Richard John Young

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Celebrating the life of
Richard John YoungFebruary 19, 2012 - February 19, 2012

RICHARD JOHN YOUNG
1931-2012
Held in the arms of his wife and children, and comforted by the familiar songs they sang, Richard J. Young Dick passed away at his home in Savannah, on Saturday, February 18, 2012. He is predeceased by his parents, Ruth Burke and George Jess Young, his younger sister, Mary Anne Young, and his first wife, Joan Rulison Young, the mother of his children. His wife of 30 years, Gaylen Wilsey Young, survives.
He enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict. Following his service, he graduated from the University of Vermont in 1958 and was forever grateful to the G.I. Bill for making this possible. He met his first wife, Joan, while at college.
Born in Rutland, VT, on April 14, 1931, he used to joke that he could never hold a steady job. In Burlington, VT, as a 16-year-old, he managed a gas station his father bought to teach him responsibility. Moving on to radio and television in the pre-videotape era, he was a producer, director and evening newscaster for the Burlington CBS affiliate. Described as a "pragmatic liberal," he became director of the Vermont Democratic Party, and helped elect the state's first Democratic governor in 106 years. He did advance work for the presidential campaigns of John and Robert Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson.
As President of the Vermont Hospital Association, he helped health care institutions learn the intricacies of the newly enacted Medicare and Medicaid programs, and negotiated contracts with the Vermont/New Hampshire Blue Cross Association. As Vice President of the American Hospital Association AHA, he administered relations between the AHA and more than 100 national, regional, state and metropolitan associations. He led the creation of the AHA political action committee, educating hospital leaders about the importance of participating in national political processes that were increasingly affecting the health care field. He then established Interactive Consulting, working with professional and trade organizations and individual companies in both the United States and Canada. Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah was one of his many clients. With a heart bigger than life, he believed in the goodness of people and held a strong desire to make the world a better place.
Dick loved golf, and throughout his working life was able to play golf in every state in the union and most Canadian provinces. He and Gaylen moved full time to The Landings in 1998. While continuing his consulting business, he managed to enjoy golf and the many friends he made there.
As much as he enjoyed his professions and golf, the joys of his life were his three children, Kelley Ann Young, DVM Ralph Jones, New Carlisle, OH; the Rev. Evan Patrick Young Susan Brannon Young, Ph.D., Glouster, OH; and Stacey Joan Young, Ph.D., Washington, D.C. Three grandchildren -- Lauren Elizabeth, Michael Simon, and David Burke Young of Glouster, OH, children of Evan and Susan -- and a nephew, Daniel Burke Young, of Newtown, CT, whom he and Joan raised for his first three years, also survive. He is also survived by his brother, Jesse Young Kathy of Bogart, GA, and a sister, Ruth Ellen Neverdowsky, of Fairfield, CT; and several nieces and nephews.
Bob and Mary Lou Sutherland of Burlington, VT, and Jean and Howard Levine, Willson Blake, Jim Toole, and John MacDonald, all of The Landings, were greatly appreciated friends, among many. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Patricia Hicks, whom he called the "voice of sanity and reason."
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either the Georgia or the National Democratic Party; the National Parkinson Foundation National Parkinson Foundation, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018; or The Harper College Educational Foundation/Joan R. Young Scholarship Fund 1200 West Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL 60067-7398.
Fox & Weeks Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Plans for a memorial will be announced at a later date.

Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com

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GUEST BOOK

It is heartbreaking to hear of dick's passing. But how fortunate I feel to have been part of the Burke/Young gathering in Vermont. It was very special, indeed, to spend time with him and to bask in the warmth of your wonderful family. I look forward sometime in the future when I can hear stories of Dick and of you all. For now, please know our home is always open to you when you visit Vermont.

- Sally Burke Zivitz, Fullerton, CA

My first wife and I shared many wonderful experiences with Dick and Joan, including the infamous fishing trip to Mexico and then a nice golf week in Tucson. Dick could tell jokes with the best of them and always enjoyed a good party. He and Joan were very bright and produced the brightest collection of children one can ever imagine in one family. No experience with Dick was ever boring due to a really great sense of humor. Golf with Dick was relaxing. I am happy that he and Gaylan enjoyed their time together in Georgia and hope that she can find happiness in a great number of fond memories. Dick, I hope there is golf in Heaven but please don't appear to me and tell me that I have a tee time any time soon.

- Jim, queensbury, NY

When a life force is extinguished we all grasp at what was and what makes us tick. I am a close friend of Dick's oldest daughter Kelley and I am lucky to know all of Dick's children. Because of that I feel like I knew Dick. Ironically, I only met him one time and that was during President Obama's Inaguration in 2008. He was snarky and more than independent as he insisted on walking down the stairs by himself, which ended in a disaster as everyone there can all attest to. It sounds like his humor and love for social justice will not die nor will his love of life because his children will carry that with them everyday. I am lucky to be a reciepient of his life.

- Nance Parent, Yellow Springs, OH

Kelley your dad sounds like an amazing man! He certainly was a contributor to life, just like you. Thank you for the eloquent obituary - makes me wish I could have known him. Love, Diane and Cindy, and the Expensive Five

- Diane Davis, , OH

Kelley, your father sounds like a hardy Vermonter and an 'old school' kind of dad who knew how to raise young un's up right! Obviously he succeeded. I so enjoyed reading about his well-lived life. Thinking of you.

- Pam Conine, Yellow Springs, OH

My very dearest Kelley, Ralph and family, I am very saddened to hear of the loss of John I know what he must of meant to you all. I send my love and prayers to you all and especially to Kelley and Ralph, my friends, love and support. Blessings to you all. Nancy

- Nancy A. Hazlett, Xenia, OH

Dick was the first full time CEO of VHA and blessed us with his skill, humor and friendship. I have fond memories of times in Shelburn at his home and first VHA office. Condolances to the family.

- Tom Dowd, Middle Grove, NY

I was sorry to hear of Dick's passing. I am so appreciative of the family gatherings he hosted in Rutland, VT, giving all of us a chance to get to know each other a bit. What a gracious and wonderful man. I will gladly contribute to the Democratic National Party in his memory. My best to all of the family, Kevin Burke, Wallingford, VT

- Kevin Burke, Wallingford, VT

Dick was the nicest and most interesting person to pedal beside. Though our visits were infrequent, I will miss him.

- Joe Caruso, Savannah, GA

Dick was a special friend, personally and professionally and meant much to Beverley and me. Love to you Gaylen.

- Ed McCauley, Burlington, NC

Dick will be missed by everyone in health care. Many of us were fortunate to have learned from and worked with Dick as he was one of the 'elders' in this profession. Gaylen...our thoughts and prayers are with you.

- Steven J. Summer, Englewood, CO

Gaylen and Dick's kids and families, My memories of sitting on the porch next to the Chittenden dam are still fresh enough to make me wonder 'whither the time?'. I'll offer Mass for Dick tomorrow and will, of course, keep you and him in prayer. tom mattison

- Tom Mattison, MANCHESTER CENTER, VT

A good friend from high school. Dick and I joined the navy together. We will miss his visits to Vermont. Please accept our condolences to the family

- Dick Allen, Williston, VT

Dick was always thoughtful of this 'new kid on the block' and helped me as I transitioned from the Air Force to the world of AHA. He demonstrated the value of valuing our members that has stayed with me for the last 22 years. Thanks Dick and Gaylen.

- Ron Purcell, Boise, ID

Dick was a wonderful and gentle man.We will never forget him. Our love and deepest sympathy to Gaylen and all the family. Larry and Dotty Engel

- Larry and Dotty Engel, Savannah, GA

Dick will be missed by myself and his many friends. He is a gentleman with wit and charm. My love goes out to him and his entire family. Love, Jim Toole

- Jim Toole, Savannah, GA