DON WILLIAM YOUNG Don William Young, loving dad, grandpa and great-grandpa, passed away on April 7, 2017, in Oroville, California, with his family by his side. Don was 82 years young, born on June 23, 1934, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to James Hale Young and Pearl Martin Young. Don's youth was spent living in many states while following his Dad's job. In 1948, Don moved to Alaska with his parents, which was the beginning of a lifelong love for the state. He started his career in construction there at an early age. He and his wife, Gae Bryson, also started their family in Alaska. While he lived in many states, he considered Alaska and California to be home. He spent the majority of his work life as a miner doing tunnel construction, working mainly for Laborers' Union Local 341. He worked on many Alaskan projects over the years, including the Alaska Pipeline. His expertise in tunnel construction and experience in supervision took him to jobs in California, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Nevada, New York, and Taiwan. Don was a kind, big hearted and caring man. He always had a story to tell and his love for life filled those who surrounded him. He was a great dancer. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards, spending time with his children and grandkids, and being a good friend. Card games at Don's were a real event. Stories, laughter, food and fun were something you could always count on when you were with him. In his later years, Don enjoyed traveling with friends and family. He'd hit the road in his motor home for stays in Arizona, and visits with his kids and friends. He and his friend, Mary, took cruises to Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska. He had many memorable fishing and hunting trips with family in Alaska, Guatemala, Mexico, Utah, Montana and California. Don was active in the Moose and Eagles, in both Alaska and California. He was a member of the Laborers' Union from his teens, and built many friendships with co-workers from all parts. He really enjoyed the comradery of the annual Laborers' Picnics. Don is survived by his sons, Craig Young (Joan), Scott Young, Joe Young (Mickie); his daughters, Mickie Wilson (Glenn), Debbie Kirkness (Kenny), Jackie Macais (Tony); ten grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren; his special friend, Mary Higgins; numerous nieces and nephews; and many close friends. Don was preceded in death by his wives, Darlyne Young and Evelyn Young; his parents, Jim and Pearl Young; and his brother, Jimmy Dean Young. A visitation for family and friends will be held at Scheer Memorial, 2410 Foothill Blvd, Oroville, on Thursday, April 13, 2017, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 14, 2017, at Christian Faith Center, 7695 Melvina Avenue, Palermo, CA. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Oroville.



Published in Chico Enterprise-Record from Apr. 11 to Apr. 12, 2017