Leland Anderson Young

Leland "Lee" Anderson Young passed away on May 5th, 2024, at the age of 63 in Honolulu, Hawaii, due to complications of heart failure. Lee passed while he and his wife were serving as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many and will be missed by all those who knew him.

Lee was born on July 20th, 1960, in Richfield, Utah, to Sue Marie Young and Leland Archibald Young Jr. At the age of 2, Lee lost his father in a tragic plane accident. Lee and his younger brother, Stephen Young, were raised by their mother Sue Marie. Lee was a multi-sport athlete throughout his youth and played an integral role on the Richfield High School state championship basketball team in 1978. He continued on to play basketball for BYU-Hawaii for one season before serving as a missionary in the Belgium, Antwerp mission. Upon completing his two years of missionary service, he returned to Provo, Utah, to finish his undergraduate education at Brigham Young University with a degree in Business Management.

In the spring of 1983, Lee fell in love with Tonya Anderson Young. The two were married on April 27th, 1984 in the Salt Lake City Temple. Lee and Tonya have two children, Leland Tyler Young and Cameron Sean Young. Lee's influence was felt by many as they raised their children in various locations throughout the country including; Salt Lake City, Baltimore, Northern Virginia, and Seattle. While in Baltimore, Lee pursued further education and earned a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland-Baltimore in 1996. Lee worked as a counselor and throughout his life had a passion for social work and mental health. After raising the family and preparing for retirement, Lee and Tonya settled in Eagle, Idaho in 2012.

Lee had a great love for the outdoors, including camping, snow skiing, boating, and water sports, and enjoyed many vacations at Lake Powell in Southern Utah. He was also an avid scuba diver, having completed over 300 dives and obtained certifications, including Dive Master. Throughout his life, Lee had a passion for basketball, both watching and playing. He coached his sons for many years. Additionally, Lee had a deep appreciation for the arts and music, attending concerts throughout his life, even into his 60s.

Known for his selflessness, Lee spent most of his life in service to others. He constantly volunteered in his community and church. He had a passion and talent for working and connecting with young men to support, mentor, and develop their life skills. As an Eagle Scout, Lee dedicated many years to helping young men engage with the Boy Scouts of America and develop a love for the outdoors. After serving in the Meridian Idaho Temple, Lee and Tonya volunteered as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 18 months in Laie, Hawaii. During their mission, Lee focused on providing mental health awareness and counseling for employees at the Polynesian Cultural Center and students at BYU-Hawaii.

Lee loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren and many others who knew him by his self-proclaimed nickname "Tuga".

Lee is survived by his loving wife, Tonya, his children, Tyler and Cameron, his grandchildren, Daniel (11), Liv (9), Cali (6), and Cal (2), and his brother, Stephen A. Young. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Leland Archibald Young Jr. and Sue Marie Young.