Upton Don Young

Upton "Don" Young

July 27, 1941 - April 27, 2023

     Don was a resident of Cedaredge and a retired coal miner from Cypress Minerals Twenty Mile and Orchard Valley Coal Company.  He was a certified electrician and master mechanic for 24 years.  He was especially proud of winning the 1991 Presidents Safety Award at Cypress.  He was also acknowledged and awarded many times over the years with mine, health, and safety awards.

     Don's love of life didn't come to an end with his passing.  He went to his eternal home in Heaven above with Jesus and Loved Ones at 3:20 pm on April 27, 2023, at the age of 81, after courageously battling for a short period of time multiple organ failures and internal bleeding.  He was surrounded by many loved ones, near and far, who will continue to honor his legacy by living to the fullest.

     He was born at home, in Denver, CO to his parents, Arthur Young and Verna (Osborne) Young, on July 27, 1941.  He was one of eight children born to his parents and also had a half-sister.  He would always say, with a chuckle and a grin, "My poor mom, had her hands full with all of us kids under foot and pulling on her apron strings."

     Don (aka Thumper) met his little sweetheart, Judi (Lacy) Young (aka Flower) of Littleton, CO at a sock hop, in Englewood, CO (where he grew up), in 1958.  It was love at first sight, as he would fondly recall with a twinkle in his eyes, Judi in her poodle skirt with pink bows in her hair, fluttering her eyelashes at him.  They married on September 19, 1960.  They loved and supported one another, in every facet of life and especially enjoyed "flipping houses" and making them beautiful.  Together, they had two children, Mark, and Pami. 

     He was a loving and dedicated son, grandson, brother, nephew, husband, daddy, granddaddy, uncle, son, and brother-in-law to his family and loved ones.  He also provided love, strength, character, encouragement and solid, sound advice, to those he loved and cared for.

     Don loved spending time with his family, tinkering in his shop and really enjoyed going to estate and yard sales.  He was a dedicated Broncos fan, avid fisherman, and hunter and absolutely loved the great outdoors.  His hobbies were collecting vintage cars and trucks, guitars, antiques, and guns.  He also loved spending time in the kitchen, creating delicious meals for his wife and family.

     Don is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 62 years, Judi (Lacy) Young; his son, Mark (Stacie) Young; daughter, Pami (Young) Wolf; sister. Pat (Young) Smith; four grandchildren:  Cody Wolf, Courtney (Sam) McKinley, Whitney (Jay) Young and Christopher Young, as well as three great grandchildren:  Jaymz, Easton and Paisley.

     He was preceded in death by his parents:  Arthur and Verna Young; brothers:  Art, Tom, Dave, Paul and Joe; his little sister:  Barbie and half-sister, Jean.  His in-laws:  Charles and Evelyn (O'Brien) Lacy; brother and sister in-laws:  Al Lacy and Barbie (Lacy) Swisher.

     A funeral service will be held for Don on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 3pm at The Chapel of the Cross of Pioneer Town, in Cedaredge, CO, with a graveside service to follow immediately after, at the Cedaredge Cemetery, with reception to follow.

     In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of Don's favorite charities:  St Jude Children's Research Hospital, St Joseph's Indian School and / or the Surface Creek Animal Shelter.