Obituary of William Edward Young

William Edward Young, 88, of Auburn, Washington, passed peacefully on June 12, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. A celebration of life memorial service will be held on July 22, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Embassy Suites Portland Airport, Portland, Oregon, with a reception to follow. Bill was born September 1, 1928 to Walter and Bertha (Hill) Young in Richfield, Washington. He had an older sister Dorothy. The family moved next to Eagle Point, Oregon where Bill learned to hunt and fish from his father, who was the banker for Eagle Point. His mom and dad taught him the values of caring for others during the rough times of the depression and World War II. Life was good even if times were not. After Bill graduated from Eagle Point High School, he earned his mechanical engineering degree at Oregon State in 1948. He met his future wife, Virginia Dawn Tizekker, on a blind date in Medford, and they were married in December 1952. Bill went to work for Boeing in Seattle and with Virginia raised two sons (William Walter Young and John Michael Young). There were many trips to see grandparents in Medford and Eagle Point Oregon as well as hunting and fishing trips. Their travel trailer gave rise to many happy trips around Washington and Oregon. At Boeing, Bill worked on the B-52, the KC-135 tanker, and Boeing 727, and many special assignments. The ups and downs of Boeing did bring challenges to the family but even when Boeing's future was in doubt, Bill kept his job and helped others to keep theirs too. Retirement from Boeing soon turned into new motorhomes and travel around the Western US with friends and family as well as considerable time with their grandkids. Bill and Virginia loved to camp in their RV and this love was to be passed down to their sons' families. They retired to a mobile home just outside of Medford where years of deer hunting and salmon fishing ensued plus many summers spent caring for visiting grandkids. Their Medford stay lasted over 26 years until they moved to a Tacoma assisted living complex to be closer to family. Throughout his life, Bill's kindness and easy-going manner was infectious. People enjoyed being around him and he made everyone feel at home and cherished. He had many golfing, fishing, and pool buddies but his favorite pastime was spending time with his grandkids. He taught them to fish and to hike and to enjoy life. He was loyal to a fault towards his wife and boys and grandkids and his friends. He was a shining example of love lived out. He lifted us all up on his shoulders to see life's possibilities. He was married 63 years to Virginia (who he is now with in heaven), and was blessed with two sons, Bill (Karen) and John (Deidre); seven beautiful grandchildren, Jennie (Gary), Emily (deceased), Jesse, Daniel, Liz (Scott), David and Rebekah; one great-granddaughter Evelyn (another he knew was on the way from Liz & Scott); many nieces and nephews, and a Palestinian, Dema, that he called his too. His last day on earth was one of his happiest as he was surrounded by family, all telling stories of days with grandpa they had. It gave him the peace to face the end with the hope and promise of seeing their smiles again in heaven. Bill is and was loved by friends and family alike and will be greatly missed. Please sign the guestbook while you're here on the site.