Former Sitkan Nathan Luke Young passed away in Bellingham, Wash., on Oct. 27, 2013, with his loving wife, Yvonne, and five sons by his side. A memorial was held Nov. 5 in Bellingham.
Nathan was born on May 9, 1939, in Toledo, Ore., to Paul Nemuel Young and Gladys Mamie (Wolkau) Young.
He served in the United States Air Force from 1956 to 1959, stationed in Japan and Wadena, Minn.
In 1958 he married Yvonne Venzke. They shared 55 happy years together, five sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Nathan worked on the Alaska pipeline from 1975 to 1978, and drove the larger rigs for years on the Oregon coast.
Nathan and Yvonne lived in Sitka for about 10 years, with their children and grandchildren. Nathan also worked at Lane 7, drove taxi and also cared for his two grandchildren, Kyla and Joshua, before retiring in 2001.
Nathan was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Gladys Young, sister Melea Willis, brother Seth Young and niece Ida.
He is survived by his wife Yvonne Young, and children Mark (Dawn) and Kyle (Lillian) of Sitka; Brent (Joanie) of Mount Vernon, Wash.; Craig of Sumas, Wash.; and Monte (Pamela) of Sitka.
His grandson, Joshua Young; seven granddaughters, Chelsea (Dustin) McLeod, Jennifer, Kaisha, Kacie, Kyla, Emily and Sydney; and three great-grandchildren, Mason, Loralei and Isabella McLeod, also survive, along with a brother-in-law Dale Venzke (Paulette); sister-in-law Nila Venzke; and many nieces, nephews and friends whom he loved.
His family states that he will be greatly missed for his laughter, love, humor and his love for guitar playing/music.
The family will hold a celebration of life in 2014 at the Mt. Vernon home of Brent Young, with family and friends.
Correspondence can be sent to Yvonne at 1305 Boon Avenue #119, Sumas, WA 98295-9645.
