Robert (Bob) Young

Young, Robert (Bob) Stephen - of Fenton, passed away at home Monday, May 18, 2020 after living a full and adventurous life of 67 years.

Bob was born February 15, 1953, the youngest son of Dean and Doris (Heidebreicht) Young.  Raised in Genesee, Michigan, Bob spent his childhood playing sports, loving cars, spending time on Cedar Lake, and being the wild child of the four Young boys. From an early age his dad drove home the importance of hard work and Bob got his first job at his Uncle’s dealership Middle-Heid before he could drive.  From there and after graduating High School he held an assortment of jobs before determining that he wanted to be his own boss.  He used all his money to finance a backhoe in the spring of 1979, which he learned to operate within a few hours by digging practice holes in a vacant field, and thus began R.S. Young Excavating, Inc.  With the support of his wife, and countless loyal and dedicated employees, his one man sewer installation crew grew and evolved into what is today Young’s Environmental Cleanup, Inc. And while he was just a high school graduate, Bob was a natural leader who was willing to take risks in order to be successful.  He had the unique ability to see things that others did not see when it came to business decisions.

Bob put his heart and soul into developing his businesses, he believed in working hard and earning an honest living. Even though recently Bob was not at the office every day, he continued with daily check-ins to his right-hand man and confidant Kris Thiel, ensuring his infamous red trucks were clean (to his standards inside and out), and making sure that everything was up to snuff because, as he always said, “if you are going to do something, it better be done right the first time.” Which if you ever had the honor of getting your butt chewed by Bob, just know that meant he loved you, and the more he lit you up, the better off he wanted you to be.  He lived for Emergency Response projects, thrived when he got the opportunity to work in the field side-by-side with his crews, and loved coming to the office where his two daughters and son-in-law now work to carry on his legacy.

While Bob was dedicated to his career, he was most passionate about his family and friends.  He was often described as one-of-a-kind, the type of person that could walk into a bar, a restaurant, a gathering, etc. and leave with five new friends.  He loved to socialize, often referring to himself as the ‘entertainment director’.  He was able to talk to anyone, and when he became your friend, he was all in.  He was always checking in on others, making sure people had what they needed - he was both generous in time and resources, and never wanted credit or recognition for all he did. He truly had a heart of gold.

As evident in his life, and even during his 12- year battle with prostate cancer, he knew how to have fun.  He never passed up an opportunity to spend time with those he loved the most. From boating and fishing the Great Lakes and the Gulf Coast of Florida, to snowmobiling all through Michigan, Canada, and Wyoming, spending time up north with all the Young's at the family cottages, Kearsley softball, car shows, family vacations, motorcycle trips, cooking, throwing parties, hunting, chatting with the neighbors, spending time with his grandchildren, and dancing whenever he got the chance, he would make more memories in a year than many make in a lifetime.  It constantly amazed people how close he was with his wife Trudy, his immediate and extended family, and how much time they all spent together. Much like his father Dean, he made sure to be involved, and create meaningful memories whenever possible.

Bob leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 37 years Trudy (Mary Larson); daughters Stephanie (Tim) Mitchell; Kristina (Dave) Josselyn; grandchildren Knox, Lila, Scarlett, Quinn and Penelope; brothers Bruce (Judy) Young, Michael (Wendy) Young, David (Jody) Young; special niece and ‘best bud’ Lori Rowlison, many other important nieces and nephews, and more valued friends than one could possibly list. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Doris Young.

Cremation has taken place and following Bob's final wishes an outdoor gathering to celebrate his life will be held from 5-10PM Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 10244 Torrey Rd., Fenton,  (casual outdoor setting) with tributes by family and friends from 6-7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made out to the R.S. Young Foundation, G5305 N Dort Hwy, Flint, MI 48505, a foundation that continues to support local community groups and charities that were of importance to Bob.