Eric Y.W. Young

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

Obituary

Eric Yew Wah Young was born on May 23, 1958, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Roger and Rita Young. The fourth of five children, he grew up in a close-knit family that shaped his lifelong appreciation for hard work, family, and simple joys. As a child, he loved the beach, sandcastles, and his green toy army soldiers, a memory his mother fondly recalled after his Army service. From a young age, Eric showed dedication and responsibility through his paper route and by helping at his uncle’s restaurant.
After graduating from Maryknoll School, Eric enlisted in the U.S. Army at 18 and later studied Spanish at the Defense Language Institute at the Presidio of Monterey. Within six months, he became fluent enough to monitor, translate, and analyze communications related to intelligence threats. Following his military service, he earned a technical degree and began a new chapter in Hawthorne, California, working as an electronic technician for Hughes Aircraft, Boeing, and later L3, from which he retired.
Although quiet by nature, Eric had a memorable sense of humor, a generous spirit, and a gift for forming lasting friendships. His cherished friendship with Paula grew into a loving partnership that began in 1992; they married on August 31, 2012, and shared 34 years by August 2026. He also loved to cook and bake, making fruitcake each Christmas and gumbo every New Year for family and friends.
Eric was a devoted husband who lovingly supported Paula in all her endeavors. When she asked for a home office, he spent months creating a beautiful space with such care that many thought it had been professionally designed. He also took pride in hands-on projects, from building trailers and converting a camper van to writing thoughtful product reviews.
Eric found purpose in meaningful work, creativity, and service to others. He enjoyed re-piping houses, replacing roofs, remodeling kitchens, managing apartment buildings, and helping family and friends whenever needed. He dreamed of retiring to Washington, where he loved the cool gray days, rain, gardening, wildlife, and nature.
Eric passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026. He was preceded in death by his father, Roger Young, and his brother, Gary.
Eric leaves behind his beloved wife, Paula; his mother, Rita Young; his brother, Alan, and Alan’s companion, Jackie; his sister, Glynis, and her husband, Sidney; his sister-in-law, Claire; his brother, Curtis, and Curtis’s wife, Stephanie; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Eric will be remembered with love and gratitude for his quiet strength, generous heart, and lasting impact on those who knew him.

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Eric Y.W. Young

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