Condolence: Linda,I did not find out about Dick's passing until very recently. Condolences to you and the rest of the family. Dick was such a great guy to be around and will surely be missed by many. Meris sorry for the loss of your dad h e was a great guy. Be well. Peter

Condolence: Mr. Yeaw was my 11th grade English teacher. I'm now in a doctorate program after earning undergraduate and graduate degrees. After so many years of schooling, I can still say Mr. Yeaw has been one of the best teachers I've ever had. He taught me to love and question literature. He taught me to read with passion. I loved the respect he gave his students and his inquisitiveness. I loved his enthusiasm and willingness to introduce experiential learning into his classroom. I'm so sad to hear of his death. I had looked forward to looking him up to tell him of my achievement upon graduation. He was a teacher who believed in me. His talent in the classroom was amazing.

Condolence: I made a reference on Facebook to one of my favorite teachers on a post today, and that made me curious about him. Sadly, I found his obituary, and that he died just a few months ago. Mr. Yeaw was my 11th grade English teacher, and while I went to his class an avid reader, he encouraged us to read contemporary fiction as literature, and I've done that ever since. We read Shakespeare plays, but we also read Kurt Vonnegut and Stephen King. He was the director of our High School plays, and I did three of them. I enjoyed them all, but especially a two person play, Shirley Jackson's Summer People. I particularly loved that experience, because it meant so much to me that Mr. Yeaw chose me for it, and I think chose the play because he thought I could do it well. I remember his laugh, and the way he would aggressively rub his chin through his beard, standing at an odd angle, while he contemplated our ideas. I remember he got in trouble for taking us outside to sit under a tree to discuss literature on a beautiful day. He will be missed, and I was glad to read of the wonderful life he led after he left my awareness. Rest in Peace, Mr. Yeaw.

Condolence: I was so lucky to have Mr. Yeaw as a teacher, not once, but several times during my high school years 69-72. He gave us books like Go Tell It To The Mountain and The Learning Tree to read, opening us up to great black authors. He made us love Shakespeare and old English. He would take news of the day and we would turn them into plays. I could go on and on. Everyone has their favorite teacher, he was mine. Thank you Mr. Yeaw for changing my though process for the better.

Condolence: Perhaps I was just a student at Rogers HS in Newport, RI, but Mr. Dick Yeaw was such a very highly respected teacher, mentor & guide for all in Thespian & Literary Societies, he'll be kindly remembered always. I do pray that time may heal, as I send condolences to all in Dick Yeaw's family.

Condolence: I first met Dick as a customer in my father's tobacco store in Newport, The Briar and Burley. We became friends there and through our mutual friend Tom Perrotti. I always liked and admired him, and I'm sorry to learn of his passing. He made the world a better place while he was here with his love of people, learning and fun. My condolences to you all.

Condolence: Dick and I were Theta Chi fraternity brothers at URI. We were close friends and I have many fond memories of our good times together. My sincere condolences go out to his family. He was a wonderful guy.

Condolence: My condolences...a truly great teacher. I too was a member of the RHS class of '82. Mr. Yeaw always greeted us with a smile. He cared about us as individuals and challenged us in a positive way. He inspired me in many ways: I majored in English, wanted to teach because he saw something in me. I also am a passionate advocate for the environment. He inspired me in many ways; and my interests in the environment; Fan of the Red Sox. I only now realize what a huge impact he had on me and the choices I made in life. I too teach English in Newport Schools, theater advisor and a steward of the environment . I wish I connected with him while he was alive to thank him for all he did for me (and all his students). Job well done Mr Yeaw! I will do my best to uphold his standards of a truly great teacher.

Condolence: I send my sincere condolences to the Yeaw family. Dick and I were Theta Chi fraternity brothers at URI. He always added a joyous spirit to our fraternity. May he continue his inspirations in his heavenly home.

Condolence: I taught with Dick at Rogers High School in Newoort, RI for many years. He was a great teacher--funny, caring while holding students to high standards. He alo volunteered at the Newort Music Festival. although we have not been in touch for many years, I will always keep fond memories of him

Condolence: To the family and friends of Dick Yeaw, Please accept my condolences on the passing of DIck. We were English teaching colleagues for more than 25 years. He was a remarkable teacher and a good friend. He was imaginative, creative and concerned. He was one of those special teachers who could bring his students to "places" that they could not have imagined. Dick was a good friend. He made teaching exciting and shared of himself with his students. Dick will be remembered as an outstanding friend, colleague and teacher to those who knew and admired him during his teaching career at Rogers High School. God Bless. Peter O'Connell

Condolence: To the Yeaw family,I had Mr. Yeaw as my English teacher at Rogers High School in Newport RI in 1980 and he also attended the same church as my family, Channing Memorial Church. I really enjoyed my english class with him and brief conversations at the social hour after church services. I am sorry for your loss. Susan Thayer RHS Class of 1982 Waterbury VT

Condolence: I was saddened to learn that Mr. Yeaw has passed away. I was fortunate enough to have been a student of his in my junior year at Roger’s High School. He was not what I would call your typical English teacher. Where other teachers just went through the motions, he was passionate. animated, opinionated, challenging and inspiring. What made him so memorable was that he always took the time to truly consider any points of view that students expressed in his class. I also remember fondly his amusing attempts at a gruff exterior which could not hide his impish smile or his hearty laugh. I cannot really explain the extent of the effect he had on me....which would have amused him immensely...."Thomas, what do you mean you can't find the words? It's an English class for crying out loud.....they’re here somewhere! Find them!" There have been moments of poetry.....of classic novels.....of theatre…….and of art in my life that originated from conversations that he and I had…and I am the better for them. And now, having read the words that have been expressed by others here, I’m not so sure that his influence didn’t reach farther than even I was aware of….since I’ve been working for the Environmental Protection Agency for the last 30 years! Take care Mr. Yeaw. Congratulations on a life well lived. I am glad that you were around to see the Sox break the curse in 2004! And I hope that right now....somewhere, you and Hemingway are having a……”lively discussion” on “Across the River and into the Trees.” Take care Mr. Yeaw....and thank you so much for everything. Thomas Donnelly, Rogers High School Class of 1982.

Condolence: To the Yeaw Family, In my junior year at Rogers High School, Mr. Yeaw was my English teacher. His dedication to the written word, no matter the venue, its meaning, and allowing the kids to express themselves as they saw fit was unsurpassed in that "day and age". His teachings have stayed with me for lo these 30+ years. When I talk to my children about their teachers (some they will like, some they won't), Mr. Yeaw has always been mentioned as one of my favorites. So happy to hear he led a long and happy life after he left RHS. My condolences to his family and I thank him for such a wonderful class experience. Sincerely, Marilyn (Moitoza) Richards RHS class of 1982

Condolence: I will carry fond memories of Dick and his love of nature (feeding the birds, watering the garden, his excitement about kale, and greeting Bootsy (my cat). I also remember him once telling me that he married a good woman. I agree. Linda, my thoughts are very much with you and the family during this tender time.

Condolence: I never had Mr. Yeaw as a teacher, but knew him from playing in the small band for the production of You're a Good Man Charlie Brown at Rogers. He was always bright and cheerful, with kind words for everyone. I have thought of him often through the years, and thank him for the wonderful inspiration he engendered in all who came in contact with him. You're a good Man, Mr. Yeaw!

Condolence: I'm very sorry for your loss. I loved Richard a lot.

Condolence: I remember Mr. Yeaw as a great and inspiring English teacher during my time at Rogers High (class of 1980) His enthusiasm for discussing literature, environmental issues or anything else of interest extended well beyond our classroom. I have very fond memories of riding the city bus to or from school, and there would be Mr. Yeaw the only high school teacher I knew that committed to the environment and reducing air pollution to be bothering to take public transit! He was a great conversationalist with a big heart. I feel lucky to have known him.

Condolence: My heart is with all of you at this sad time. I am so sorry that prostate cancer has taken one more. May Dick rest in peace.

Condolence: Toward the end, and after Dad died I had pics of him as my phone's home screen wallpaper--now I've got two seagulls flying in the sunset, because now he's free.

Condolence: "Mr. Yeaw" was my most influential and favorite teacher in high school. (Rogers High, Newport R.I.) he encouraged me and was an idealistic sincere man who I could have such great conversations with. I am so grateful that I had hi as a teacher.

Condolence: Very sorry about your loss. May good memories give you solace Madeleine Zember-

Condolence: I first met Dick on an AMC hike in Wickford. At the time, he and Linda were living aboard their boat. They were always great adventurers and inspired others to get out and enjoy all the wonders of life. Dick was always busy writing poems, sharing stories, engaged in conversation. He was a wonderful friend and will be greatly missed.

Condolence: Dick and I were the best of friends all the while he lived here in Jamestown. We had many a laugh together, talked baseball, hiking and on and on. I want to pass my condolences to all of his children. He was a wonderful man. Dick's West Ferry friend. Jim Pemantell

Condolence: The entire staff of A. W. Rich Funeral Home wishes to express our deepest sympathy to you and your entire family during this difficult time.