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Ronald Young Obituary

Ronald Dean Young, 63, died March 13, 2011, at his home in Cantwell, surrounded by his family.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, March 18, at 6 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Fairbanks.

Ron was born May 16, 1947, in Myrtle Creek, Ore., to Bob and Georgette Young on May 16, 1947. He was preceded in death by his mother, Georgette; and brother, Robert Young, who lived in Seattle.

In his early years he lived in Glendale, Ore., where he graduated from high school. He attended Oregon Technical Institute in Klamath Falls, Ore., graduating in 1967.

After living and working as a diesel mechanic in Portland, Ore., he moved to Alaska. He worked in Hyder and Ketchikan until he settled in Fairbanks to raise his family. Ron worked on the Alaska pipeline until he started his business out of his garage. He eventually opened his business "Youngs Gear Inc. DBA Drivelines of Fairbanks" on Van Horn Road, where he worked until his retirement in November 2010.

Ron married Lila, the love of his life, in Enterprise, Ore., on June 11, 1994. They made their home in Fairbanks and Cantwell.

Ron's great love of the outdoors and his competitive nature led him to enjoy many years of auto and snowmachine racing, which gained him many trophies.

He loved fishing and hunting of all kinds and enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors. He had an abundance of family and lifelong friends whom he enjoyed spending time with, having many great adventures.

Ron had a strong competitive spirit and felt that "Second place is still the first loser."

He is survived by his father, Bob of Canyonville, Ore, and Paula Churchill of Roseburg, Ore.; his wife, Lila of Cantwell; daughters, Ronda Ridenour and Dawn Young of Anchorage; son, Nicholas of Cantwell; and stepsons, Kelly Forrest of Bend, Ore., and Brian Forrest of Cantwell, and 11 grandchildren.

Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Ron Young to the: Chilkat Snowburners Association, P.O. Box 556, Haines 99827.

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

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Mar. 16 to Mar. 17, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Young

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Take this with you

Larry Alexander

March 23, 2011

Ron your friends in Fairbanks will dearly miss you, thanks for working for me on the Pipeline. You were an immense human of great traits. Rest in "Peace" .
Your Friend
Larry Alexander

david akin

March 19, 2011

R.I.P. Ron, it was a pleasure to have known you.

Rick and Gena Thompson

March 19, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Marlys Crowson

March 18, 2011

I met Ron doing business for the Truck Shop. Wonderful human being and will be greatly missed. Sincere condolences

Debra Maldonado-Bradley

March 18, 2011

I met Ron many years ago while selling cars for Tip Top Chevrolet. He was the sort of person you felt proud to call your friend. Ron will truly be missed. Condolences to his family and God Bless.

Mary-Ellen Perez

March 18, 2011

My deepest simpethy Ronda, after reading his lifestory i feel like i knew him, because it reminded me of the person you are. Full of life, very competetive and wants to be the best! Thats you baby girl!! My heart is with you and the family. I miss you like crazy, your always in my heart. I love you "H H" xoxox God Bless. your friend for ever, Mary-Ellen B M Perez and daugthers from NC

Philip Wood

March 17, 2011

Lila and Family, we are truely sorry to here about Ron passing and feel your lose of such a wonderful person and we'll never forget his welcoming smile.

Armeda Bulard

March 17, 2011

Lila and Family, our hearts and prayers are with all of you. Keith and I enjoyed knowing Ron and doing business with this honest, forthright man. I am glad that we got to see him at the Cantwell School Christmas program. God Bless All of You. Armeda and Family

Chilkat Snowburners/ Alcan 200

March 17, 2011

We were truly sorry to hear of Rons passing. He was one of the best competitors I've seen; always humble & always fierce. We will remember him always especially at race time. We are so humbled that even now the family is thinking of us.

Peter and Diana Lapham

March 17, 2011

It would not have been an Alcan 200 race without Ron and Lila at the start line..after Rons heart attack I will never forget that he said "don't put off doing what you want to do in life you never know what might happen"...I still remember those words today Ron...thank you for your quiet friendship..your presence..and for being the person I would like to strive to be..Peter and Diana Lapham, Haines, Alaska....we love you and Lila...

Kenneth & Vickie Armstrong

March 17, 2011

Thoughts and Prayers going out to the entire family. Blessings...

Don & Pat Schmidt

March 16, 2011

We were very sad to hear of Ron's passing. He was always so full of life and had a big smile. We remember him fondly visiting us in camp on the Nowita River. May the many happy memories you have of Ron help you through this time loss.

Jamie Chartier

March 16, 2011

Love and Miss you Uncle Ron; Take Care Lila, Nick, Rhonda and the many other family and friends.

March 16, 2011

Lila, my prayers are with you and your family. I am so glad Kelly could be there with you. Sue Dammann (Glencoe, MN -Jens mom)

Peg &Bill Nuckols

March 16, 2011

Ron will be truely missed by anyone that knew him. Many was the time we needed gear work done and Ron always had time for a friend and neighbor. Our hearts are very sad for is family, but the memories will become a big part of your life. God Called him home and he answered. May God bless all of you. Peg and Bill Nuckols

Dave fenderson

March 16, 2011

Ron was a great guy enjoyed hes since of humor, we rode to Sturgis in 1990 along with other good guys,He didnt ride a harley but I forgave him dont know what happened but it was to early. I was working with his first wife Linda when she went ill and lost her awhile back.It has to be hard on the kids to lose them both in such a short time.Hold them close to your heart and sail on god bless all of you Dave fenderson

Gordon Carlson

March 16, 2011

Our Thoughts and condolences to the Young's family, Ron will be miss,

Robert Strle

March 16, 2011

My thoughts and condolences go out to Lila and the family. Ron was a true competitor and good man who will be missed by many.

Ella Warner

March 16, 2011

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

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