Ronald Hal Yost

"My walk had purpose, my steps were quick and light, and I held firmly to what I felt was right."-Robert Clark Seger

Ronald Hal Yost, beloved father and "Pa," passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 72 years old.

Ron, the youngest of 13 children, was born on February 29, 1952, in Grand Haven, MI, to Jasper Newton and Mildred Ann (Cady) Yost. A lifelong resident of the Tri-Cities, he graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1970, followed by service as a Sergeant and Military Police Officer in the United States Army, stationed at Forts Gordon and Belvoir. There, he was responsible for transferring prisoners from Washington D.C. to Leavenworth Prison in Kansas. Upon his discharge, Ron worked for A&C Carriers and had a 30-year tenure at Western Michigan Fleet Parts.

The foundation of Ron's life was the profound love story between him and his wife, Donna. They met at a dance in downtown Grand Haven in 1966 and married young and crazy on September 26, 1970. For the next half-century, they built a world full of love, music, pets, travel, and, most importantly, family.

Ron and Donna had three children: Thaye (1972-2019), Jessica, and Matt. Ron embodied the term "family man." His unwavering dedication to his family was evident in everything he did. He worked tirelessly, covering great distances, getting up early, and coming home late to support the dream in which he and Donna believed: their kids. He could be as firm as he was loving, a teacher of a hard lesson and the safe harbor in any storm. As was said over his hospital bed as he was ascending, "You know he took care of everyone right until the very end."

His interests were cars and motorcycles (fast ones), traveling (he and Donna loved any place warm), spending time at the Grand Haven American Legion Post # 28 (or marina) in the company of longtime friends, and unbeknownst to many…drawing. His draftsmanship and cartoon artist drawings were next to none. He loved the Bad Boy Detroit Pistons, Michigan State Spartans, and was a true lifetime fan of the Detroit Lions.

Without Donna, he was a knight without a charge. God felt it was again time for him to protect his maiden and heal his broken heart.

Ron is survived by his daughter, Jessica (Kelly) Hamberg; son, Matt Yost, and sister, Leora K. Stone. Pa's strength lives on through his grandchildren: Olivia Young, Avery and Abigail Hamberg, and Morgan and Peyton Yost. Ron is remembered by Jesse Bruce, his wife, Laurice Sacamay, and children, Hannah Bruce and Raphaella Sacamay.

The family wishes to thank Trinity Health & MediLodge of the Shore in Grand Haven and Trinity Health Muskegon for comforting Pa as his story came to a close.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna Kay Yost; daughter, Thaye Darmon Bruce; brother, Robert Eugene Yost, and his wife, Carol; mother and father-in-law, Louis and Alvina Nienhouse; and his brother-in-law, Jerry Nienhouse.

The Memorial Service for Ron will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, with Pastor Doug Bytwerk officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 20th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28 in Grand Haven.

Ron, you were a good man and the rock upon which the family was built. Donna gave us our spirit, and you gave us our strength. These traits will be our way of keeping you both forever vibrant in this world. We take comfort in knowing somewhere among the stars, a daughter is reunited with a "Daddy" she loved so much, and a couple is once again dancing to "Gimmie Some Lovin'" by the neon glow of a Wurlitzer. Pa, may the words of one of your favorites resonate through your soul as you deservingly open up that throttle.

"Put a candle in the window,
'cause I feel I've got to move,
though I'm going, going,
I'll be coming home soon,
long as I can see the light."
-John Cameron Fogerty
 

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