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Ronald J. Young

1942 - 2018

Ronald J. Young obituary, 1942-2018, Everett, WA

BORN

1942

DIED

2018

Ronald Young Obituary

September 9, 1942 - July 20, 2018 Ron Young was born in Hoboken, NJ, September 9, 1942, and died at Providence Hospital, Everett, WA, July 20, 2018, from septic shock. Growing up in West New York and Pacanack Lake, NJ, Ron attended College High and Wesleyan University. He worked with civil rights leader Rev. James Lawson in Memphis, marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma, and joined the national staff of the Fellowship of Reconciliation in 1965. He played a leading role in the anti-Vietnam war movement – resisting the draft, coordinating the massive March on Washington in November 1969, and making three trips to Vietnam, including bringing Christmas mail between families and American POW's in Hanoi. He served as National Peace Education Secretary of the American Friends Service Committee from 1972-1982; and then as the AFSC's Middle East Representative, along with his wife, Carol Jensen, from 1982-85, based in Amman, Jordan. When he returned to the US, he laid the groundwork for the formation of the US Interreligious Committee for Peace in the Middle East in 1987, bringing American Jews, Muslims and Christians together to advocate for a just two state solution for Israel and Palestine. He organized the first National Interfaith Convocation and Congressional Visitation for Mideast Peace in 1989 and led a dozen interfaith trips to Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, Egypt, Jordan and Syria. Ron continued to work for Israeli-Palestinian peace until his passing, since 2003 under the auspices of the National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Middle East Peace (NILI). Ron is the author of "Missed Opportunities for Peace: US Middle East Policy, 1981-86" and a memoir, "Crossing Boundaries in the Americas, Vietnam and the Middle East". He authored many commentaries for the Everett Herald since 2013 and has blogged at "Ron Young Views" since 2016. Ron loved people, beginning with his family. Though he met many famous persons in his life – from Yasir Arafat to Hilary Clinton – he was known for striking up conversations with people in public places from museums to airports. He believed in the human capacity to make the world a better place for all, and, along with Dr. King, that "the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." He is survived by his wife, Rev. Carol Jensen; sons, Jonah Jensen-Young and Jamie Jensen-Young (Hena Parveen); sister, Judy Sproul; and grandchild, Omar Young. He was a member of St. John United Lutheran, Seattle, where Carol served as pastor for 19 years, and of Trinity Lutheran, Everett, since 2016. A memorial service and remembrance of Ron's life will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 beginning at 1:30 p.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 215 Mukilteo Blvd., Everett, WA. Those who wish to make a tribute to Ron are encouraged to support organizations that continue the work for justice and peace, and bringing people together across lines that divide us, such as the Faith Action Network (of Washington State) at www.fanwa.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Herald (Everett) on Jul. 29, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Young

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Willliam Hunt

April 4, 2019

Unfortunately, I knew Ron Young only briefly, near the beginning and shortly before the end of his exemplary career of activism in the service of peace and justice. But he was an powerful moral influence on my generation of Wesleyan students (in my case, the class of '65). His decision to postpone his college degree(for a half-century, as it turned out)in order to devote himself full time to the civil rights struggle, was an inspiration to all of us, even if we couldn't follow his example, and we followed his career with humility and admiration. Fortunately for us, we met again during the 50th Reunion of the Class of '65, when he joined us, very eloquently, in urging our Alma Mater to divest from the fossil fuel (and private prison) industries. We won no actual concessions, but we made ourselves heard, thanks in large part to the powerful and purposeful benediction Ron delivered at our concluding Class Dinner. Since I only recently learned of his passing, I can only offer belated condolences to his family and his closer friend. We have lost a moral exemplar, but the moral example endures. Or, as he might have preferred us to put it, his soul goes marching on.

Derald Porter

November 26, 2018

Very sad to have just learned of Ron's passing. He was a man of great integrity who worked tirelessly for peace and justice. He will be greatly missed. Our condolences to his family and many friends on the loss of this great man.

Jan Chalupny

October 6, 2018

What can you say about a person who spent his entire adult life working for peace and justice - and spent most of that time working for peace in the Middle East? You could call him delusional. Or you could call him faithful. Ron never gave up on the vision of peace on Earth. What a faithful servant of God!!! He also had a fine sense of humor, a great laugh, and could do an excellent turkey gobble. We miss him!!!!

Alex Knopp

August 26, 2018

Ron was a good friend and colleague in the peace movement for many years. We lost touch during the past decade but I was always glad to learn of his on-going activities from friends in the peace movement and at Wesleyan (I'm class of '69). He worked closely with my mother, Honey Knopp, at AFSC, and was always a voice of reason and commitment.

Sharon Thomas

August 5, 2018

Our thoughts are with my sister, Carol and family. Ron was larger than life in so many ways and will be hugely missed. His sense of humour, hospitality, and enthusiasm and passion to follow his beliefs is what we will remember. Gone far too soon but lead a remarkable life. Rest easy Ron, you made difference. Carol thinking about you and sending love.

Brother in law Ron, sisters Carol, Mary, and I (Plus Adrian) and their families, 2017

Sharon Thomas

August 5, 2018

Susan Zipp

August 2, 2018

Sharing sincere and warm condolences to Carol, Family and Friends on the passing of beloved and inspiring friend Ron. His extraordinary mission in life touched the hearts of all who met him, his work encouraged generations of peace activists, and his legacy will continue to lead to a happier, safer and healthier world for all. ~ Association of World Citizens

JOHN MAYBURY

August 1, 2018

Very sorry to hear of the loss of my Fellowship of Reconciliation colleague from the Seventies.

Earl Katz

August 1, 2018

Ron and I were close colleagues at Fellowship of Reconciliation. I hadn't seen him for decades. My wife and I were overjoyed to reconnect with him at the MLK Monument in D.C a few years ago. My wife, Marge Tabankin, also knew and worked with Ron to help end the war in Vietnam.

Rodney and Jane Hansen

July 30, 2018

Carol and family,
we are so sad to hear that Ron has passed. You have all lived purposeful, faithful lives and have let others know the grace and peace of God. We count on his continued presence and know that peace and love will continue in you and with you through this loss and during the remainder of your days. Love and strength to you all.

July 30, 2018

You were a very nice man. Thank you for telling me your story about how you once met, and shook Mickey Mantle's hand. God Bless.

Belinda, JD, Heidi Klingman

July 29, 2018

Lovely obit and tribute to Ron. Many prayers for the whole family at this difficult time. We are thinking of you all.

July 29, 2018

A very nice obituary - Ron would be proud! You are continually in thoughts & prayers, Carol. You were definitely blindsided but carried on with your typical grace & wisdom. Rest & recharge your batteries for the journey ahead. May our Lord guide your steps & hold you close. Rest. With love & hugs, Pat Lidell Fedde xoxo

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Memorial Events
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Oct

6

Memorial service

1:30 p.m.

Our Savior's Lutheran Church

215 Mukilteo Blvd., Everett, WA

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