Retired Navy Commander, William “Bill” H. Young, 101, died of natural causes on Tuesday, March 31, 2009, at his home in Anacortes. He was the eldest of three sons and was born on November 19, 1907, in Girdwood, Alaska, to early pioneers, Emil L. and Marion S. (Jacobson) Young.

Bill attended grade school and high school in Seattle, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1926, and then graduating from Washington State University in 1930. He was commissioned a Naval Officer in the United States Navy in 1934 and retired in 1964 after 30 years of service. While in the Navy, he was awarded the Bronze Star and several Letters of Commendation. Bill also retired from CIT Corporation after 10 years of service. He was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa at WSU, the Fidalgo Masonic Lodge #77, a life member of the American Legion, the NAS Whidbey Officer’s Club, the Retired Officers Association, and the Fleet Reserve Association.

Bill married Irene C. King on August 18, 1934, in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. They traveled all over the world and lived in California, Seattle, San Diego and Oak Harbor, before moving to Anacortes in 1996. Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Irene, who passed away on September 7, 1997, after 63 years of marriage; his parents; and both of his brothers, Harrison and Norman Young. He is survived by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin King of Bothell, Mr. and Mrs. Norman King of Lodi, Calif., and Mr. and Mrs. Vernon King of Castle Rock, Wash.; besides many nieces and nephews. Many thanks go to all of Bill’s caregivers, friends, and neighbors that helped care for him during his life.

He will be greatly missed! At Bill’s request, no services will be held. Inurnment will be at LaurelHill Memorial Park in Cle Elum, Wash. Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and the San Juan Islands. To share memories of Bill, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.