Philip Arthur Yager

Philip “Phil” Yager, 69 , passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 6, 2019 in St. Cloud, Florida. Phil is survived by his loving wife, Suzanne Valliquette Yager, of 48 years; his son, Christopher Yager (Amanda), his daughter, Kensington Beltran (Carlos); and 6 grandchildren, Gabriel, Noah, Julian, and Charlotte Yager, Stella and Cara Beltran; his sister, Rebecca Oldani (Greg) of Prescott, AZ, and his brother David Yager (Cynthia) of Edmonds, WA; and 4 nieces and nephews. Phil was born June 5, 1950 in Berea, OH, to the late Gordon and Elizabeth “Betty” Yager. He spent his childhood in Strongsville, OH. He attended Strongsville High School, Cuyahoga Community College, and the Ohio State University before enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard. He served 4 years active duty and 2 years reserve, during which time he married his wife, Suzanne, and received his AA Degree from Miami-Dade Community College. He remained in Miami, his last Coast Guard station, for 40 years raising 2 children. Phil was a true “Renaissance Man.” His interests varied far and wide. He built shortwave radios in his youth, and was a licensed HAM radio operator. His interest in antique radios lasted through his life. He tried his hand at oil painting, photography, and building large scale model radio controlled airplanes. He continually built things, house additions, docks, garden beds, and transformed the inside of the house – twice! In the early 1980’s he owned Soundtrack Stereos, selling and installing car radios. He brought home Opera tickets after installing a radio in Pavoratti’s limo. He qualified for a pyrotechnic license, which made holidays and Boy Scout camp outs quite exciting! He worked in the honey business, even though he was allergic to bee stings. When computers came to be, he built and programmed them. In the following years, he installed and maintained computer networks for businesses, did computer marketing, and owned his own web design businesses. Phil was active in Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts (Commodore), and was an Elder and Stephen Minister at Central Presbyterian Church in Miami. He owned 2 sailboats over the years, and was a member of The Miami Powerboat Club at Stiltsville as the only sailboat in the club. Phil and Sue retired in 2009, and moved to St. Cloud, FL to be near their children and grandchildren. In his later years, he enjoyed going to auctions and adding to his collection of model trains and antique radios, and finding exciting things for the grandchildren and his wife. Phil and Sue were cruisers and went on many cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska. Phil was a humorous, kind, loving, and generous man. His twinkly eyes and mischievous smile will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Phil’s Memorial Service will be held 1:00PM Saturday, July 20, 2019 at St. Cloud Presbyterian Church in St. Cloud, FL. A reception will follow in the church hall. His cremains will be committed to the ocean he loved in a private ceremony at a later date. Flowers are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made online to the American Brain Foundation.

Philip Arthur Yager

June 5, 1950 - July 6, 2019