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Roland Young Obituary
For those who knew him, his biggest impact to their lives was as a teacher, the most awarded in ArtCenter College of Design's history. He taught at CalArts, Otis Parsons, and to anyone that crossed his path. He had a gift for opening up that can of worms in a person's head and then empowering them to go figure it out. For better or worse, the lives of artists, designers, art directors, auto mechanics, chefs and ballroom dancers have been changed.
For all of us, today is a different day. Those who knew him are again thinking and problem solving about how
why
how can this be done differently
And the rest of us might start looking through that old record collection.
You are missed.
Roland is survived by his partner of 30 years, 1 brother, 6 children, 2 grandsons, 3 daughter-in-laws and hundreds of his students and friends around the world. Please send donations to The Lincoln Project, dedicated to the preservation, protection and defense of democracy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roland Young
6 Entries
Michael Lee
May 10, 2025
I will ALWAYS remember Roland as an extremely kind, funny and inspiring person. I first met Roland as my Advertising teacher at ACCD. We reconnected again when I taught at ACCD where he, Sharon Ali and I were known as the trouble-maker teachers at ACCD due to our views which were opposed to those of ACCD. Roland was truly a creative force whose great talent will be missed.
Patrick Mannion
February 27, 2025
Dear friends,
I won't even bother repeating the usual accolades and praises sung about Roland, as there have been so many, and there is such consistency among them, that I am confident that you all finally "get it," am I right?
But I will share one thing I observed about Roland that might be a little non-standard. Roland clearly went above-and-beyond to make himself available. To find him sitting in the ArtCenter cafeteria (or at a coffee shop) before class? Sometimes he might even drop by a party. Always willing to give of himself. That was no accident or coincidence. Yeah, you were paying the big bucks to go to these schools, but he didn't "need" to hang around more than during class time. He just did so.
Over decades, this time must have truly added up, and so I would like to say to Roland's family: Thank you for sharing him WITH us (even if you didn't always do so willingly). Roland was not only magnetic, but his magnetism rubbed off onto others in a truly impactful and immeasurable manner. There's not a day that goes by in my life where I can't find some type of traceable link back to Roland Young (either through my own work, or someone else's). That's the best kind of immortality. For a man that's supposedly no longer with us, he sure seems to be with us still.
Rest in Peace Roland Young.
Patrick Mannion
Eric T
February 19, 2025
In `98, I entered the Art Center ad program at age 35. By the second class Roland had dubbed me "the old hippie" because I was the only one who understood any of his 70s music/art references. He was a smart, funny, amazing person with an interest in everything in the universe - with his feet on the ground and his head in the clouds - wait, no, Roland would immediately challenge that: `...Boring. How about head on the ground, and feet in the clouds? That´s an image I´d like to see...´
He was a real mentor and a friend, I think of him often and reference his teachings regularly.
I´m thankful to have known him. Love and respect always.
ET
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Gisele Palatnik
September 5, 2022
The best teacher, my mentor and friend for life. His lessons changed the way I approach design. My morning coffee sessions at Starbucks helped me with life changing decisions. So many wonderful memories. Forever Roland. Lots of love Ari & family. Thinking of you always.
Stephanie Z.
September 4, 2022
OHHHhhhh....Roland was my neighbor for many decades, always so pleasant. My condolences to Ari, Dove, & the family --
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