Jack "Doc" Young
On October 31st, 2009 with Renee, his wife of 54 years, daughter Kelly, son-in-law David, and beloved grandchildren Kesley and Cole at his bedside, Jack passed away peacefully after succumbing to a sudden stroke.
Jack was born October 25th, 1930 to Clinton and Mary Young in Ft. Morgan, CO; thus beginning is love affair with the Denver Broncos.
He attended grade school, junior high and high school in Ft. Morgan, CO; participating in football, basketball and track for the Mustangs. This was his inspiration for Jack’s teaching career. However being the dutiful man he was before he could move to higher education, he enlisted in the army to serve the country he loved. His dream to serve his country was short lived as he failed to pass the medical exam due to a heart murmur. Little did the army know his heart was perfectly healthy and strong. Jack opened his heart to thousands of students, athletes, family and friends, touching the lives of many.
Jack and Renee met in the 8th grade and began their married life together on April 29, 1953. Together they grew, learned and loved for 54 years. Jack’s unconditional love for his family was paramount.
After several years working at Sears, Renee persuaded Jack to attend college to pursue his dream job of coaching and teaching. Jack drove 100 miles everyday to attend Greeley Teaching College in Greeley, CO, graduating in 1960. On the recommendation of his college professor, who had heard a new high school was opening, Jack and Renee drove to Billings, MT to apply for a teaching position at Billings West High School. He was hired on the spot and his dream of teaching and coaching football began. Jack taught at West High for 30 years, retiring in 1990. He made many life long friends and loved every minute of everyday while teaching and coaching.
In 1960, Jack became the first high school trainer in the state of Montana. His grumpy persona was just a façade as he taped and wrapped many ankles with tender loving care.
In 1987, Jack began a new adventure as a business owner. He, Renee, daughter Kelly and son-in-law David Jones opened Stepn’ Out Formal Wear in Billings, MT. Dad was the power behind the scenes working everyday, scrubbing shirts, cleaning shoes, putting together tuxedo’s and his favorite of all was harassing high school boys while fitting them for their annual formals. Part of Jack’s daily routine at Stepn’ Out was meeting Francis Rose and Don Russell for coffee, donuts and tackling the world and West High’s latest problems. After the morning coffee and making sure to get the girl’s at Stepn’ Out up and running, he stopped by his house to check up on wife Renee and give his dog Cola a bone. His next stop was the Rio Casino where the girls treated him like a king; a few slots later he made his way back to the store for a final check and on to his home where his wife and dog were always waiting.
Jack had lived a simple life and had a profound affect on all who knew and loved him. Dad, Grandpa, we love you more than words could ever explain. We will see you in heaven with your arms and heart wide open.
Jack is survived by his best friend and love of his life Renee, daughter Kelly and son-in-law David Jones, grandchildren Kesley and Cole Jones and his forever faithful companion Cola the dog.
A visitation service will be held for friends and family at Michelotti Sawyers from 2 to 8 on Tuesday the 3rd of October. The funeral will also be held at Michelotti Sawyers at 2 pm on Wednesday November 4th. Memorial gifts may be made to the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society or the Jack “Doc” Young Scholarship Fund at Altana Credit Union.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
Renee, Kelly, David, and family,
Kelly, so sorry to see that your Dad passed away. My heart goes out to you all. Never an easy time, but my thoughts and prayers are with you in the days to come. Your Mom and Dad always were so kind and so kindly open their doors to your college roommates!! Your Dad never let any grass grow under his feet, leaving you all with many great memories, which is a true gift.
Again my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
God Bless,
Janelle Luther Bergum
Kelly and Family,
My parents called today to let me know about your Dad passing away. I wanted to let you know that I have thought of "Doc" many times over the years, and doing so always brought a smile to my face. I knew that under that gruff exterior ("Meldahl, what are you whining about now? Do you have a hang nail you want me to kiss and make better?"), that there was a man who cared deeply for the athletes fortunate to call him "Doc". I trusted him, and he returned that trust with good judgment and skillful care. His care not only involved taping ankles, bandaging up cuts and icing bruises, but more importantly, it brought a sense of reassurance that all would be "ok"and often a gentle ribbing that helped one smile through the pain.
As you and your family experience the pain of this loss, I pray that the great memories you have of your Dad will bring smiles to your faces and some measure of comfort. And, know that your Dad made a difference. He made a difference in my life, and I can only imagine the thousands of other West High athletes that feel the same way.
Your friend,
Dave Meldahl
Renee, Kelly, David, Kesley and Cole
My heart is just broken to hear the news of Jack's passing. I considered Jack to be my adopted grandpa for so many years. He was always my biggest cheerleader and was always there to give his advice in his grumpy voice. Granted all the advice ended in quite your accounting job, and get back to work at the shop. There was always a smile to follow!! He was a great man, and I will miss him so much. I'm in Helena right now, and will not be able to make it for the funeral. It is just breaking my heart. Kesley and Cole, my thoughts are with you as you go through this loss. I just lost my grandpa a month ago, and know how hard it is. Stay strong, and remember all the great memories. I know there are so many great memories. Love all of you so much.
Kendra
To the Young family:
I heard today that Doc passed away and wanted to send my condolences to each of you. I am a 1985 graduate of West High and Doc was my favorite teacher! I'll never forget the day my niece was born and he let me skip my test and leave for her birth. There was even an occasion or two when us girls painted our nails during class...but we still learned so much from him because Doc made everything relevant to our lives as young people. He was the heart and soul of West High's athletics and I'm sure he's chatting up a storm with many crazy West High sports enthusiasts who made the trip to Heaven before him (I know my dad is LOVING his company right now)! I know your hearts must be so full of sadness and grief right now but may you find comfort in all the joy he brought to your lives. Please know that Doc was TRULY loved by MANY and that his memory will live on in the city of Billings and all over the country as the people whose lives he touched will never forget him ... he will be dearly missed! My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult time.
Melissa Honnold Scheumann
Auburn, WA
Dear Kelly and Family,
Kristi just called to let me know that your Dad has passed away. We are
sorry to learn of your loss. It's truly a sad day. However we both have such fond memories of Doc. Coaches came and went but Doc was the consistency behind West High Athletics.Your Dad had such a positive influence on so many lives - not many people can say that! He was the greatest!
God Bless,
Lee and Kristi Robinson
Kelly, David and Mrs. Young,
I know I speak for hundreds if not thousands of people that "Doc"
touched in his amazing life. He had a big impact on all of us.I feel a tremendous loss today! I have so many memories of Doc, and all of them are good ones. He left of bit of himself in all of us! He was unbelievably kind and thoughtful to me!!
My thoughts and prayers are will all of you!
Craig Hurlbert
To the Young family:
I was at West when Mr. Young's first started teaching there. He was a fun teacher to have and a did a great job teaching us current events. I got to know him better as an assistant to Mr. Norm Theiss, the football coach at the time. It was my privilege to have a daughter in his class some years later. He truly made an impact on the lives of many students over the years. God bless him and all of you. Warren Hill
To the Young family I want to tell you how truly saddened I was to hear the news about Doc. I am one of the many students whose life was touched by having him as a teacher. Although I was not an athlete, he recognized something in me that I didn't even realize existed at the time. When all kinds of truly overwhelming problems were occurring at home, he reached out and rescued me by recommending that I go abroad in the People to People program. Although the trip didn't occur the year he originally recommended me, he didn't let up and I ended up in the orient the year after
graduation. Through his teaching, he instilled in me a love for history and democracy. Through his determination I was able to turn that into a minor in college. And today I am working full time in an occupation that focuses on public policy and the election process. It is truly amazing to think how the influence of one individual in the life of someone who would have otherwise be seen as insignificant can have such a profound impact.I would also like to let you know one other profound occurrence that didn't impact my life as much as one other individual. During our time in Doc's class he made a comment that made me feel that I could come to him with anything. Later in the year, I had that need when I realized a really good friend was heavily drinking. I approached Doc and asked him to help me help my friend. The individual was placed on in school suspension and within a few short hours her body began to go through detox which resulted in an emergency trip to the hospital. She ended up in the Rimrock Foundation where she was able to get the help she needed. It was discovered through the process that she was drinking a fifth of vodka before lunch and a fifth of vodka in the afternoon. I tell you this story for two reasons. One, some teachers would have turned the other direction and say that it wasn't their place to get involved, but not Doc. He cared enough to do something about it. Two, soon after she was released from Rimrock Foundation, this individuals family moved to the Midwest so you might not otherwise hear the story of Doc's heroism in her life.
I have no doubt that there are numerous stories similar or perhaps even more profound than mine. But I pray that as you read about the impact Doc had in my life, you will find comfort in knowing he truly made the world a better place than he found it and I have no doubt that when he met our Lord in heaven he was received with open arms and the Lord saying, "Well done my good and faithful servant, Well Done!"
Denise M. Smith
Mrs. Young, Kelly, and Dave,
I feel a true sense of loss this morning when I heard Doc Young had passed away. I have such fond memories of my time with Doc in the training room. At that time in my life, he was one of those rare adults who could relate to you on many levels. He always seemed to know when empathy or a kick in the pants was the right course of action. Most of all I knew Doc cared more about the athletes than winning.
I feel very blessed to have spent three years in Mr. Young's presence. He will be missed.
God bless,
Cameron Slade BWHS '80
Dear Kelly, Dave and family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Doc. I just sat down to read the Gazette to "catch up" on what was going on there and was so sad to read about your dad. We have so many great memories of him and can't begin to share them because we would have to write several pages! We are all so lucky to have known him because he really cared about kids. He really brought such a great sense of support to BWHS! He was loved by so many and I know that when we hear the name "Doc" a smile comes across our face! He was just that way.....he made us "kids" smile and laugh! He kept us in line when we needed to be kept in line, he listened when we needed an ear and he did it with a smile. He mattered to all those who knew him! We will treasure those memories and keep them forever near our hearts! We just wish that so many years hadn't passed since we saw Doc and all of you. Please know that we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. We hope that your heart will begin to heal with all of the warm, wonderful stories that are being shared. Take care and we hope to see you in 2010.
Love, Gregg and Darla Fagan
To the Young family:
I am so sorry to hear about Jack's passing. I always looked forward to visiting Jack when I came to Billings on business. His passion for his family, his business and his country will be what I remember the most about him. Every time I would visit, Jack would offer me a cup of coffee, offer me a seat and talk at length about the issues in his life. His straight forward manner was what I admired most about him. He was a wonderful man. I will miss him greatly.
Tim Moran