Thoughs and prayers to team 85
 

We are deeply saddened to report that Steve Yasick, Zeeland West High School technology teacher and team leader of the highly successful FIRST Robotics program team 85, passed away at the Cleveland Clinic following complications from surgery. Please keep Steve and his family and team members in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.


Jim Schaddelee

Re: Thoughs and prayers to team 85
 

Zeelanders, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Our best thoughts go out to you and Mr. Yasick's family. And good luck with your build tonight.

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Please accept team 1322 deepest sympathies and condolences. This has been an awful week for mentors.

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My prayers go out to Team 85 and the family. I sorry to hear of the news. Bless you all.

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Team 1073 send their condolences. We are sorry for your loss. Good luck in the rest of build and good luck at your competition!!

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Team 1111 would like to send its thoughts, condolences, sympathies and prayers to Team 85 and the family. We are really sorry to hear about it. But for Team 85, I hope his spirit will guide you all to success at your regional(s).

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I had the privilege of meeting Steve when I on team 74. The FIRST community has lost a truly wonderful and inspirational individual.

The local newspaper for the Zeeland area has a nice article about him here.

Re: Thoughs and prayers to team 85
 

I am one of the drivers for this years robot (team 85), and i'd just like to thank you for all of your support. The build season is going on as planned. We all know that Mr. Yasick wouldn't have had it any other way. We'll have more information later, but for now, were just trying to recover and honor Steve the best we can.

Re: Thoughs and prayers to team 85
 

I send my sympathies and condolences to his family and all of team 85.

Just ask yourself, what would he want you to do?

See you guys in competition and Good Luck

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On behalf of team 1345, our prayers are with you. I am very sorry to hear this. I didn't expect to read something like this after getting back home today.

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I suppose it's somewhat fitting that his user title reads "Should be teaching right now."

Best wishes to his family (biological and otherwise) from all of us on 1293.

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No words can convey our sorrow in the sudden loss of Steve Yasik. Steve was a driving force in getting our team (Team 1254 - Van Buren Technology Center, Lawrence, MI) started in F.I.R.S.T. Robotics. His unbridled enthusiasm for the program was infectious. He and his team even brought one of their robots to our facility to show our students what can be done with a little inginuity, dedication, and cooperation.

It was easy to see how much he thought of the F.I.R.S.T. program and that was passed along to those he coached.

As our mentor, Steve encouraged us when we needed it, directed us in the startup of our team, and was even there to defeat us in our first two competitions. He was a worthy opponent and a supportive friend.

Team 1254 will never be the same - neither will F.I.R.S.T. Robotics.

If there's a robotics team in heaven, we're certain Steve is right there in the thick of things.

We extend our sympathies to his family, Team 85, and to West Zeeland High School. May Steve live on in our thoughts and our hearts.

Sincerely, Team 1254

Re: Thoughs and prayers to team 85
 

team 1831 the screaming eagles sends their condolances to team 85.

Those who became FIRSTers will remain FIRSTers to death and beyond. Once one enters FIRST, FIRST becomes part of who they are. The mentors who sacrifice parts of their lives for us students are a key compant of the foundation upon which all teams are built. Without mentors like Steve Yasick, there would be no FIRST. May he and all mentors who are no longer with us, live on in the memories of those they mentored.

Re: Thoughs and prayers to team 85
 

Steve has been a huge part of the growth and character of not only our team but of FIRST throughout West Michigan and beyond for the past 10 years. His devotion to FIRST and steady and quiet (except when cheering for us) leadership will be sorely missed.

The school has posted this page ZPS Memorial also look at the ZHS page for one of my favorite pictures ZHS page.

The Grand Rapids Press story is at G. R. Press

As a friend of Steve, I thank all of you for your prayers and support during this time. Please keep his wife Amy and children Jason and Sara in your thoughts as well.

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Seeing the term "offline" brought a chill through me. :(
Team 191 sends it's condolences.

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I just want to echo the prayers for Steve Yasick. I'm from Indiana, but go to Hope College here in MI. I happened to be watching the news last night, half paying attention and half working on homework, when I heard his name. I stopped what I was doing because I knew remembered the name from somewhere. Only being on our robotics team my Senior year, It just shows the kind of impact he had, considering I remembered his name. Again, I'm so sorry for your loss and my as well as team 292s prayers are with you all.

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Team 1745 sends their sympathies and condolences.

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Team 1620 also would like to send our deepest condolences, and our prayers are with you all.

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Team 1626 sends their sympathies and condolences. Our prayers are with your team. Good luck this season.

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Wow, as I read this I really count the blessings my family has had over the year and realize the way things could have been. Over the years I have had lots of contact with Steve. I wish only quick healing for his family and to thank Steve for what he has given this organization. Our prayers and condolences from my team (234) and family are with you.

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On behalf of Team 836, I want to express my sincerest condolences. Your team and Steve's family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

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Team 1654 will greatly miss Steve and his impact on FIRST. He also helped our team get started and let us borrow team 85's robot to get people interested. When we first heard about him we were going to bring the whole team to meet him but decided this probably wouldn't be good and he should spend time with his family and close friends.

I hope Steve will stay with everyone through out the rest of the FIRST competition and in the hearts of his friends and comrades. I will miss him as he was a fun guy to be around and talk to and learn things from. I was never on team 85 but many a time had short talks. I just wish I could have talked to him more.

We will all miss you Steve.

-Mike Aalderink
Team 1654

Re: Thoughs and prayers to team 85
 

I'm not one of the best persons on putting words together but here goes.
One of the hardest things, in FIRST, is to get good mentors to help kids in FIRST.
It's even harder when we loose one :(
I didn't know Steve, but I have read the news reports and it looks like we lost a great mentor.
Team 1501 sends its condolences to Steve's real and adopted FIRST families.
Do well and make Steve proud. He's still watching I'm sure.

Re: Thoughs and prayers to team 85
 

My thought and prayers are with you and Steve's family.

Re: Thoughs and prayers to team 85
 

My heart goes out to Steve's family and team 85. May peace be with them (somehow) in this time of great loss.

Steve was a pillar in FIRST. His impact was on hundreds of students and countless friends. He would bring BOB down to events and competitions in Kokomo, and it was always good to see him. He and the students on team 85 have always been gracious and helpful to our team.

For those of us who have been in FIRST for a while, we enjoy going from pit to pit at competitions, saying hi to old friends. My heart will be heavy whenever I pass by the pit for 85.

May we all strive to have the determination and patience that Steve had. He was truly a great man.

Sincerely,
Andy Baker

Re: Thoughs and prayers to team 85
 

Thoughts and prayers for healing and peace go out to Team 85 and especially to Steve's family. In times of grief, I'm often reminded of the words of the late Morrie Schwartz, "Death ends a life. Not a relationship." While the loss is devastating, I'm always uplifted by the knowledge that those that pass on will continue to have a positive impact upon my life as long as I allow it to take place. Let's all continue to carry on Steve's work and be inspired by his example.

Thoughs and prayers to team 85
 

We know words may seem worthless at this time, but you show great courage and strength in continuing your work.

The wise George Henry Lewes once said: "The only cure for grief is action". Believe in yourselves, believe you are strong and you will emerge stronger from this experience.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our deepest sympathy and condolences for your loss.

Yours truly
Neat-Team #1943

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on behalf of BOB i say thank you to all teams for their prayers,whishes, and condolences.

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As I'm typing this, I still can't believe what I'm reading. I had heard he was in the hospital, but didn't realize it was this serious.

When I think of team 85, I think of Steve. Steve is a mild-mannered but fun guy. I still remember seeing him at FIRST forums and the like and saying hello, small talk, etc.

I am very much shocked by this. I wish all the best to his family and team... a great loss has happened in FIRST.

Re: Thoughs and prayers to team 85
 

Being a great mentor, he definitely made his impact while on this earth. I'm sure he will be remembered by all of those he mentored and their lives will be better because of his volunteer service. He made his mark on the world and his impact is noticed. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and team BOB during this difficult period.

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On behalf of Chiefdelphi Team 47,
So sorry to hear about Steve, our prayers are with his family and team 85.

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I would like to echo my team's thanks to all teams that are keeping The Yasick family, as well as Team 85 in their thoughts and prayers. Steve Yasick was truly an example for all mentors to follow. When I was on the team I was always working on the little last minute projects for the robot, and he always made sure I was feeling alright when he informed me that the projects would not be used. He was a truly great leader, and was the heart of BOB. No one will ever be able to replace him as a mentor, they broke the mold when they made him. Once more, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all of our concern.

Re: Thoughs and prayers to team 85
 

I've posted links about Steve on my website. I'm sure this will change over the next few days, as will the Team web page. Thank you again for all of your support. Pierce Family Website

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Steve was a great guy to be around, He was always upbeat and ready to help others. My Prayers are for the Family, Friends and team 85

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Team 67's thoughts and prayers are with Team 85 and Steve's family. We have spent many hours near them in the pits and know that he will be missed.

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Once in a great while a person like Mr. Yasick comes along. Having him as a CADD teacher was great, and having him as our robotics team leader was nothing short of amazing. He set an example that I can only hope to emulate. FIRST has lost a great ambassador as well as a great friend and mentor. On behalf of Team 1018, the Robodevils, we send our thoughts and prayers to 85.

May his memory live on.

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Team 1018 ... the RoboDevils received a gift this year... a Zeelander..Josh Sjoerdsma... He has proven invaluable to our team in both experience as a FIRSTER and as a great worker for the cause. This past week when Josh found out about Steve's passing I had a chance to speak with him about the loss. The few minutes with Josh showed me what I already knew about Steve's immense value and the legacy that he leaves behind him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his extended FIRST and school families.

Sometimes we really don't know the value of something until its no longer available.

No one can replace Steve Yasick...

Team 85 will go on and continue his tradition... this is the honor he is due..

We look forward to celebrating Steve's life and his tradition by competing with Team 85 at the Boilermaker Regional in West Lafayette.

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I am sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers to your team and the family. I know what it feels like to not only lose a person of the team, but someone that was part of your life. Team 399 lost Thomas and Tyler Duggins this past year. Dont forget that Steve Yasick is still with you guys, and he knows how much he was appreciated. He is proud of you all, you must know that. God Bless you.

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Team 306 sends their thoughts and prayers to team 85

Good luck and God speed

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Please accept thoughts, prayers, and best wishes from the whole of team 375.