The ICF was saddened to learn this week of the passing of Charles Henry Yatman, a tremendous servant to our sport and a true friend of so many in the international paddling community. It is difficult to put into words the contribution Charles made to international community. The following is a tribute to his life and times.
Charles was born in Philadelphia, USA and reared in Buenos Aires, Argentina by parents Paul E. Yatman of Philadelphia and Hevola G. Montes Yatman of Uruguay.
He attended primary and secondary schools at the American Grammar High School (Colegio Ward) in Buenos Aires. He attended the University of Pennsylvania at the Wharton School of Business.
Charles served in the US Army during the Korean conflict with the 25th Infantry Division for Troop Education and Information.
He joined Pan American Grace Airways in NYC in 1957. In 1958, he worked with the Chesebrough Ponds International Corporation and held marketing and management posts in Asia and throughout Latin America.
In 1971, he joined Blue Bell Inc as Director of International Development, including later positions as VP of Latin America, General Manager of Spain, and Portugal and finally as VP of Wrangler Brands Asia and Latin America.
1n 1990 he worked as an International Development Consultant for Lee Cooper Corporation of the UK.
If you met Charles, you quickly discovered his passion for the Kayak. He held membership in clubs where he mastered his sport and promoted paddling sports such as Tigre Boat Club in Buenos Aires, Argentina; the Manila Yacht Club; Outrigger Canoe Club, Honolulu Hawaii; the Barra de Tijuca Ocean Kayaking Rio, Brazil; Casa de Campo, Madrid Spain and The Lake Jeanette Wildlife Club, Greensboro, USA, and even more.
He first volunteered to assist as a translator in the first Pan American Games in Buenos Aires in 1951. Since then, he assisted with many Pan American Games. He was also Vice President of the ACODEPA (Association of the Pan American Sports Confederations).
In retirement he continued this support and held posts as a sport manager. In 1990 he became an official in The American Canoe Association and was later elected as President of the Pan American Canoe Federation, the governing body of the Olympic paddling sport in the Americas, which awarded him with the position of Life Honorary President.
He helped manage his sport for Olympic events including the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. He held multiple positions for various organizations committed to the paddling sports.
Charles lived a full life and will be missed by his family in Uruguay, Argentina, and the USA along with his friends around the globe. May He rest in peace.
