Jared Michael Young

Jared Michael Young Writer Hermann Broch tells us that when someone close to us dies, we inherit a part of our loved one's freed soul, and become richer in our humanness. Certainly that is the hope of the family and many friends of Jared Michael Young, who died Sunday, November 1. Jared was born on June 12, 1989, and during his 20 short years Jared left his mark on many, both family and friends. As a boy, Jared was the classic middle kid, skinny but tall for his age, his strawberry blond hair topping wide, curious eyes and a slow, sly grin that would spread across his face whenever his brothers involved him in another (often ill-fated) scheme. As he grew to young manhood, so did his love for everything physical and anything outdoors. A parade of outdoor sporting gear--bikes, skateboards, wake boards, snow boards--seemed constantly to attach and re-attach itself to his feet. He was Austin-grown, through and through, a perfect fit for this city and its surrounding terrain. He did nothing at half-speed, knew no half-measures and disdained moderation in all things. Jared amassed friends by the dozen, who were drawn to him because he made them happy, because they felt good around him, because it was always clear that he cared about them. He was beloved of his family, who taught him and learned from him, praised him and prayed for him, frustrated him and loved him in every possible way. Like many among us, he had struggles, and dark edges, which he faced with all the courage, honesty and grace he could muster, and his family and his friends loved him all the more as a result. Jared was preceded in death by his grandfather, Robert P. Brake, Sr. He is survived by his mother, Patricia A. Young Brown; and step-father, Gregory W. Brown; his father, Timothy E. Young; his brothers, Nicholas E. Young, Joel P. Young and Drew G. Brown; grandparents, Eddie and Arlene Young; grandmother, Shirley Brake; a very large and loving extended family, and a legion of dear friends. His loss is untimely and unthinkable. We will miss him sorely and surely are better for having known and loved him. A memorial celebration of Jared's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 7th at Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee, Austin, 78704. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Austin Child Guidance Center at www.austinchildguidance.org or to Lifeworks at www.lifeworksaustin.org. Obituary and guestbook available online at www.wcfish.com