John Cameron Yorkston of Hockessin, Delaware died peacefully with his family by his side on February 24, 2026, after a brief but valiant battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
Cam was born in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1949. He graduated from The Tatnall School in 1967, as a “lifer,” having attended since preschool in 1953. He went on to graduate from the University of Delaware in 1971 earning a B.A. in American History and Philosophy. It was at UD where he met his wife, Kathleen Camilli Yorkston and became a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, forging lifelong friendships. Cam pursued his Masters of Divinity and Masters of Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary, graduating in 1975. He was ordained as a Minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1975. Upon graduation from Seminary, he earned graduate credits in Educational Leadership while simultaneously working in the Division of Continuing Education at the University of Delaware from 1975-1977.
Cam’s unique combination of theology and leadership enabled his long and distinguished career in philanthropic fundraising to reach so many. Cam was the consummate professional who exemplified working with integrity, kindness and commitment for over 50 years. He began his fundraising career as Director of Development at The Tatnall School in 1977. He then went on to hold positions as the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at the University of Delaware and as Deputy Director of Public Affairs and Development at Hagley Museum and Library, before returning to Tatnall in 1986 as Assistant Headmaster for Advancement and Director of Development. In 1999, he founded Yorkston Consulting. In his capacity as President, Cam assisted a broad range of organizations with their fundraising, communications, governance and strategic planning programs. With his wisdom and skill and steady and guiding hand, he provided strong stewardship and principled direction helping many organizations move forward from mere dreams to fully functioning organizations. He is remembered as being a leader with grace, personality, optimism and a knack for creative problem-solving. Cam worked independently before being joined by his wife, Kathy, upon her retirement from Tatnall in 2010.
Cam’s commitment to the community outside of his professional life was widely recognized and revered. He volunteered in various leadership roles within numerous professional, community and service organizations. Notably, he served as the founding President of Delaware’s Brandywine Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, served on its Board of Directors for many years, was a recipient of the Fundraising Executive of the Year Award and more recently received the AFP Lifetime Achievement Award. He became a member of The Rotary Club of Wilmington in 1985 and served in many capacities before rising to the role of Governor of District 7630 for Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. For his lifelong service, he was the recipient of a Rotary District 7630 Service Award and was a member of the Paul Harris Society of Rotary international.
To many, Cam represented the true foundation of philanthropy and embodied the Rotary motto of “Service above Self” in everything he did. He gave unselfishly and was always there to lend a consoling, helping hand to others. Cam was a friend to all, and could develop and maintain friendships like no other. He never missed the chance to say something nice, do something good, or share something positive. To know and to be loved by him was truly something special. Most of all, Cam cherished his role as husband, father and grandfather. He loved traveling with his family, whether to Rehoboth Beach every summer, or to more far-flung locales like the Canadian Rockies, Munich, Vienna, and Budapest. He enjoyed life, was game for almost anything, and his loved ones find solace in knowing that he lived every day to the fullest. He leaves a legacy to be admired and treasured. He will live on as a force among his family members, whose lives were profoundly enriched by his love and presence.
Cam was predeceased by his younger brother, Kenneth A. Yorkston; his father, John Yorkston; and his mother, Doris Yorkston. He is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Kathleen Camilli Yorkston; his daughter, Christina Yorkston (Duncan McNiff); grandsons, Ian and Graham; his sister, Karen Fanning; and several nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Cam’s family sends heartfelt thanks for the excellent care he received from the doctors, nurses and medical staff at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, especially Dr. Jakub Svoboda, Dr. Selena M. Luger and Dr. Andrew Matthews. They are also thankful for the care and support from Griswold Home Care and Delaware Hospice.
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