Philip W. Young, Sr.

Philip Young was a deeply devoted, loyal, lovable man, and a man who always knew what was most important. He lived a full, wonderful life, a life full of love and family and friendship, of warm memories and fun-filled days. Philip worked hard for what he had, and truly deserved the life he enjoyed. In so many ways, Philip Young was truly blessed, but not as blessed as we were to have known him. The year was 1921, and America was still in celebration of its momentous victory in World War I, and beginning to rev up the Roaring Twenties. Prohibition was now in full effect, with the 18th Amendment ratified just a year earlier. But with the passing of the 19th Amendment, granting Women's Suffrage, there was a renewed sense of hope and prosperity surrounding the nation in 1921, as America moved from the Industrial Age to a new, Progressive Era. Here in this little corner of the globe, Philip and Susie (DeMoor) Young had their own reasons for celebration, with the birth of a baby boy, a son they named Philip, just like his father. Philip's dad was an insurance salesman, while his mother cared for their home in Muskegon and also worked at Kresge dime store. Philip was joined by sister Emily and brother Howard in the Young household, filling it with plenty of love and laughter. Philip enjoyed a wonderful childhood, fishing, swimming and playing marbles with his friends, yet he also was raised with a strong work ethic from an early age. His parents taught him he had to work for what he wanted in life, and young Philip made some spending cash with a paper route and by selling celery from a little wagon he pulled up and down his neighborhood streets. He had many warm memories from his youth on those streets, where he found so many friends, as well as the love of his life. Philip attended school with a girl from his neighborhood named Pauline Nieboer, a pretty girl two years behind him in school. They'd often pass each other in the halls at Muskegon High School, and it wasn't long before they fell in love. Philip graduated from Muskegon High in 1941, and went on to take business courses at a local business school, while Pauline finished up her high school career, graduating in 1943. The two were then anxious to begin their life together, especially since the turbulent times would soon separate the young couple. The dark clouds of World War II had reached our shores by then, and every American was called on to do their part. Philip was sent to fight overseas in the U.S. Army, but not before he and his beloved Pauline were married, on September 27, 1943 in Muskegon. Philip was gone for 2 years, helping fight the most important war in our nation's history. While he deeply missed Pauline, he was happy to faithfully serve his country, ever the loyal, dedicated man. When his service ended, he returned home to Muskegon, to his beloved bride, and picked up right where his life left off. They soon started a family, and were blessed with four wonderful children: sons David, Richard, and Philip, and daughter Susan. Philip provided for his family by working as an Office Manager of Apex Welding, where he remained until he retired, 40 years later. That was Philip, though, forever loyal and dedicated. Philip was an amazing father and husband, a caring, lovable, fun parent who raised his children to become fine people in their own right. He adored his children with his whole heart, and later his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who filled his life with such pride and joy. Philip and Pauline made sure they did things together as a family, whether it was fishing, boating, or attending Muskegon High's Big Red football games together. Philip and Pauline were lifelong Big Red fans, and loyally followed their alma mater as season ticket-holders for over 50 years! They faithfully cheered on so many great teams in that time, and have so many fond memories of those chilly fall Fridays, huddled together with their extended "family" of Big Red fans. Philip was there in those stands even in the lean years, too, forever loyal to those he cared about. Philip cared about so many people, though. He had friends everywhere, it seemed, thanks to his lovable personality and outgoing demeanor. He and Pauline were so compatible in so many ways, and loved to be social together. They loved to play cards, especially Setback and Pinochle, and belonged to many clubs together, such as the Shriners, the Masons, the Scottish Rite, the American Legion and Philip was a Past Master of Muskegon Masonic Lodge #140. They were also very active in the Holton United Methodist Church, where they lived after Philip "retired." It wasn't in Philip's personality to sit still very long. After he retired from Apex, he went to work for Blue Lake Township as a Trustee, and later as Supervisor for many years. While he was a Supervisor, he volunteered his time on several committees as well as helping to transport children to the Shrine Hospital in Chicago. Philip and Pauline loved the lake so much, and loved to go boating, or roasting marshmallows around the campfire at his house on Blue Lake. Philip loved that house, and loved being around so much nature. He loved to feed the birds, or work in his garden. He also loved history, and politics, and would readily engage you in a lively discussion on either topic. But most of all, of course, Philip loved and cared about his family, who always had his full attention, his full heart. He was an amazing father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a loving and loyal husband for 63 years. He was a man who worked hard, and earned what he had, and he was blessed with so much. We were so blessed to have known him. He will be greatly missed. Mr. Philip 'Phil' W. Young, age 85, died Wednesday, May 24, 2006. SURVIVORS: Wife, Pauline M.; 3 sons, David Young of Florida, Richard (Joan) Young of Muskegon, Philip (Myra) Young of Grand Haven; 1 daughter, Susan Warren of Kalamazoo, MI; 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Emily (Glen) Arsnoe of Florida; & several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents & 1 brother, Howard Young. MEMORIAL SERVICE: Saturday, June 3, 2006, 11:00 AM at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Rev. Ken Bremer officiating. VISITATION: Friday, June 2, 2006, 6-8 PM at Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: In lieu of flowers please consider Hospice of Michigan, Muskegon Masonic Temple or charity of your choice. You may sign the online guest book at www.lifestorynet.com.