"John and I wish we could attend the gathering for Bev on Dec. 28, but we live too far away for John to travel. We loved the annual July visits to our Lake Sutherland home that Bev made with Jerry when my Bainbridge book club would meet for a potluck and poetry. That smile and graciousness was always loved. She will be missed but fond memories will remain. Much love and sympathy, Marie & John Marrs"
In loving memory of
Beverly Young
May 16, 1938 - November 21, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Beverly Burgoyne Young on November 21, 2024, at the age of 86. Bev was born Beverly Ann Burgoyne, on May 16, 1938, to Alfred and Dorothy (Nee Freeburger) Burgoyne, in Portland, OR. She spent her early years in Salem at home with her parents and two younger sisters. Her mother was very ill with tuberculosis when she was young, so she spent a lot of her young life with her aunts and cousins between Portland, Westport, and Northern California. This may be part of what seeded her adventurous spirit and "itchy foot" as she liked to call it. She loved to get out and about, and adventure often. Whether it was driving a new route on the way to Sunday breakfast with the family, or a road trip to Cannon Beach or Powell's bookstore in Portland, or the many day trips to places like La Conner and Poulsbo and Port Townsend, or seeking out a new favorite antique shop wherever she was, explores of various kinds were an integral part of her character and way of life. One of the things she used to say was that, like Bilbo from The Hobbit, she had, "a touch of Took!"
Bev was a highly skilled orator and won many awards as a speech and debate competitor while earning her bachelor's degree in education at Oregon State College. Also while there, she met the man who would become the love of her life, Gerald Young. They were married when she was 22 years old and within the first year of their marriage, she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and told that she would not live past 40. So, every day was a gift and each year was cherished, not a moment taken for granted. The wonderful biproduct of that is that they truly did live a magical life together, filled with many great adventures, including parenthood to their two children, Dan and Sara - the other great loves of her life. Together Bev and Jerry travelled both here in the US and overseas, and lived in various places around the country, including Indiana and Maryland, settling in Pullman, WA, for 40 years, where they raised their kids. She was truly a tiger with 9 lives and lived 46 years longer than the doctors ever expected. Bev was one of the longest living people in history with Type 1 Diabetes. Bev and Jerry were married for 64 years.
Bev was a kind and thoughtful person, the epitome of grace and gentle strength, who was deeply loved by her family and friends. She had a remarkable ability to lead with a quiet, but clear and assertive countenance. She always had a smile to offer and the most amazing way of keeping things in perspective, which was very reassuring to those who loved her and were fortunate enough to seek her counsel. Among her many creative skills and endeavors, Bev enjoyed a long and rewarding career as a teacher. She taught all grades, but third grade was her favorite. In her 40's she decided to go back to college and got her PhD, officially becoming Dr. Young. True to form, as a feminist and educator, she wrote her dissertation on female protagonists in children's literature, which was genuinely a lifelong interest for her. After retirement, Bev and Jerry moved to Bainbridge Island, where they lived together for the last 22 years. During that time, up until just a few months ago, she served for a great many years as the president of their condo association. Card making, "light love and large print" books and movies, fortune cookies, really cool and unique antiques and postcards, purses, shoes, and scarves, great conversations over a cup of peppermint tea - and, of course, Diet Rite pop - were among some of her favorite things.
Bev is survived by: her beloved husband, Jerry; son, Dan and his wife, Alyson; daughter, Sara, and her husband, Andy; four grandchildren, Rachael, Anna, Samuel, and Abigail; two great-grandchildren, Jeremiah and Julian; two sisters, Pamela and Nanette; sister-in-law, Joyce; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. A gathering in her honor will be held on December 28, 2024, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Island Center Hall, on Bainbridge Island. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations: American Kidney Fund, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association.
Tributes
"I remember that kind face. Aunt Bev and Uncle Jerry took myself and 2 brothers to their home and cared for us for a little while when we were small children. It has always been a fond memory. Condolences to all. Jeanne Elardo (Young) Daughter of James Young, deceased. and Lola Nelson "
"Mrs. Young was my 3rd grade teacher in 1967, I believe. She was wonderful and remained one of my favorite teachers of all time. I saw her from time to time for many years at The Old Mole in Pullman where I worked. Beverly was so loving and thoughtful. She will forever be Mrs. Young to me. I know she will be much missed. "
"Miss Beverly was one of the first People I met when I started working on Bainbridge Island 13 years ago and looked forward to seeing her and Jerry ever month...Will always see that beautiful smile when I think of her now. Will miss you my Dear Friend... Forever in my Heart! Isabelle Cobb"
"Bev always had a smile and her photo shows that perfectly. She volunteered for the same library committee I was on and helped coordinate Fields End Writers Conferences. Her love of making cards and other artful objects showed up in the table decorations for the Conference. One year, she had the idea of making miniatures of the presenting authors' book covers and displaying them in the center of each table. It was a very effective display and conference attendees took the miniature book covers home to use as book marks, a totally unexpected and continued use of the decorations. Recently, a few of the Field's End members met for a reunion and we had the pleasure of Bev and Jerry's company. I am very sorry for Jerry's and the family's enormous loss. Jan Stanton "
"She will be in my memories forever. I loved all the visits, stories, spending time with her side of the family. I will miss her greatly. "