In Memory is dedicated to YVC alumni, faculty and staff who have passed away. It offers a place where the YVC community can remember friends and loved ones.
Mike Shields
Former Technology Services
Michael Shields, who previously worked as a member of the college’s Technology Services team from 1996-2006, passed away on February 20, 2024 at the age of 56. Shields started as a part-time program assistant in YVC’s Information Technology program and later was hired full-time as HelpDesk Support in Technology Services. Please keep Shields' loved ones and those who were touched by his life in your thoughts.
Charles Leroy Poole
Retired Facility Operations
Charles Poole, known as Butch, Chuck, and Poppy to friends and family, age 82, passed
away on February 23, 2025, in Yakima, Washington. Poole was a proud graduate of Naches
High School and later attended Perry Technical Institute. He went on to complete his
apprenticeship under the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for
the Electrical Industry and earned a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship from
the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council. His career included working
at Naches Sawmill, Hoydar Buck Electrician Company, and later at Yakima Valley Community
College, where he worked for 27 years before retiring.
Poole honorably served our country in the U.S. Army after enlisting in 1964, demonstrating
dedication and excellence throughout his military career. He was later honorably discharged
after earning both the Good Conduct Medal and the National Service Medal in recognition
of his commitment and service. He also achieved the title of Expert in Rifle.
His legacy of love, laughter, and dedication to family and friends will live on forever
in our hearts.
Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family.