In loving memory of
Craig Yarde
1951–2022
Craig Yarde died peacefully while surrounded by his family on January 25th, 2022, at the age of 71. He is survived by Barbara, his devoted, loving wife of 50 years and his two adoring children, Tracy & Craig Yarde. The three of them have provided constant love, support and laughter, not only over the past few challenging years, but for all of our years together.
My Final Thoughts
— By Craig Yarde
This memory of my time is unique as I wrote this obituary myself. I did not want to boast of accomplishments or the past, but just simply send out my appreciation for my time on earth and the great run I had, while always being surrounded by the best people.
I am so beyond proud of my six grandchildren, Duke, Sam, Devin, Cole, Ben & Harlo. They are everything I hoped they would be and more. My greatest joy was spending time with them and seeing them grow into truly fun and unique individuals. I will miss them so much. I feel so truly blessed for the shared family times that shaped all of our lives and experiences together. I am also grateful for my entire family and numerous friends for the love and support I have received. These are cherished memories for Barb and me.
I received a letter out of the blue from a friend who quoted Charles Krauthammer and it represents how I believe I lived my life and it resonated with my thoughts. “I leave this life with no regrets. It was a wonderful life – full and complete with the great loves and great endeavors that make it worth living. I am sad to leave, but I leave with the knowledge that I lived the life I intended.”
To my wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends. Remember to always TPD…Think, Plan, Do. Life always works out and if you make mistakes, you can change things by always focusing on the positive and forgetting the negative around you. Stay strong. It is a great world if you do not weaken, as my Dad always said.
I cherish all the memories of my hometown, Bristol CT. What a place to live!
To all the associates and colleagues that worked with me and my family at Yarde Metals, Inc. over the years, I loved you! We opened the financial books, shared profits together and you gave me all you had and I was forever grateful for your loyalty. We treated all like equals and with respect and dignity. Please continue to treat others as you would want to be treated as you move through life. It was an honor to create such an incredible company with you.
That’s it for me. Make each moment a great one and enjoy your life.
Craig Yarde
From Craig’s Family
We would like to say “thank you” for the thousands of letters, cards, texts and emails he and we received over the past six months. They were truly heartfelt and they allowed him to realize the impact he had on his family, friends, community and industry. There are no immediate funeral services planned, but come spring we will celebrate our father and husband, Craig Yarde, at the Memorial Boulevard for a tree planting ceremony in his honor.
To donated to the Craig Yarde Scholarship, please click here.
When you choose to have a memorial tree planted for Craig, you are doing more than simply putting a plant in the ground. You are making a long-term commitment to the environment and implanting the memories of Craig in our planet for countless years to come. A memorial tree is a unique tribute which provides global benefits like no other memorial gift could.
This scholarship fund was established to honor the memory of Craig Yarde, the co-founder of Yarde Metals, Inc., which started in Bristol, Connecticut in 1976. Craig personified entrepreneurial spirit, continual learning and self-achievement, and this scholarship is created for those who embody these characteristics. A scholarship will be awarded annually to a resident of Bristol, Connecticut who is a graduating high school senior, currently enrolled student or adult learner seeking financial assistance to further post-secondary education or career training goals.
31st Annual Golf Tournament
Monday, August 1, 2022
Tunxis Country Club, Farmington
Buy a souvenir golf ball. All proceeds go to benefit the Craig Yarde Foundation.
Click below for event flyer.