Jonathan Yorck

The world is less bright without Jonathan Francis Yorck. The superstar teacher, world traveler, singalong provocateur, juggling jokester, and proud father passed away in Redlands, California, on Dec. 13, 2021, less than a month after his 74th birthday. He is loved and missed.

Born to the late David Yorck and Marie‐Louise Yorck (König) on Nov. 26, 1947, in Port Washington, New York, Jonathan was the third of four rambunctious siblings and the first born in the U.S. He would likely also deem himself the wittiest.

His love for teaching began as a recreation director for disadvantaged youth and guided him towards a lifetime calling. He moved west to earn degrees at University of Dubuque and University of Oregon, yet his Long Island accent remained intact. From 1974 to 1980, he ran Crescent Moon Child Development Center in Eugene, Oregon, and sold eggs at the local renaissance fair. Here, he met his first wife, Mary (Harwood), and welcomed his son Jesse.

Ultimately, the melody of "Sweet Leilani" (and his best friend, the late Tim Owens) drew Jonathan to Hawai‘i, where he would have a 33-year career at Punahou School. At the time, a male kindergarten teacher was unique — as was his teaching style, starting mornings in song, bestowing goofy nicknames, eating lunch on the child-sized chairs, and instilling self-confidence in five-year-olds. Students recited lyrics to rock songs as a way to learn reading and word retention, but also because Jonathan enjoyed every chance to play guitar.

Music filled the family home in Maunawili, where Jonathan raised Jesse and his siblings, Ryan and Sachie, with his second wife, Faye (Muranaka). Most often, albums by Steely Dan and Earth, Wind & Fire rang out before dinnertime.

Just as he could be silly, Jonathan could be serious. He taught karate classes as part of his membership to Hawaii Shotokan Karate, where he proudly achieved a black belt; whereas his popular summer-fun course, “Skills and Games,” introduced kids to juggling. He also organized book drives for Na‘alehu Elementary School on Hawai‘i Island.

His signature early childhood curriculum evolved after traveling to Europe and Asia on educator fellowships. He incorporated his international travels and digital literacy to create an innovative approach branded as Global Keiki. The classroom had an official website and even its own logo featuring the flags of Vietnam, Japan, Germany, China, Cambodia, Philippines, USA, Hawaii, Laos, Thailand, and South Korea.

Accolades accumulated throughout his career, including 1997 Hawaii's Top Teacher by Honolulu Star Bulletin, 2000 Global Educator Award by National Peace Corps Association, and 1999 Childnet International Awards finalist, as well as fellowships with the Fulbright Program, The Korea Society, and Goethe-Institut.

After retirement, Jonathan moved along the West Coast and never missed an Oregon Ducks game (or at least tried his best). A physical disability introduced him to ADA communities in Hawai‘i, Oregon and California, while the internet kept his connections across the world strong. He continued to be passionate about his heritage, which included a Prussian count who inspired Beethoven's “Yorckscher Marsch” and a member of the Kreisau Circle, and paid tribute to his love of Hawai‘i by playing ukulele with local groups. His last days were spent near family and his doppelgänger grandson.

Jonathan is survived by his son, Jesse, and his mother, Mary; his children, Ryan and Sachie, and their mother Faye; his siblings David and Jamie; grandson, Kainoa; and countless minds that he inspired. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Patricia, who is surely waiting for him with a wisecrack. A memorial will be announced at a later date — in lieu of flowers, please play ​​”Shining Star” by Earth, Wind & Fire and dance.