David Alfred Young, 79, beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, died January 10, 2017.

David was born July 19, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, the oldest of the three children of Alfred and Sylvia Young. He graduated from Detroit’s Catholic Central High School and from Michigan State University. After graduation, David moved west to earn a Masters of Forestry from the University of Washington. He earned an MBA from Seattle University and Juris Doctor from the University of Puget Sound. David met Mary Elise Horther, his future wife, at the University of Washington.

His career began during graduate school working part time with the United States Forest Service. After completing his master’s degree David worked for the Weyerhaeuser Company enjoying a 45 year career. Equally an expert in forestry and in law, he applied his timberlands knowledge to his work as an attorney. David specialized in contract law and complex real estate transactions. He was well liked and respected by his professional colleagues.

David is survived by Mary, his wife of 54 years, son Rev. David Horther Young, daughters Elise Marie Mignardot (Henry), Santa Fe NM, Mary Cecelia Morris (William), grandsons Henry and David Mignardot; brothers Steven Young, Palm Desert CA, and Allan Young, Ann Arbor MI; sister-in-law Susan Horther, brother-in-law and sister-in law Darrell and Anne Jesse and nieces and nephews Anna, Philip, Darrell, Anne Marie, Peggy, Jon, Caitlin, Claire, Lincoln, Maria, Philip, Jennifer, Joseph, Andrew and Hank.

David’s commitment to serving his family, church and community extended throughout his entire life. He was an active and present participant in his childrens’ activities. Through his quiet leadership he taught the values of faith, work and integrity to his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. His educational pathway and career have been an inspiration and set the highest standard for his family. For many years David served on the finance council of Holy Rosary Church and on the Mount Angel Abbey Foundation Board. He was a member of the Tacoma Country and Golf Club. He enjoyed the Cascade Club and was a lifelong supporter of Michigan State University Football.

Services will be held at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 512 S 30th Street, Tacoma, on Tuesday January 17, 2017. The Rosary will be at 10:30 AM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.
Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.

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