By Lane County Republican Party Chairman, John Large.
In 2018, I showed up at the PH Dairy Queen, me and the former party chairs to talk in 2018. Good coffee and a chance to get input about what I was getting into as the newest Lane County Republican Party Chairman. I like to get a feel for a new town, new job and new people – and it was my first chance to officially meet Dr. Bill Young. He arrived with a big smile, firm handshake and a chuckle. Most of us were talkers, but Bill was a listener with a lot of grinning and nodding as experiences were shared and similar situations kept reoccurring. He offered his advice to me with the quiet dignity that only comes from a guy who knows what he’s talking about. And it was much appreciated.
I found Bill to be a good family Christian man, a voice of reason who supported the many Lane County Republican Party’s chairs, the Republican Party, our candidates and volunteers with his time, his resources and his wisdom. He brought humor with a quickness and jolly spirit everyone could appreciate. He brought that twinkle in his eye. He brought the toughness and determination of a guy who as a country vet probably had to wrestle down a cow or two, and the compassion of a genuinely kind person who could gently comfort a family losing a pet. He would sit in the back rows at the central committee meeting, and patiently steer us in the right direction with a well-placed motion or a quick second. And it was much appreciated.
And there was the annual golf tournament. It was an event he supported and I understand he even chaired the committee himself in the past. 2020 Tournament Chair Paul Barnett was mentored in the party by Bill and they played golf every Sunday. Paul said if Bill had a bad shot, he’d just do it over again; Bill would have multiple mulligans in a game. Paul laughed claiming he probably could have beat him, if Bill kept the first shot’s score. It was a good time chatting with Bill about this year’s details, and although he was not well enough to play himself, he sponsored a team that included his son Todd. Bill was a leader, there to help all of us including this chair. And it was much appreciated.
Now we will carry-on in the Republican Party with appreciation for all he did for us. He will be missed and we will keep working, honoring his legacy. I’d like to share all of our sincerest condolences to his wife, Diana and his sons Todd and Brad, and his five grandchildren: Mason, Makayla, Kellen, Parker, and Kaden.
William D. Young
7/26/1945 – 12/4/2020
Dr. William D. Young passed peacefully on Friday December 4th, 2020 from multiple myeloma alongside his wife of 52 years, Diana Young. Bill owned and operated West Eugene and Pleasant Hill Animal Hospitals for the last fifty years. He graduated from Colorado State Veterinary School in 1970 after doing his undergraduate studies at Fort Lewis College on a Presidential Merit Scholarship and working multiple jobs. He was a member of the American and Oregon Veterinary Medical Associations for 50 years. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Bill has led a life dedicated to serving the community through the Elks and Kiwanis Clubs (including years of work at the Lane County Fair food court serving fresh caramel apples!) and the Salvation Army. He was a member of Lane Leaders, a business referral network for over 40 years, serving as president and being awarded “Leader of the Year” several times. He helped found a bridge club that met bi-monthly for the last 47 years. He has been involved with the Republican Party in Lane County, serving as Chairperson and even running for State Representative.
Bill Young was raised on a ranch just outside of Norwood, Colorado with his two brothers and four sisters: Carolyn, Jaquelynn, Jim (his twin), Kathleen, Darlene, and Darroll.
Bill will be remembered for his strong values, his incredible work ethic, his service to community, and as the go-to for his family, when needed. He was a coach, a mentor, an advisor, a husband, a brother, a father and grandfather, who loved fiercely. Bill was someone who would stand up for what is right, no matter the cost.
A celebration of his life will be held at New Hope West at 2155 Bailey Hill Road, Eugene Oregon 97402 on Saturday, December 12 at 10:00 a.m. Flower arrangements may be delivered to New Hope on Friday, December 11 between noon and 5:00 p.m.
All are welcome to come celebrate Bill’s life.
If you have any questions about attending, please email [email protected]
Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com.
Please sign the guest book at www.registerguard.com/legacy
