Richard Yost
October 18, 1956 – September 21, 2023
Born on October 18th, 1956, in Tulsa, OK, to Lois Virginia Ball and Robert Lee Yost, Richard Brian Yost, fondly known as Rick, departed this world on September 21st, 2023, in Santa Rosa, CA.
Rick grew up in Dallas, TX, the youngest among five children. He had a diverse professional journey – from working as a draftsman to co-owning and operating a live music venue, “Pearl at Commerce”, in Dallas. But it is his innate talents in music and art that are most defining and memorable.
Rick was a gifted, award-winning songwriter, a powerful singer, and a masterful guitarist. He was well known and loved within the songwriting community of North Texas, where he graced numerous festivals and events, both as a solo performer and with various ensembles. From 1999 to 2007, his musical artistry was encapsulated in four self-produced CDs, and his passionate songs found their way into multiple compilations.
In later years, Rick’s creative focus shifted from music to the visual arts. Rick’s vivid imagination was extraordinary, and he has created hundreds of beautiful drawings, illustrations, and mixed media abstracts, some of which have been shown in juried exhibits in California.
Rick also penned down his thoughts and experiences in two books: a memoir – “Life with a Crooked Eye” (2013), and a collection of contemporary commentary – “Singular Thoughts” (2017).
With an insatiable love for Mexican cuisine, margaritas, travel, music, art and intellectual pursuits, Rick’s life was a tapestry of rich experiences. Alongside his loving wife, Tracy, he lived in various cities, including Dallas, Boston, Honolulu, Brussels, and finally Santa Rosa for the last eight years.
Rick loved family life and enjoyed family game night, dinners, excursions near and far, deep discussions, and everyday banter in the kitchen. He was tender with his grandchildren and gave the very best hugs. He was immensely proud of his stepchildren, Lacey and Clay. He loved his wife, Tracy, very deeply, and supported her in all her life’s ventures. His absence will be profoundly felt by those who love him.
Though Rick grappled with diabetes for most of his life, with its many complications casting shadows on his path, the last three years marked a resurgence of joy in his life. In his final days, Rick shared that he was experiencing remarkable happiness. At the time of his passing, he was taking Spanish lessons, looking forward to a trip to Italy and a vision correcting surgery, and he was planning a new series of art in pastels.
Rick’s indomitable spirit will be remembered, not just for his powerful voice and captivating art, but also for his razor-sharp wit, sense of humor, and his astute perspectives on life and current affairs. His favorite quote – “Whoso would be a man, must be a non-conformist.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Rick was predeceased by his parents, two brothers and one sister. He leaves behind cherished memories for his wife, Tracy; stepchildren, Lacey and Clay; grandchildren, Layla and Ean; brother, Bobby; nieces, Amy and Katy; and a multitude of friends and admirers who were touched by his soulful journey.
No services are planned at this time, but there will be a scattering of ashes in California on Saturday, November 25th, 2023. For details, please contact the family directly at 415-316-7851.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to help cover expenses. For those so inclined, please visit this site: Rick Yost Expenses GoFundMe
