George Richard Young Obituary (1932 - 2018)

On Sunday September 30, 2018, George Richard Young—“Rich” to family and friends, quietly and peacefully passed away with family at his side. He was 85 years old. The youngest of six children, Rich was born on December 9, 1932 in Ogden, Utah to Thomas and Elmina Young. From an early age, he displayed extraordinary artistic and creative talent. Rich graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in business in 1955 and as an Air Force ROTC cadet, was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in United States Air Force where he proudly served as a pilot flying the T-28 and B-25. At the conclusion of his military service, Rich returned to Salt Lake City and the family business, Young Electric Sign Company, or YESCO. But after a few years, a desire to further develop his artistic talents pushed him to leave YESCO and attend the prestigious ArtCenter College of Design in Los Angeles, now in Pasadena, where he earned a Masters Degree as a “Graduate of Distinction.” Following his father’s entrepreneurial legacy, Rich went on to have a successful career as an industrial and architectural designer and developer with his long-time friend and business partner, Howard S. Clark. Today his award-winning commercial designs span the globe; from Tokyo to Toronto, Boston to Berlin, Zurich to the Sudan. Retiring after more than 38 years in the business world, Rich returned to his first love, painting; a passion he pursued right up to the end. And his beautiful body of work taken from the bounties of nature speaks for itself. However despite his love of art, nothing brought Rich more joy than the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. And nothing brought him more peace than his faith in Christ and His Atonement. Rich is survived by his brother Thomas Young Jr., and leaves behind four children from his first marriage and two from his second marriage: Gregory, Jennifer, Annette, David, Dallin, and Jenny. He was loved by many and will be sorely missed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5Vtsw2FjZQ