Douglas L. Yardley

It has been said that a good teacher is like a candle-it consumes itself to light the way for others. Douglas Yardley was a bright light not only for his family but for all the students he helped guide throughout his years as an educator. Dedicated to a life of helping others reach their potential, his endless optimism and kindness inspired those around him. Douglas passed away on November 19, 2015. A lifelong downriver resident he was born on October 31, 1940, grew up in Trenton, MI with his brother Donald and later graduated from Trenton High School in 1958. He attended Western Michigan University where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Education and also mastered the art of socializing and brotherhood as a member of Delta Chi fraternity. He later earned a Master Degree in Education at Wayne State University. He made a home and career in Grosse Ile beginning in 1963 and wore many hats throughout his 32 years in education in the Grosse Ile school system - teacher, counselor, coach, assistant principal and high school principal. He married the love of his life in 1966, Susan Williams from Grosse Pointe. In 1967, his daughter Elizabeth was born followed by Matthew in 1969 and Thomas in 1974. After retiring from Grosse Ile Schools in 1995 he encountered obstacles but continued to give back to the community. The onset of a 1989 Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis and loss of his beloved wife Susan in 1995 were faced with grace, humor and optimism. Never giving in to the confines of the disease that continued to trap him, he lived his life to the fullest; traveling, mentoring, volunteering and enjoying all the things that life offered up to him. He continued by mentoring underprivileged children, volunteering through the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church and the Grosse Ile Rotary Club. Doug had a passion for history and conservation, taking a particular interest in saving the 1911 building in Grosse Ile. He took the time to listen and was genuinely interested in the lives of even complete strangers. No conversation with Doug was complete without learning all the details about the person that sat next to him on the plane, at the restaurant, or was in line at the grocery store or at the bank with him. He always took the time to find out your story. Doug was a loving father of three children, Elizabeth (Tim) Walter, Matthew (Shelley) and Thomas (Erin). Beloved grandfather of Isabella, Katie, Jack, Samuel, Brennan and William. He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow Wilson (Bus) and Mildred; his brother Donald and wife Susan. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 29th at 1 pm at the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church. Donations can be made to Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church or the Grosse Ile Fire Department.