William “Bill” Lee Yakely

August 8, 1943 – June 13, 2026

William “Bill” Lee Yakely, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, veterinarian, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, surrounded by the family he so dearly cherished. Bill lived with deep faith, devoted love, quiet strength, and a generous heart. He brought skill, compassion, and tireless care to the animals, families, students, and neighbors whose lives he touched.

Bill was born on August 8, 1943, in Dover, Ohio. The Yakely family later moved to Sugarcreek, Ohio, where he attended elementary and secondary school. It was there, in high school, that he met the love of his life, Karen Lynn Miller. Their love story began when they were young and grew into 66 years of faithfulness, partnership, and devotion.

After high school, Bill attended Otterbein College for one year before transferring to The Ohio State University in 1962. Bill and Karen were married in 1964, beginning a life together marked by faith, adventure, hard work, and steadfast devotion. In 1967, he graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he served as a research fellow studying eye anomalies. Following graduation, Bill was invited to teach and complete a master’s degree in veterinary sciences at Washington State University. Their years at WSU became a treasured chapter for Bill and Karen, filled with wonderful memories, lifelong friendships, and an enduring love for the beauty and grandeur of the Pacific Northwest.

A pioneer in his field, Bill’s professional legacy is woven into the fabric of the Spokane veterinary community. Throughout his career, he built three successful practices: Audubon Veterinary Clinic, Animal Eye Clinic of Spokane, and a groundbreaking partnership with WSU to create a veterinary teaching hospital in conjunction with his private practice. He was also instrumental in founding the Pet Emergency Clinic with a consortium of local veterinarians. To those who worked alongside him, learned from him, or entrusted animals to his care, Bill was known not only for his skill, but also for his patience, integrity, and steady kindness. Professionally, Bill served as president of the Inland Empire Veterinary Medical Association, was named Washington State Veterinary Medical Association Veterinarian of the Year in 1993 and received The Ohio State University Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2007.

From 1967 to 1976, Bill served in the Washington Air National Guard as a military veterinarian with the 141st Fighter Interceptor Group at Spokane International Airport. During that same season of life, he and Karen continued their shared spirit of adventure by pursuing and earning their pilot’s licenses. Together, they enjoyed many years of flying back to Ohio, up to Canada, to Colorado, and to Southern California, creating memories that reflected their courage, curiosity, and joy in doing life side by side. Bill cherished both his service and his love of flying until 1976, when he and Karen fulfilled a dream and purchased their family farm. With haymaking, cattle, horses, pigs, chickens, and rabbits to tend, Bill decided it was time to depart the Air National Guard, leaving honorably as a Major. His love of service, flying, and travel became part of the family story and was instrumental in inspiring his children’s career paths.

Bill was a man of the land and a champion for local youth. While working on the family farm, he sensed a call to help children in need, and in 1978 he joined five other local community members in founding DayBreak Youth Services. That same compassion shaped his service on the Mead School District Board from 1985 to 1996, where his heart for young people and his belief in education guided his work. He served as board president from 1988 to 1990. During his tenure, the planning and finalization of Mt. Spokane High School helped make it possible for the school to open in 1997. In all these efforts, Bill quietly looked for ways to strengthen his community and invest in the next generation.

Bill loved his family deeply and found joy in the simple, lasting gifts of a life well lived: spending time with Karen; veterinary medicine; the cabin he and Karen built on Slocan Lake in 1973; woodworking; golf; skiing; hiking; biking; fishing; caring for the family farm; and spending time with the children and grandchildren he adored. In his later years, he also became quite proficient at wood carving. He delighted in time spent outdoors, in work done with his hands, and in the people gathered around him. Most of all, he loved his Lord and lived his life accordingly—with humility, gratitude, and grace.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Karen; his children, Matthew (Jackie) and Heather; his grandchildren, Madison (Damon), Megan, Joel, and Jacob; his great-grandchildren, Liliana and Rosella; and his brother, Bob (Rosemary), along with several nieces and nephews. He leaves them with a legacy of faith, innovation, mentorship, and enduring love. In his final years, illness gradually limited the activities and passions that had long brought him joy, but it could not diminish the impact of the life he lived or the love he gave. Those who knew him will remember his steady presence, his gentle wisdom, his willingness to serve, and the quiet ways he made people feel cared for. His life was a gift, and his love will continue to shape the family and community he leaves behind.

His life reminds us that greatness is measured not by titles or achievements, but by the lives we touch. Bill touched so many—as a doctor, teacher, community leader, airman, and mentor. Most importantly, he touched hearts as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. As we grieve his absence, we also give thanks. We thank God for the gift of his life, for the example he set, and for the legacy he leaves behind. Because of his faith, we find comfort in the promise of Christ and the assurance that this farewell is not forever. The memories he created, the lessons he taught, and the love he shared will continue to live on in all who knew him. His hands may be at rest, but the work of his life continues through the family he cherished, the students he taught, the people he served, and the children and grandchildren who will carry his stories forward for generations to come.

“Well done, good and faithful servant …” – Matthew 25:23

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Bozarth Mansion (12415 N Fairwood Dr, Spokane WA, 99218) on August 8, 2026 from 2:00 - 5:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the veterinary colleges of The Ohio State University and Washington State University, Christ Our Peace Anglican Church, or Horizon Hospice of Spokane.