Alden "Al" George Yates

Alden "Al" George Yates, 82, of Bellevue, Idaho, passed away on July 27, 2024 peacefully at home with his companion and family near his side.

Al was born March 19, 1942 in Pocahontas, Iowa, the son of Fred Yates and Marie "Ginger" McCallister (Krieg).

Al grew up in western Oregon where he attended St. Mary's School and graduated from Medford High School. After attending two years of college, he began his musical career with his best friend, Paul Smith, in Medford, Oregon. In the early 1960's, he came to Ketchum with his good friend Danny Gruner and never left.

Al married Linda (Thompson Reynolds Yates) Van Zeipel in 1978 at Carson City, Nevada. They raised their son, Kristopher, together until 1995 when they divorced. Since 1996, Al has lived with his companion, Laura Williams, who has cared for him ever since.

Al's music career began when his roommate, Al Wilson of the band Canned Heat, inspired his love of slide guitar. He subsequently took slide guitar lessons from Taj Mahal. Al played in many bands throughout his career, but most notable was his first band Whitewater (1970 - 1972) formed with Paul Smith, Michael Wendling, and Teddy Ray Jones. They released a full length record called Springtime in the White Clouds, and toured opening for acts including Leo Kotke, John Prine, and Fleetwood Mac. He later formed the band Rosewood County with his wife, Linda, playing shows around the US, as well as an extended time in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands in 1989. He played in other bands including The Boulder Brothers and Famous Potatoes.

Al opened the Rosewood Music store in the late 1980's in Hailey, later moving the store to Bellevue. He serviced the Wood River Valley by buying, selling, and repairing musical instruments. He studied lutherie on Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada.

Remaining to cherish Al's memory are his companion, Laura Williams; children, Kristopher Yates and his wife Monica, Scott Corkery and his wife Katie; companion's daughter, Rebekah Williams and her husband, Kurt; grandchildren, George and Maddie Corkery; sister, Elaine Bryan and her husband Bill; brother Vic Yates and his wife, Carol.

Preceding Al in death are parents, Fred Yates and Marie "Ginger" McCallister; brother, Jimmy Yates; sister, Donna Heuer; beloved dogs, Harlot and Blanche.

A Celebration of Life "Potluck Picnic in the Park" will be held August 18, 2024 from 11:00am - 1:00pm at Bellevue Memorial Park (3rd St and Cedar St, Bellevue, ID 83313). Speakers and musical performances are welcome if you'd like to share a memory of Al or play a song for him.