Norman Dean Young

Norman Dean Young left this earth to be with his Lord and Savior in the early hours of April 8, 2021, at the age of 89. He was born to Samuel and Lena (Lloyd) Young on February 19, 1932, in a little old house in Adair County, Missouri. Norman was the youngest of four (Dillard Young, Evelyn Young Clay Davis, and Donna Young Thomas), born seven years after his next oldest sister Donna. The family moved to Idaho in 1939, driving in two cars, a Ford Model A Coupe and a 1935 Ford Sedan, pulling all their belongings in a trailer. They settled in Melba initially and ultimately bought a farm in Emmett, Idaho.

Norman got his first motorcycle, a 1946 Harley, in the eight grade. Thus, began his lifelong love of anything to do with motorcycles. At the ripe old age of 16, Norman convinced his parent to let him ride his motorcycle (alone) all the way to Phoenix, AZ, to visit a friend. He survived the trip with some great stories to tell. Norman left Emmett High School prior to graduation to join the Air Force. Before leaving for basic training he married his high school sweetheart, Clare Isabelle Spoor. Norman served four years during the Korean war at Sewart Air Force base in Smyrna, Tennessee. While there his two oldest daughters, Debra Diane (1952) and Denise Duren (1954), were born. After his discharge from the Air Force in December 1954, they moved home to Emmett, Idaho, where he tried his hand at farming and milking cows for a short while. It wasn’t exactly his cup of tea so they moved to Boise, Idaho, and Norman went to work for the Air National Guard for several years. Anga Marie was born in Boise in 1960. Norman (after several different career stops) ultimately went to work for and retired from the federal government GSA motor pool.

On July 8, 1983, Norman married Donna Syme of Caldwell, Idaho. Norman inherited two more adult children, Kent Syme and Joan Seidenstucker. Between them, there are five children, 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Norman and Donna enjoyed traveling on the motorcycle with friends and then with a travel trailer, spending several winters in Arizona. They were married 37 years. After retirement, Norman took up woodworking and built all kinds of things for this kids and grandkids: rocking horses, doll houses, bird houses, tea carts, etc. Norman sold his Honda Goldwing in 2002 and bought a “scooter” that was easier to handle. It was a sad day when Norman decided it was time to sell even the scooter.

Norman was a life-long member of the Church of Christ, serving as a deacon and putting in many work hours on church buildings and the church camp at Idaho City. He is survived by his wife, Donna Young; his three daughters, Debra Irish (Ray Westmoreland), Denise (Dave) Ward and Anga (Chris) Velasquez; Donna’s children, Kent Syme and Joan (Duane) Seidenstucker. He is also survived by his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nephews and nieces. A life well-lived in service to his Lord.

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