Monrovia Kiwanian Don Yost Dies at 72

Don Yost, a dedicated member of Monrovia's service club, died Tuesday after a long battle with cancer, according to Kiwanis officials.

Yost served as the treasurer/secretary for Kiwanis for many years and operated several businesses in Monrovia. He was honored by the city last month when the City Council

"Until his most recent bout with his illness, Don faithfully attended every weekly meeting of the Club and every monthly District meeting for Kiwanis for over 47 years," wrote Kiwanis President Julie Gentile in an email. "He followed in his father Vernon’s path as a loyal Kiwanian, and between the two of them they have more than 100 years of service to the organization. He lived the principles of serving his community, and he was an inspiration to every Kiwanian, and every friend, who knew him."

Yost was born and raised in Monrovia and ran Yost Printers in town with his father while also investing in real estate. He served for four years in the United States Navy and was also a practicing minister, according to Gentile.

Alfredo Mejia, a friend of Yost's and past president of Kiwanis, said that he knew Yost as a generous presence in the community whose positive outlook never waivered.

"Don was a very happy, positive....glass-is-half-full kind of guy until the end," Mejia said. "He'll be really be missed because there's not many people who are just looking to give."

Yost showed up early to events and served as the secretary of Kiwanis instead of president because he wanted to "make sure things ran right," Mejia said.

"Don was a leader by example," Mejia said. "He was never out there on the forefront but he was always there. He never looked for the limelight."

Yost passed away Tuesday while at home with his family. Services will be held June 12 at 2 p.m. at . He is survived by his wife Linda, with whom he would have spent his 36th wedding anniversary this week. He is also survived by his twin brother Darrel and his three children, Greg, Julie and Kimberly and eight grandchildren.

"Don will be greatly missed by everyone whose life he touched," Gentile wrote. "He never had an ill word to say about anyone, even if they deserved it. He was kind to all, a loyal friend, a devoted husband and father, and a blessing to each of our lives."

Kiwanis posted the following tribute to Yost on Facebook Tuesday:

Early this morning we lost the "Worlds Best Kiwanian," Don Yost. Don was the epitome of what a Kiwanian should be. He was a loyal friend and a dedicated member of the community. After 47+ years of perfect attendance, we lost Don to a terrible disease. He fought the good fight for 7 years, and this morning he is at peace. We will miss him terribly and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.