Gregory "Butch" Young (2011)

Young, Gregory "Butch" Young died on November 19, 2011, in Mesa, Arizona, from complications from adenocarcinoma esophageal cancer. He leaves behind his wife Sharon; daughter Desiree Hoskin, son-in-law Douglas Hoskin and granddaughter Savannah Hoskin, all of Bruceton Mills, West Vrrginia; sister Marsha (Rodney) Hermanson of Lignite, North Dakota; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father and mother.

Greg was born on March 25, 1949, in Minot, North Dakota, the only son of Geneva (Blom) and Julian Young. He spent his pre-school years in Columbus, North Dakota. Later his family moved to Lignite, ND, where he attended elementary, junior high, and high school. He was captain of the basketball team and pitcher of the American Legion baseball team. Hewas a talented musician, playing trumpet in school band and performing in several local bands throughout his life as rhythm guitarist and lead singer. As a child he sang in the Lignite Variety Shows with his mother as accompanist. He performed for many years in the Minot band Swift Current with his wife Sharon, Bernie Dyste and Randy Schwegmann.

After attending the State School of Science in Wahpeton, he married Sharon Haag of New Rockford, ND and moved to Minot, NDwhere he was employed by Minot Woodworks as a cabinetmaker and later with Ahmann Construction as foreman. Sales in phone systems and long distance phone service with Mid-Tel brought a move to Montana, where he later became a salesperson for Billings Overhead Door. After he and his wife moved to Arizona, he was a salesperson for a sign company and later a garage door company.

After moving to Dreamland Villa, Greg used his musical talents by helping with accompaniment for several performers in the DVCC Variety Shows, performing with his wile Sharon as the duo "Forever Young" at active adult communities, performing at the Pilgrim Lutheran Church's annual Living Nativity event, and giving guitar lessons to East Mesa residents.

Later in his life the accomplishment of which he was most proud was being "Papa" to his granddaughter, Savannah. He spent the first three and one-half years of her life babysitting her every weekday and many weekends. It was the most fulfilling time of his life. He loved that little girl so much and was so proud of her self¬confidence, her talents, and her inquisitive mind. Butch will be greatly missed by his family and friends.