We are sad to report that Mike Yates, long time member and custodian
Helyg from 2010 to 2014, passed away on the 21 December 2020 at the age of 81.
We offer condolences to his family and friends.
Steve Andrews wrote:
Sadly Professor Mike Yates died from complication following surgery. Mike was known internationally as a successor to Alan Turing in the Chair of Mathematical Logic at Manchester University, and within the Club he gave eminent service writing the guide to Cwm Silyn, as custodian of Helyg and was our first Finance Officer paying the bills.
In the 1960’s he lectured and taught in California, being one of the first Brit’s to climb in Yosemite. On his return he lecture widely to climbers about Yosemite and raised its profile as a destination.
Professionally, he worked on Alan Turing’s legacy and was known as his Mathematical Biographer.
His son in law John Redhead wrote:
“Mikey Yates passed away on Winter Solstice aged 81. Professor Emeritus in logic, author of Cwm Silyn guidebook, 1st ascentionist of Lighthouse Arête, lover of big wall climbing in Yosemite…and, as my ‘father in law’, wise councillor. RIP you lovely man.”
Mike with the Maintenance crew at Helyg 2014
So Sad to hear this, Mike became a good friend to me so many years ago back in the Padarn days and then re-united when Fiona became president and Mike put so much time into the club for most of his life, Such a sad loss.
So sorry to hear about Mike’s sudden passing. A true gentle giant. A lovely man.
I really got to know him during his time as Custodian at Helyg. He was not always the most practical chap and I was pleased to offer him assistance on several occasions when practical tasks were necessary. For example I can recall several interesting emails from him ,one in particular was when members asked for blinds in the bedroom area and I asked him for the measurements. Simple can do was the reply. One window is the same size as the living room and one is a bit smaller.
This happy memory still makes me smile
R I P