Robert Arlington Yingst

Robert Arlington Yingst, 81, of Santa Fe, N.M., passed away on Oct. 13, 2024. Robert "Rob" was born on July 22, 1943, in Harrisburg, Pa., to S. Harold and Kathleen (Via) Yingst. He graduated from Blue Mountain Academy in Hamburg, Pa., earned a bachelor's degree in communications from Columbia Union College and a law degree from Howard University.

Raised in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rob moved to Berrien Springs in 1971, where he began his law career. Originally intending to go into the seminary, he decided to change his major when, on a late-night study break with his friend, they went to a local diner and his friend gently informed him that he couldn't be served there as a Black man. Horrified by the injustice that his friend could be treated differently under the law, he decided to pursue a law degree to fight for those who couldn't fight for themselves.

Truly embodying the belief that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness apply to all – regardless of race, gender, or station in life – he was a maverick in the field. Dedicating his life to fighting for civil rights, he specialized in constitutional law and was a tireless advocate for social justice, taking to heart the Bible's directive to "stand for those who have no standing." And anyone who ever met him will tell you he lived like he believed and fought for those he loved even harder.

He taught his eldest daughter his love of the written word and the beauty of music, he taught his youngest daughter his love of the stars and our place in the universe and he taught his son his love and respect for the land, where he found such grace and peace.

He leaves behind his beloved wife and partner in life and adventure, Bambi (Pieri) Yingst, whom he married on March 30, 1983. His three loving children also survive him: Erin K. Yingst, of Mattawan, Mich., Aileen (Ross Nova) Yingst of Brunswick, Maine, and Jeremy Robert (Amanda) Yingst of Menomonee Falls, Wis. He also had six grandchildren he adored: Morgan Yingst, Joshua and Rebecca Nova-Yingst, Madeline and Marshall Yingst and Wyatt Hale. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Julie Yingst, of Lancaster, Pa., his many nieces and nephews and his Pieri in-laws. He loved them all.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Democratic Party – sorry, I meant Habitat for Humanity. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.