John Yates

Didn’t see this posted here, thought I would share. John Yates has passed away. John was an innovator, a businessman, but primarily he was a stand up human being. He was a no bullshit kind of a guy, and always stood by the ones in his circle. Rest in peace John, you will be missed.
Kurt Burt

A tribute from his brother facebook.com/share/p/15RLRL…

Holy crap!  I just talked to John a few months ago.  He had just sold Yates Gear, and told me that he was happy with the price he got.  Dammit.  Thanks for the heads up, Kurt Burt. 

John was always a great supporter of our climbs - I couldn't count how many of his adjustable daisies I've worn out, and Screamers I've deployed.  My deepest condolences to his wife Karen, and all of his family and friends.  

Oh, wow… 

DAMN!

His gear is also heavily used in entertainment rigging.

Yes, condolences to the family

Definitely heartbreaking news.  I just talked to John the other week.  He’s been a massive help in the development of my gear business.  
We would talk about materials and machines, sewing techniques and production processes. He was always super forthcoming with info, even to someone some may consider competition. John never cared about me potentially taking some of his business, he was never threatened (not that he should be!) by me asking questions.  He was a great man and he will be missed. 

Bought my first pair of Fire's in 1984 for $57 from them. Lots of gear since. Even hooked me up with 1/2" tie off tape when all other vendors were out. I tried to get hook up on some pot, but they would not ship BITD.

Sad news 

Great guy, ran into him occasionally at trade shows over the years. Still have my hot pink and flouro green big wall harness. RIP <3

I first met John at Outdoor Retailer show in 1991 in Reno. just as Skot mentioned, he was a great businessman, man you could talk ideas and manufacturing techniques with. He was 100% honest with his feedback never felt threatened by other people’s ideas. He was an amazing developer of products especially for industry. He told me as a small business owner that he preferred dealing with the smaller businesses. I remember when I was developing the Alpine Equalizer I had approached him about it and offered it to him but he wasn’t interested in it as a ”Yates” product, but said it would be great with the new at the time 1/2” Spectra. We also had some great times at the OR Summer shows in SLC especially at the Pika parties. One year the Pika party was sponsored by Pika, Yates and Cormier. John brought out some home brew kegs, I got a keg of Fat Tire, Josh Barbecued on fire using metal sheets from punching out pitons. Wild time hanging in the shop with a bunch of small businessmen sharing ideas while Tami Knight was drawing some of her cartoons and Marty Karibin looking for items for his collection.  I will have to see if new owners will set me up with my custom Yates Shield! I was always able to get it done with John.  I am deeply saddened by this loss and happy to have known John. I will miss the conversation and idea sharing and problem solving. Put On a Yates harness and hoist a beer to John!

That's sad. He was one of the original guys who made solid gear built to withstand the rigors of big walls. And of course one of the best sights in the world is looking down and seeing that reassuring procession of Yates Screamers ....

RIP

Sad news. RIP John Yates. Will always think of your genious when using your aiders and harness.