Sept.15, 1927 – July 09, 2020

Oct. 15, 1925 – June 10, 2020

Walter Forrest Young and Joan Mary Young, married 67 years, passed peacefully at their residence in Bend, Oregon. As was typical of their life together, they left this earth one after the other. Walt passed on June 10 and Joan on July 9. Joan always wanted to be with Walt.

Walt grew up in LeRoy, New York and upon graduating from high school enlisted in the army. He was a member of the 86th Infantry Division during some of the final offenses in the European Theater, including the Battle of the Bulge. He was welcomed as a member of the liberating forces during those very dark times. After his return from the war, Walt took advantage of the G.I. Bill to attend college, graduating with a degree in business from University of Pittsburgh.

Joan grew up in South Gate, California with her sisters by her side. After graduating from high school Joan worked at various jobs, including working for the Dept. of Defense.

After graduating from college, Walt moved around the country while working different jobs until he landed in California. This is where he met Joan and they were married Jan. 31, 1953 at Saint Luke’s of the Mountains Episcopal Church in La Crescenta. This was the start of their long life together. During this time their first son, Steven, was born. Later they moved to Northern California where they owned and operated a Chrysler dealership. At this time their second son, Bruce, was born.   Ultimately, they returned to Southern California where they lived in La Crescenta for many years. 

Walt worked at a couple of jobs before joining his brother, Richard, at the R.A. Young Company. There he worked as a sales representative for the electrical manufacturing sector in providing equipment to large and small utility companies throughout the southwest. This was a job that Walt excelled at due to the knowledge, personality and integrity that he brought to the table. He could always be trusted to do the right thing. During these years, Walt became a private pilot and loved anything related to planes.

Joan worked most of her life with children and for many years at Parents and Children Preschool in La Cañada. She loved to be with them, looking forward to her daily involvement in their lives. Joan was a kind and loving person, sure to be remembered by many who attended the school.

Upon retirement, the couple moved to Escondido. There they lived a life of travel and leisure. Walt loved to golf, playing as often as he could into his 90s. They traveled in their motorhome on many wonderful trips, including one trip to Alaska, and a special trip to New York to attend Walt’s 50th high school reunion.

Joan and Walt are survived by their sons and daughters-in-law, Steve Young (Lynn) and Bruce Young (Becky). They are also survived by Walt’s brother Richard Young (Marie), sister Dorothy Campbell (Chuck) and Joan’s sisters, Judy Livingston, Joyce Bertram and Jan Schell (Ronnie). They are also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Joan and Walt lived a full, loving life and will be missed by all who knew them.