Young

Richard R. Young, 64, of Petrolia passed away Tuesday at the Butler VNA Hospice surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Butler, Nov. 6, 1946, the son of Bernice “June” (Baker) Young.

Mr. Young had lived in the Butler County area all his life.

He was an equipment operator with the former Pullman Standard for 17 years until the time of its closing in 1981 and was known as “Ram” by his fellow employees. He then worked at Wetterau in East Butler until it ceased operations. His most recent employment was with Superior Adsorbents of Emlenton until health issues forced his early retirement in June 2010.

Rich's biggest joy in life was his family. One of his proudest moments was his daughter Amber's graduation from Thiel College.

Generous to a fault, he took in all strays, whether it be animal or human in need. His compassion and generosity were marks of his true character, evident by his willingness to give all he had to help those less fortunate. Rich had a fondness for animals of all varieties and in his younger days, he showed horses and won numerous ribbons. He took great pleasure in hunting and running rabbits with his beloved beagles, especially his favorite dog, Lacey, who preceded him in death.

He also enjoyed reading, eating out and meeting friends at the Plaza Restaurant, where he was known as “Farmer.” Rich loved tending to his beautiful vegetable gardens and always was planting fruit trees and seeds anywhere he could earning him the nickname “Richie Appleseed.”

Rich was a devoted and loving husband, father and brother and will long be remembered for his kind and gentle soul.

He will be deeply missed by his wife of 29 years, Cindy S. (Peden) Young, who he married Jan. 2, 1982; his daughter, Amber Dawn Young of Petrolia; two brothers, Dennis Young and his wife, Nancy, of Boydstown and Jeff Young and his wife, Robin, of Bradenton, Fla.; and three sisters, Karen Campbell and her husband, Jerry, of Boydstown, Pam Delk and her husband, Carson, and Kim Copeland, all of Bradenton, Fla.

Rich was preceded in death by his mother.

<B>YOUNG</B> — At the request of Richard R. Young, who died Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011, there will be no public visitation.Arrangements are by <B>Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home and Cremation Services</B>,To express online condolences to Rich's family, visit www.bauerhillisfuneral.com.