Thomas F. Young, 92, long-time Salinas resident went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, July 7, 2011. He was born on February 26, 1919, in Gilroy, CA; the youngest son of Fook Lee Young and Lee Suey Young, pioneer farmers in the Santa Clara Valley, who settled in the Gilroy area in the late 1800’s.
Tom grew up with 5 brothers and three sisters. He was a graduate of Gilroy High School and Hartnell College, where he participated in interscholastic track and field events and was on the school basketball team.
A veteran and patriot, Tom served in the U.S. Army during World War II, 3rd Army Headquarters, Adjutant Generals Section, European Theater.
After returning from the war, he met and married the love of his life, May Lee Lew in September of 1947. Together they shared 63 wonderful years of marriage and built a strong bond with their community and church.
As a member of the First Baptist Church of Salinas, Tom served as financial secretary for over 50 years. He was office manager for the Walter S. Markham Co. for over 35 years and later for the Ben Ryburn Co., retiring in 1987, and enjoyed the association of the many fine people in the Salinas Valley produce industry. Tom was also a member of Sons in Retirement, Salinas Chapter 56.
Always ready with a joke and a helping hand, Tom will be remembered as an active, committed, and humorous family man by all who knew him.
Ever young at heart, he enjoyed golfing, gardening, and many travels with family and friends. He was an avid fan of the San Francisco 49ers football and Giants baseball teams.
Most important to him were his family and his faith in God. Tom is survived by his wife May Lee Young, son Michael (Janet) Young of San Jose, daughter Linda (Kendall) Jang of Monterey, granddaughters Jennifer Young of Washington, D.C., Alyssa and Sydney Jang both of Monterey, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Tom was highly thought of and respected by family, relatives and his friends.
The family would like to thank Dr. Yoneda and Dr. Hwang for the care and support they provided Tom. They would also like to thank the Visiting Nurses Association for their kind and compassionate services these past few months.
A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, July 13, 2011, 11:00 A.M at the First Baptist Church, 1130 San Vincente Ave., Salinas, CA 93901.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Salinas First Baptist Church Memorial Fund or the donor’s favorite charity.
Arrangements by Struve and Laporte Chapel
Online condolences: www.struveandlaporte.com
