YOUNG, Jr., Robert Robert Fredrick Young, Jr., unexpectedly died from a hemorrhagic stroke on January 6, 2018. Birth: June 25, 1959, in his beloved Niagara Falls, NY to Janet Bishop Dobbie Young (deceased but always present) and Robert Fredrick Young, Sr. (Ramsey, NJ & Haliburton, Ontario). Marriage: Katherine Lieberknecht, 2003, Ithaca, NY, reported to be "love at first sight" (Young, 1999). Children: three, Lucie, August & Rowan; every evening, he would plan how to spend one-on-one time with each the next daytea parties, writing projects, playing catch, recreating military campaigns in scale, bike rides...Friends: many, from around the world and across the divides; he loves you all. Work (selected): assistant professor, School of Architecture, The University of Texas at Austin; assistant professor, University of Oregon; the US's first statewide sustainability director, appointed by New Jersey Gov. Christine Whitman; founder and owner of American Soil, Inc., a composting company: "because I didn't know what to do after college but then I realized making soil doesn't hurt anyone or anything." Education: Cornell University (Doctorate, Natural Resources, 2007; Masters of Community and Regional Planning, 1995; BA, Government /English, 1982). A few things we'll remember: his storytelling, poem readings, and joke telling; his energy, enthusiasm, devotion, loyalty, & inspiration; his "creative" smoothies, pretty convincing fake accents, & bear hugs; how much he loved his pets, including above all Cheyenne & Hank. Family: devastated, but positive he's already started on his next amazing path. Survived by: Katherine Lieberknecht, wife; Lucie, daughter; August, son; Rowan, daughter; Robert F. Young, Sr., father; Dobbie Ann (Steven) Burgio, sister; a loving extended family of Lieberknechts; many cherished cousins and others in York, PA; Niagara Falls, NY; Haliburton, ON & Chicago, IL. Life celebrations: Austin, TX, February 3, 2018, Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum; Youngstown, NY, July 14, 2018, Officers' Club, Old Fort Niagara. More information: thestoryofrob.com. Please consider: sending stories and photos to [email protected]. Ever forward, alwaysor at least until Niagara Falls.

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Published by Austin American-Statesman on Jan. 14, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert YOUNG

25 Entries

Bob Beaty

January 8, 2025

Always in me heart, Dear Rob

Aubryn Sidle

March 25, 2024

Rob touched my life in many ways, but mostly I remember him as the person who re-introduced me to my love of growing things and with whom I shared a passion for radical education. I didn't know he had passed. So much love to all of you who love him and especially to his kiddos.

Bob Beaty

September 6, 2023

Dear Rob,
You came into my life like a twirling dervish, full of fresh ideas, humor, love of America , your roots, Bruce Springsteen, love of the soil, and so much more
Long Live The Republic! As we would say to each other

Rowan Young

June 26, 2022

I remember at night he would read to me in funny voices and replace names and words with different ones and every day would say ''I love you'' he told me he did that to make sure if that day was his last he would make sure he told me that.
I miss him and it is hard to grow up without him.

June 25, 2018

Happy Birthday, Robert June 25, 2018 I will miss you always. Love, Kathy Stone Strangfeld

Nancy Reale Gifford

June 20, 2018

It will be Rob's birthday in a few days, the first one he's not spending earthbound. June 25, well chosen. The exact midway point before/after we celebrate the birthday of Jesus. Some 30 years ago, Rob told me that when he was in Youth Group he had opened himself to Christ, and had immediately felt his heart touched and moved. He, in turn, touched so many minds and hearts for good. So Happy Birthday, Rob. May God be with you and yours, always. Pax.❤

January 31, 2018

So sorry for you loss, may you find comfort and strength in our Heavenly Father and in each other now and in the days to come.

B Hall

January 29, 2018

My deepest sympathy to the family. May you find comfort in God's Word at John 6:40

Michael Schwartz

January 28, 2018

Your presence is missed. You brighten up the world just by being in it. Your insight,humor and giving will long be remembered.

Michael Schwartz

January 22, 2018

Your dignity and sense of humor,will be missed

Michael Schwartz

January 22, 2018

You were the best friend anyone could ask for. Great conversation, great farm affairs, a real renaissance man.you will be missed!

Tim and Eileen Fitz Gerald

January 22, 2018

Our heart felt condolences go out to Kathy, their kids, Dobbie and Rob Sr. Back in his high school days, Rob spent many late nights at my wife's kitchen table eating home made pizza, telling jokes and enjoying life. He and my bother in law Joe were good friends.

Tim and Eileen (Walter) Fitz Gerald
Ramsey NJ, now Hudson Ohio

Stefan Doeirng

January 22, 2018

Rob,

You lived a short but incredible life. So many memories of being with you here in NYC and upstate NY.

Especially our walks with Cheyenne.

Shine on you crazy diamond

Stefan Doering

January 22, 2018

God we'll miss you! Hikes with you and Cheyenne in the mountains outside of Ithaca.

Shine on, you crazy diamond!!

Stefan Doering

January 22, 2018

God we'll miss you! Hikes with you and Cheyenne in the mountains outside of Ithaca.

Shine on you crazy diamond!

Stefan Doering

January 22, 2018

God we'll miss you! Hikes with you and Cheyenne in the mountains outside of Ithaca.

Shine on, you crazy diamond!

Kara Mertz

January 22, 2018

Robyn, dearest:
I missed you yesterday from Boulder to Austin; I miss you today on hearing of your passing. Forever. Deeply.

The hole you leave in all of our hearts can only pale in comparison to that in your children and wife. Kat's hearts.

Your impacts on our lives are great. Your impact on this earth, greater.

The thousands of students you inspired will carry on your legacy for generations into the future.

May we all be loving and healing and patient in the wake of your life.

Peter Fortunato

January 22, 2018

Rob, my friend,
our friend,
forever young
you will remain: green
as the Earth is green
forever in our hearts.

Peter Fortunato

Ashleigh Lowe

January 18, 2018

What a gift Rob was to everyone he met. His smile lit up the room and he made you feel so special. He had the best stories, jokes, and insights. He was one in a billion! My daughter (2 years old at the time) called him bagpipes for years after his and Kathy's wedding. I am so grateful for the time we spent having dinner in September at your house! What a hole there is my heart. I love you Rob!! Thanks for blessing my life and inspiring me to be a better person. I love you so dearly Kathy! May your wonderful memories of all of your adventures bring you peace. I am so sorry! MTRBWY always! Ashleigh

January 18, 2018

To the Young Family. I would like to extend my condolences to you and your friends on your losss of your dear loved one
Mr.Robert. May fond memories of him comfort comfort you in these time of distress
J.R.Davis From New York City

Chris Ruderman

January 18, 2018

Just a few weeks ago I made an anonymous entry about my friend and mentor Rob on "Rate My Professors"..."This man is hands down the best Instructor and mentor I have ever known. Professor Young invented the Green Cities course at Cornell. The man changed my life. He has serious, deep insights on the history of human civilizations, with deep, unique perspectives on our future. So yeah, you'll work hard, but saving our planet will be a tough gig too." Rest well dear friend.

Sabrina Visser

January 17, 2018

Dear Katherine, Lucie, August, and Rowan,

Jesse, Kees, and I send our deepest condolences for the loss of your dear husband Robert.

We remember Robert fondly as we recall the sweet times we shared together when your family lived in Eugene. First and foremost, he was an amazing husband and father! He embodied a flurry of positive energy and imparted contagious inspiration for gardening, exploring, and having a fun time. We can still hear his witty and booming voice!

We are all shocked and saddened to hear of his sudden death and want you to know that your family is in our thoughts.

Please let us know if there is anything we can do to support you and your family during this difficult time and as you start a new journey of life together.

January 17, 2018

Offering my condolences to the family and loved ones. "May mercy and peace and love be increased to you. "- Jude 2

Sue Fritts

January 17, 2018

So sorry and sad for this tremendous loss to Rob's family, friends, and all the communities he belonged to, including Ithaca and Cornell. I knew him in his younger activist days; he remained a powerful force for good throughout his life.

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