Jack Yost Obituary

Before Mr. Yost's 8th grade math class, I was just another mathematically challenged kid from the streets of Richmond. Although it was supposed to be a remedial class, he taught us the equivalent of Algebra 1, thus enabling me to easily double up on math classes in high school and later pass Calc AP my senior year (despite getting straight Bs in Yost's class). I still remember his lessons today - about always writing the equation twice (to ensure you copied it correctly and can always go back to it), keeping your work neat and legible, doing problems vertically on a page rather than horizontally, etc. These lessons carry over to so much of how I view problem solving today.

As a new immigrant kid in 81 who had an interest in math, Mr. Yost had sparked an yearning in me for knowledge and sacrificed his own early mornings to show me all I could learn. The one single teacher who has truly changed my life. Adios Mr. Yost!

Mr Yost was my 8th grade math teacher at Portola (1965-66). When he determined that his new class wasn't prepared to to 8th grade level, he changed our textbooks for some time to a less demanding book so we could get up to 8th grade "speed" for the remainder of the school year-why was not understood at the time by us kids but was soon apparent that he was right all along - our previous math foundation was insufficient & it was his responsibility to give use the means to further advance. That was the mark of a true teacher. Thanks again Mr Yost!

Mr. Yost taught us 8th grade math for about 10 minutes before advancing us to 9th grade algebra. Whenever an unknown variable in an equation cancelled out, he would use the letter "L" so he could cross them out on the blackboard saying, "... And, we can get the L out of here..." My deepest sympathies to his family.

Mr. Yost Sir' thank you so much for your service and dedication to this great nation. Fair wind's and following Sea'a Sir.

Mr. Yost taught me math at Portola Junior High School from 1960 to 1962. He was a wonderful teacher who opened his classroom before school for students who wanted to advance at their own pace. He taught me math, and, more importantly, he taught me to love math. I have always remembered him as one of the best teachers I ever had.

Mr. Yost was my Science teacher at Portola Junior High School, 1958-59. The memories of the class and his prowess remain vivid and treasured. He was so caring and quietly inspirational. He helped to impart a love of learning in me which remains today. May God rest his Soul and let Perpetual Light Shine upon him.