Max Wilkins Young

The day has come for me to leave, an ordinary day not much different than the day I came to be. I look in the mirror at the old man staring back at me. Who is this man to me?

I was born in Park City on an ordinary fall day. September 19, 1928 to be exact. My father and mother, Spencer and Marian, were so pleased to have a son to carry on the Young family name. I was a typical boy full of mischief and mayhem. Yet, I allowed my sisters to put curlers in my hair. I graduated from Park City High School, and ventured into the world. World War II drew me into its folds as a US Marine. I was stationed at El Toro Air Force Base, as part of the pilot training program. Two years later the program was discontinued and I was given an Honorable Discharge. Now a choice; should I stay or should I go? The choice was made to return home to friends and family. Now a man grown, I attended Stephen-Henagar Business College. I excelled playing basketball and held Student Body President. I graduated with a degree in Business Administration. With hard work I was fast becoming a leader. On a day in May, I married Audrey Louder and plunged into the adult world. I worked hard at Wycoff where in time I became President and CEO. I became a father of two. First Roger, and 15 month later Rebecca. My time to care for and teach the next generation had come. The adventures of life took me and my Young family out of state, and back again. I pursued many trades: Owner/President of National Power Tool, Eagle Moving Co., Pickering Transfer, and President of National Distribution Systems. Government service called upon me once again, this time to serve as Director of the Utah Department of Business Regulations then as Administrative Director of Utah Department of Transportation. At 55 my life took a turn from family man to a family of one. The children were grown and living lives of their own. I served as Utah State House of Representative for two terms in Murray, and two in Moab. I built my beautiful dream home in Moab. There I hunted, and fished with family and friends in the red rock land. Again, I was beckoned back to Salt Lake. Grandpa was a name I joyously answered to. Samantha Marie stole my heart with her first light coo. A grandpa of only one was just fine with me. I was once asked when I had retired. I replied, “I actually never did.” I always kept busy with one thing, or another. In the Masonic orders I was a 33rd degree Master Mason with the Wasatch Masonic Lodge #1, and Captain of the Mounted Patrol for the El Kalah Shrine. Organizing the Utah Jazz Game nights for the Friendship Manor residents gave me pleasure. As the days became long, my strength lessened and my eyesight decreased. As an old man, I made my final move to St Joseph’s Villa. Those final days took me on walks where I greeted all I met along the way with bananas, and Hershey or Baby Ruth candy bars. I enjoyed afternoon visits from my dear friend Bill. We would talk of politics, sports, the stock market, and old times.

On this day, June 13, 2014, this old man will take his last breath.

The time has come to return home to my mother, father and 3 sisters.

The rest of the family is left to carry on: two sisters, a brother, a son, a daughter, and one granddaughter.

Survived by his children, Roger (Teri) Young of Elkton, Maryland, Rebecca (Stu) Lancaster of Kearns, Utah; granddaughter Samantha Marie Lancaster; sisters Gaye Pearson and Sandra Atkinson; and brother Gail Young. We love you and miss you.

Max has requested all family and friends join together to celebrate and toast his life at a wake on Saturday, June 21st from 6pm to 8pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City.

Special Thanks to Bill Finney for all your love and friendship for many years, to Clint at Superior Hospice, and all the staff at St Joseph’s Assisted Living. 

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Shriners Hospital in Salt Lake City.