John Wilby Yates

John grew up in Lake Elsinore, California, where his family had been longtime residents. He attended Elsinore High School and had deep roots in the community. He eventually made his home in Wildomar, where he built a life and home with his family that he was incredibly proud of.

Above everything, John loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and the home and life he built with his family meant everything to him.

John had a way of making every conversation interesting. People genuinely loved talking with him. He was knowledgeable about so many things and always had a story or perspective to share. When someone came to him for advice, his response was thoughtful, practical and usually exactly what they needed to hear. He was well respected and those conversations and advice will be deeply missed.

John was an avid reader and had a lifelong love of books and learning. Music was another constant throughout his life, especially The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel, and Gordon Lightfoot. Books and music brought him so much enjoyment throughout his life, and both will forever remind his family of him.

The last four years of John's life were especially difficult. He endured a heart attack, two battles with cancer, and eventually entered hospice care. But, those final years were only a small part of a life filled with decades of family, friendships, laughter, music, books, and wonderful memories.

Even during hospice, John continued to find happiness in the simple things. After becoming mostly bedbound, he loved sitting in his wheelchair on the newly redone back porch, where he could enjoy being outside.

And then there were his Instagram Reels. John spent countless hours watching them, and he loved sending funny and sweet reels to his friends and family. Little white dogs were a particular favorite. His family knows that from now on, whenever one of those reels appears, they'll think of him. If you happen to see one, send it their way — they'll know you're thinking of John.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Pamela; his children, Helena and Colin; his daughter-in-law, Shea; his granddaughters, Charlotte and Bella; his nephews, Christopher, Neil and Glen; and his niece, Amanda. He is also survived by the many exchange students who became part of the Yates family over the years, along with many longtime friends who loved him dearly.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Ernie Yates; his brother, Lyle; his sisters, Janis and Lynn; his daughter, Megan; and his son, Conan.

A celebration of John’s life will be held Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Yates family home in Wildomar, California. Family and friends are invited to come together, share stories, listen to some of John’s favorite music, and celebrate a life well lived. Additional details will be shared as we get closer to the celebration.

In John's memory, his family hopes you'll read a good book, play one of his favorite songs, enjoy a chocolate chip cookie, and take a moment to appreciate the people and simple things that make life meaningful.