Thomas Young Jr.
95 years
April 2, 1928 - June 30, 2023
Thomas Young Jr. was a builder.
• He built a lifelong commitment, dedication and loyalty to Jesus Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• He helped build the church on two missions.
• He built a loving and eternal partnership with his dear wife, Dwan. They recently celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary.
• Tom and Dwan built a family of 5 children, 24 grandchildren and 58 great grandchildren and spouses.
• His father started the family business in 1920 and Tom Jr. built it into what it is today, 103 years later. He is dearly loved by his coworkers.
• With his own hands he built cabins at Bear Lake, docks, flagpoles, medicine cabinets, light fixtures, handcarts, signs (of course), stools,
floats, photographic dark rooms, stereo speakers, on and on.
• But most of all Tom built others by his selfless, generous and untiring work and example.
Tom was born in Ogden, the fifth of six children to Thomas and Elmina Young. When he was 9 years old the family moved to Normandie Circle in Salt Lake. Tom attended Uintah Elementary, Roosevelt Jr. High, East High and the University of Utah.
He served in the British Mission from 1948-1950 and married Dwan Louise Jacobsen in 1951 in the Salt Lake Temple. They lived in Canyon Rim, Cottonwood and for the last 62 years in the St. Mary’s neighborhood in Salt Lake City, where he served in numerous ward and stake leadership positions.
Tom began working at Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) when he was 14 and just celebrated his 80th anniversary with the company. He was the president and CEO for 18 years and for the last 35 years, Chairman of the Board.
He loved serving in the community as an active member of the Salt Lake Rotary Club for 65 years and received the Rotary Summit Award in 2022.
He is a recipient of Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year award as well as the Distinguished Service award from the International Sign Association.
During many of Tom’s years at YESCO, he was an active private pilot flying Beechcraft Bonanzas and Barons.
Tom delighted in music and played the harmonica, accordion, trumpet, French horn and organ.
For 63 years the family has had a Bear Lake cabin near Fish Haven, Idaho. It has been and will continue to be a place of refuge, hard work, fun and family love.
Tom and Dwan shared three precious years, from 1988 to 1991, as president and companion of the Calgary Canada Mission.
Tom and Dwan’s children are Mike and Karen Young, Paul and Kathryn Young, Christine and Steve Knudson, Suzanne and Steve Jones and Jeff and Cathy Young.
Most importantly, Tom loved Dwan beyond measure. He served her and she served him. Their love is a shining light that will carry us all through until we are united again as an eternal family.
Tom lived this scripture to its fullest, “when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Monument Park Stake Center, 1320 South Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City. There will be a visitation on Friday, July 7th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and on Saturday from 10:00 to 11:30 am, prior to the funeral at the church. For those unable to attend, the funeral will be streamed via Zoom. Please click on the watch services link above. You must be signed in to your Zoom account to view.
We just heard about the passing of your Father, Suzanne. We never knew him, but we know he was wonderful because you are wonderful Suzanne. Our hearts go out to you at this tender time Suzanne and Steve and family.
My sincere condolences to the entire Young Family for your loss.
It was a privilege to be part of a business that Tom was so proud of.
Dave Wallace
Thomas Young was my mission president in Canada for nearly two years. His teachings, love and example changed me. Sincerest condolences to Dwan and the family.
Dear Dwan, “Uncle Yesco” as Dee always called Tom, was one of his favorite people. I hope they reconnect in heaven over many memories! I’m sure Dee has already searched out and met the Young ancestors he got to know by researching them. I will never forget our fun times in the big, white van hauling Yesco props, listening to beautiful movie soundtracks and hearing about your time in Canada and as primary president. I think of you fondly and admire the wonderful life you and Tom created. Lots of love, Marty Halverson Evans. (I remarried three years ago! It’s been a great new adventure!)
What a great man. What a marvellous legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
So many great memories with so much love for you Dwan and this great man! Love and prayers sent your way.
Great times with Tom he would send me the Priesthood session on conference on my mission. For parties at YESCO beer hot dogs and pancakes great memories.
Tom lived a wonderful life and leaving behind a rich Legacy. We have enjoyed our association with him and have some fond memories of Tom. We wish to convey our condolences to all of the Young Family. Thanks for the opportunity for us to be a part of the YESCO Family.
Warmest Regards,
Tim & M'lee Lambson
What an impressive obituary. Tom is truly inspirational. We can never fully express how incredibly fortunate we are to have fallen into the YESCO family and the profound impact it had on our lives. Though our visits with Tom were relatively few, we will always be inspired by his graciousness and sincerity.
Condolences from the Gopperton Family.
We celebrate Thomas’s life and legacy and find comfort in knowing that families are forever!
Stewart & Lorraine Dickson
Sending my deepest sympathy and caring wishes to you and your family.
My Deep Condolences to Mrs. Young and family. God's Blessing to all.
Love & Aloha,
Rose Palacat
Sorry for the loss of a genuine good guy. He will be missed by all who met or knew him. Enjoyed talking with Mr.Young every time he would come to Las Vegas for the service awards. Whoever follows him in the company will have big shoes to fill. God Speed Mr. Young.
Our since condolences to the entire Young family. Our family was directly impacted by the kindness, generosity and leadership Mr. Young and his family shared with us. Rest in Peace my good man.
Dear Uncle Tom,
Although we will miss you for a time, we will be reunited again!
Please enjoy a pleasant journey home!
Love, Alexis
Dear Dwan and family, I loved the very special obituary that was so fitting for such an extraordinary man. Just as the obituary stood out as superior to others, you know that Tom as a spirit child of our Father in Heaven was noted as one of his great and noble ones who would come to earth at the right time and be surrounded by a very special family to further Heavenly Father's work wherever he went just like He knew he would. You can be assured he is having a very special welcome and will be ready to welcome each one of you one by one when your work is finished too.
I admire and respect Mr. Young as a business colleague, mentor, and friend. He treated me and my employees with such kindness and respect. One memory that stands out was a time where an employee had bumped into a stack of boxes knocking down papers and photos. We met him on-site to assess the situation with our employee. After the employee explained what had happened, Mr. Young could not have been any kinder, he replied with the sincerest words of understanding letting the young man know it was okay and that accidents happen. Putting us all at ease. Mr. Young reminds me so much of my own father with his words of guidance and calming presence. I know my father, Ernest E. Wolfert, welcomed him with open arms, and they are walking with each other telling stories and continuing to do the Lords work. He will be greatly missed but I look forward to seeing him again.
Please except our deepest condolences to the Young Family. from the Gallegos Family YESCO Denver employee.
My condolence to the entire Young family in the loss of Tom, a great man.
I am truly sorry for your loss. He was a great pioneer for the company.
A true Patriarch. What an incredible and blessed 95 years of life. We will continue to lift up the Young family in prayer.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Losing a loved one is never easy, and I can only imagine the profound impacts his loss has had on your family. During this time of mourning, I hope you find solace in the memories and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you find comfort and healing.
With Deepest Sympathies.
Reza Kashani
Dear Young family.
Thinking of you at this time and sending my sincere sympathy to your lovely family. Truly one of a kind and the best there is.. I pray for your peace and love.
Darlene Whitney-Morgan and family
My sincere condolences and prayers for all that were touched by such a great follower of Jesus Christ.
God Bless You All in Jesus Name Amen.
Nick Benjamin
YESCO Service Account Executive
Denver, CO
How I love dear Tom! Memories of flipping pancakes at summer breakfasts and camp, pulling handcarts he so beautifully made, an epic float construction, and years of smiles and hugs each Sunday. Most of all the look in his eye as he spoke of his dear Dwan, what a dynamic duo! Sending much love to the wonderful Young family!
hi paul i am relly sorry to here of your loss.ithink the world of you and your family. i enjoyed working with you in phoenix. if you could send me levil lot phone or roger huber number i would apricate it i know losing parents is hard i lost mine at young age,i learned a long time ago your family and friends are the most important things in life. you were one of my favorite people i have met and your wife, the last time i saw you was las vegas at the show an you went to shack. my hand and i gave you a hug instead. i wish you and your family the best.
I truly learned to appreciate Tom when he agreed to hire me as a Legal Assistant for Neil Smith many many years ago. It was always a joy to be around Tom; always smiling, always welcoming, and always kind. To him, I was known as "Normi." Every morning I would see him in the office, he would say, "Good morning Normi!" Tom has always been an inspiration to me and I personally witnessed his loyalty to everyone in every way. My condolences to all of the Young family. Having Tom for all of these years has been a blessing, not only to his family, but also to us from the YESCO family. He will be greatly missed. Dwan, Mike, Paul, Jeff, Christine and Suzanne, love and hugs to all of you! Tom's legacy will carry on.
What a wonderful man. He was truly one of a kind. He was such a good example to me of someone who loved and served his neighbors. I enjoyed talking with him and hearing his stories. My thoughts are with Dwan and the entire Young family at this time. Much love to you all.
Our condolences to the entire Young Family. Tom was like a second father to me in my teens. Lorrie and I started our lives together at the bear lake cabin. We thank you for being part of our lives. May God bless and watch over your family, and may you always remember those sweet memories you have of Tom.
With a sad heart. I wish to express my love and respect to the the Young family.
For the loss of a wonderful example of a true follower of Jesus Christ.
He had a gift to see value in people, that they couldn't see in themselves.
He will be missed, but not forgotten.
For many hours I interviewed Tom in his office and at his home. He also led me on tours of personal (including handcarts) and YESCO facilities. I was privileged to write and publish his biography. He was such a kind and unselfish man, and also a great business man. I also interviewed, wrote and published his wife Dwan's biography. I adored their entire family and am grateful for my association. My condolence to his family, and honor you all for being such a wonderful part of his life.
The Tom and Dawna Young family have been a source of great inspiration, blessings and love for most of my life. I am deeply grateful to you all. I am saddened to think that Tom will not be with us for now.
I pray the Lord’s blessings of peace and comfort to be with each member of your family as you as you both mourn Tom’s passing and celebrate his wonderful life.
I am sorry, I will not be able to be with you in person today, but my thoughts and prayers are with you.
As a missionary in the Canada Calgary Mission, President Young made me feel important, loved, and he taught me so many great things about life. From his piloting experiences, and stories he taught me to “Stay On Course. You can miss your destination even if you are off course by one degree.”
I admire the unity that he and Sister Young showed us young missionaries, and their devotion to the Savior. He is a great man, and will continue his great service to others through eternity. My condolences to Sister Young and their family.
Thank you for being a great leader and example. You and your wonderful wife taught me a lot on my mission. Peace be with you.
My heart goes out to the Young family. Wishing you strength in this time of sorrow. He will be missed.
We send our deepest condolences to the entire Young Family.
Mr. Thomas Young Jr. was such a kind gentle soul. We will miss his presents and kind words when attending any future meetings at Yesco Salt Lake.
Truly sorry for your loss,
Michael & Tamera Valdez
Thank you for being a great leader and example. You and your wonderful wife taught me a lot on my mission. Peace be with you.
Dear Dwan, Michael, Paul, Christine, Susie, and Jeff,
From all the Kirk family, we send our great admiration to each of you for the exemplary YOUNG Family we have loved and cherished for over 50 years. We love you and honor your dear father Tom, and send to each of you our gratitude for the many cherished memories we share together - living in the Monument Park 15th Ward.
Brother Young was in the Bishopric in my youth and was always such a great mentor to me. As we have seen your beautiful family portrait each time we came to Music Circle and felt the Celestial Spirit in your home, we have felt uplifted and blessed. Thank you for the many ways you have each blessed our Kirk family. We love you each dearly and honor you and Tom this day!
The Savior lives and we will all rejoice in the day of Resurrection!
Kathleen Kirk Lindsay
Sister Young, I am so grateful for you and President Young. You were so kind, loving and patient to a very shy missionary. I learned so much from you both and I'm thankful for all you taught me. I love you both and look forward to the day we can see each other again.
I was so sorry to hear of Tom's passing.
Best wishes and thanks for all he and the family have done.
Definitely a life well lived and a wonderful legacy left behind.
I will be eternally grateful for the time spent in Canada with Pres. & Sis. Young. They are the finest people who loved without strings & genuinely worked to make a difference in the world. He used to tell me often “to be successful you need to work a lot of 8 hours days….8 am to 8 pm.” Thanks for sharing that & many other lessons with me. Much love to Sis. Young & all of your family.
Dwanne - I'm sorry to hear about Tom's passing. Both of you are such special people and have been a part of the Plowgian life for many wonderful years. May the Lord's choice blessings be with you.
With Love,
Marilyn P. Hendry
I have had the privilege of working for the YESCO family for many years. Tom Young was a kind and caring man who took the time to stop by and visit whenever he was in the office. He will be greatly missed. RIP Mr. Young
My condolences to the Young family and all his loved ones. What a remarkable and dynamic life he forged for himself, his family and so many others. His talents and fortitude created an incredible legacy for not only his family and not only his employees but for "every day people" as well. We are drawn in and bedazzled by all the lights Mr. Thomas Young Jr. and I want to say thank you. Rest in peace and prayers to the family.
Dwan Young & Christine Knudsen
Dear Dwan and Christine,
What an amazing and wonderful man! You were so blessed to have him in your life for so many years and he touched countless over lives as well. I love and admire you both, dear friends and send my love and prayers your way as your dear husband/father is now serving on the other side, but will be so very missed by you and your dear families! Know how much your wonderful examples has meant to me over the years! You will continue to bless the lives of your wonderful posterity.
Love to you both! Kathy
Mike and Karen,
May you all find joy in reflecting on your fathers life. I think often of you both everyone I see a Young Electric Sign truck. Your kindness and humility has always been motivation for me and also my father. My dad so appreciate your involvement in rotary. May God bless you all these coming days and weeks dealing with your loss.
With gratitude,
Bruce Rasmussen
I’m sorry for your loss. We’ll miss our boss.
Brother Young was a wonderful friend and neighbor. I have many fun memories that he afforded me. He took me flying in his twn engine airplane. Very cool. Often he and his family would take me skiing with them. I remember one trip he had forgotten his ski boots. We went to the Powderhouse and he bought a new pair of buckle ski boots. Up until then, we all had lace up ski boots. I was very happy for him. He and I would always say hello to each other. I felt like we had a common bond.
Love to Dwan and their family.
Bob Pearson