Ralph B. Yardley ’40

Recently retired attorney Ralph Yardley died at his home in Yardley, Penn., June 21, 1995. "Yak" prepared at Shadyside Academy. At Princeton he was a member of Cottage and Triangle Clubs and served in the ROTC. Junior and senior years he roomed with Jim Hundley, Greek Fuller, Bim Burkham '41, and Crawf Madeira.

After WWII service in New Guinea and Australia, Yak received his law degree from Dickinson Law School and practiced with the Philadelphia firm of Clark, Spahr, Eichman & Yardley, specializing in trusts and estates. He eventually settled in Yardley Borough on property granted by William Penn to his ancestors.

Yak frequently returned for class gatherings and other events and was present for our 50th reunion. He served on the Pennsbury school board, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church vestry, the Yardley Borough Council, and the Southern Home for Children. He maintained contact with Princetonians through the Philadelphia Princeton Club and the Philadelphia Racquet Club.

Yak is survived by his wife, Anne Smith Yardley, whom he married in 1956; sons, Ralph B. Jr., Richard B. '70, and Michael S. Seely; Cassie Rulon-Miller, and six grandchildren. We are deeply saddened by Yak's death and will miss his friendly presence, relaxed sense of humor, and congenial personality. Our sympathy and condolences reach out to his entire family.

The Class of 1940