire Department, was a member of NEOCRT (Northeast Oregon Critical Response Team) and served with Chaplain Terry Cummings with the Hermiston Fire and Police departments. He was sworn in as chaplain by Sheriff Rowan in 2017. He was nominated Irrigon Citizen of the Year in 2004 and was instrumental in getting the Don Baxter Skate Park in Irrigon.
Rick enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping. He attended the South Hills Church in Kennewick, Wash., where he enjoyed teaching the life skills group and Sunday school classes.
Rick married Joan Makinson on June 7, 1973 in Bothell, Wash.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joan; daughter, Tracy Foster; grandchildren, Curtis Foster and Betty Foster; brothers, Wayne Yardley and Jay Carlson; and many extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Carlson; father, Earl Yardley; and brother, Orlen Yardley.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 at Desert Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Irrigon for close family and friends.
A celebration of life with military honors will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 at South Hills Church, 3700 W. 27th Ave., Kennewick, Wash.
Family suggests memorial donations in Rick’s memory be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
