Jack Yost Remembered

By Jeff Smith

Jack Yost (1945-1999), altho' neither old nor ill, died in his sleep during the wee hours of October 19, Tuesday. Sunday we had lunch in the sun, a triple treat in the Northwest, planning publicity for his latest book. Planet Champions is described by Senator Mark Hatfield as "Inspiring and hard-hitting." Congresswoman Elizabeth Furse noted it showed "the power of one person to make a significant difference." Jack was the guy at the 1998 Conference of the Ccl of Georgist Orgs in Portland taking copious notes, which he turned into his chapter on Henry George in this recent work. While doing time in New York working at the UN, this native Portlander not only took a course at the H.G. School, he also organized and led the effort which culminated in creating the International Criminal Court. An artist who painted and sculpted, he would leave large works of driftwood on park beaches to the delight of strollers and swimmers who never knew their creator. His memorial on Portland State campus was attended by an overflow crowd from all walks of life, including a man conveying an invitation to teach winter courses at the University of Peace in Costa Rica. For photos of his statuary or copies of his book, please contact below.