William "Bill" Young

William (Bill) Paul Young, age 78, of Holland, MI., was whisked to heaven on November 8, 2022.

Bill was born on August 7, 1944 in Fort Jackson, S.C. to the late Junior and Eleanor (Beckman) Young. Growing up in Nebraska, he later received his basic training at Fort Jackson and served in The National Guard of Colorado for 6 years. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Denver University and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Iowa State University where he worked as Manager of Food Service for 25 years.

He enjoyed owning and working on early 1930 Model A cars. His father was an auto body man, so they enjoyed working together. He also loved music, contemporary and southwestern art, Native American culture, welding metal art, and baking artisan bread, since he worked in a European bakery starting at age 14. He dearly loved his 3 cats – Greyboy, Sunny, and Hommie – whom he lived with for 18 years.

Bill will be remembered for his decades of selfless, humble service to those in need: nearly 20 years at Habitat for Humanity; building and grounds maintenance at his church; a gracious landlord; and his unparalleled work ethic. He loved helping his family and friends with countless projects, hosting and cooking wonderful dinners with his wife, and having quiet reflective conversations.

Bill is survived by his wife of 35 years, Mary VanderPol Young; daughter Christina Young (Chad Nance); Stepsons Mike Van Ast (Renae), Paul Van Ast (Tammy), and Tim Van Ast (Lonna); 7 grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Judy, his parents, and brothers Larry and Doug.

In keeping with Bill’s request, cremation will take place and a memorial service will be at 1:00pm Nov 15 at Saugatuck Christian Reformed Church (6591 Old Allegan Rd, Saugatuck) with a one-hour visitation prior to the service at noon.

In memory of Bill, memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Holland.