Ronald Yager

He was born February 28, 1950 in Oneonta, New York to the late Ralph and Marion (Yager) Ford and was then adopted in childhood and raised by his grandparents the late Earl and Ruth (Carr) Yager.

On December 19, 1970, Ronald married Hannelore Ernst at the Lutheran Church in Laurens.

He worked at Sidney Central School teaching math for over 35 years until retiring in 2007. He was a dedicated teacher ensuring that every student received the support necessary for success.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and sibling who enjoyed caring for his family. Because of the significant age difference with his siblings, he often served as a father figure and mentor to them.

Ronald was a member of the Otego Fire Department and Emergency Squad for three decades, serving as a captain as well as an EMT Instructor and earning the Otsego County Fireman of the Year award in 1979. He shared his EMT skills and passion for working with young athletes while serving as the health provider/EMT for the Golden Valley Summer Camp in Sidney, NY for many years. He was also a member of the Sidney School Alumni Association, being elected into the Sidney Central School Alumni Association “Wall of Fame” in 2014.

Other awards and recognitions that Ron received include the Sidney Moose Club’s Community Recognition award in 1978, and in 1983 being named the Sidney Teacher of the Year by the Administrators and Faculty. In 1988 he was named NYS Central Region Teacher of the Year, a region that included 10 counties.

Ronald is survived by his three children, Amy and Jeff Gardner, Michael Yager and girlfriend, Julie and Cory and Kristen Yager; eight grandchildren, Amethyst, Tiffany and Brandon Gardner, Owen, Camden and Grace Yager and Taylor and Hailey Yager; his brother, Doug Ford and wife, Lisa as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Hannelore, brother Rich Ford, and sister Carolyn Ford.

There will not be any services at this time.

To send the family an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.