Major Robert Paul Young

Major General Robert Paul &qoute;Rip&qoute; Young passed away on January 17, 2010 after a year-long battle with cancer in his usual upbeat and uncomplaining manner. His loving wife Bettye battled along side him, caring for him &qoute;in sickness,&qoute; true to the vows they made 66 years ago. Rip was a man of exemplary character and remarkable achievement, but most importantly he was a strong and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He inspired us with his dedication to family and his strong work ethic; his honesty and his willingness to speak the truth in love; and his optimistic approach to life. His wonderful sense of humor and love of laughter have always been the hallmark of family gatherings. He was frugal, but generous of spirit, willingly sharing the fruits of his labor with family, friends, and charitable causes. Rip was born on December 17, 1919 in Mitchell, South Dakota, to loving parents, Alice Victoria Stenerson Young and Paul Murray Young. He attended the United States Military Academy USMA at West Point, N.Y., graduating in June 1942 with a degree in Civil Engineering. Then, as a new 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army, he was sent to North Africa to oppose the German forces. After returning from Africa, he married his sweetheart, Bettye Jean Bean, whose father had been stationed at West Point. Rip and Bettye are the parents of three daughters, all of whom survive him: Barbara Jim Morrison, Linda Rob Erickson, and Tricia Rick Hughes. He had close, loving relationships with his daughters, and he was blessed to have three wonderful sons-in-law, whom he esteemed and trusted. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, who dearly loved and affectionately knew him as &qoute;Bumpy&qoute;: Evan Morrison Emily, Jeanne Morrison Groberg Jon, Paul Morrison Kimberly, Anne Morrison King Benji, Olivia Erickson, Andy Erickson, Maggie Hughes and Sally Hughes. Rip had a distinguished and fascinating military career. He fought against Rommel &qoute;The Desert Fox&qoute; and the Germans in North Africa 1942 to 1943. Later, in 1946, his earlier outstanding performance planning air landing sites across the Pacific, led to his selection as the top aide to Lt. General Leslie R. Groves. In that role, he helped organize and establish the post-war development and production of the atomic bomb. In the early 1960’s, as Executive Assistant to James Webb NASA’s top administrator Rip was a member of the team that developed manned space flight, culminating in the Apollo moon landing. In the 1970’s he oversaw construction of the Antiballistic Missile System ABM across the northern border of the U.S. He also served in Korea and in the Veitnam War. He rose to the rank of Major General in the United States Army, loving and defending our beloved country and its Constitution. He nobly wore the uniform of this nation and was an officer and a gentleman to his core. Rip is also survived by Bettye’s brother, Richard J. Bean Col. US Army, Ret and his wife, Sally Alexander Bean; two nephews, Col. Robert A. Bean Jane and Dr. Robert R. Rietz Elaine; two nieces, Leslie Bean Gottesmann Rob and Janet Rietz Tschabrun; and eight great-grandchildren, Mike and Sara Morrison; Elizabeth, Lucy, Scott and Mason Groberg; Adam and Darren Morrison; and a 6th great-grandson due to be born in April. Rip goes to join his father and mother; his sister Yvonne and her husband, Roy K. Rietz; his niece Paula Rietz; and his great-granddaughter Melissa Morrison. Both in the military and as a parent, he always tried to inspire those &qoute;under his command&qoute; to do their best by doing his own best as an example. He was patient and encouraging. He was an excellent teacher, always treating those of lower &qoute;rank&qoute;, be it his soldiers or his children, with kindness, fairness and loyalty. Our only consolation for the loss of our dear Husband, Dad, Bumpy, Uncle, Brother and Friend is that we know that he is now with God who loves him even more than we do. Thanks to the staff at Avalon Care Center for their tender care of our Dad during the last week of his life. We are deeply grateful to those members of the wonderful Intermountain Homecare Hospice team who cared for our Mom and Dad and entire family. They are special people and no one should go through this experience without them. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to this fine organization in Rip’s name at: Hospice at Intermountain Homecare, 3776 Wall Ave., Ogden, Utah, 84405, 801 399-1400. When weather permits, the family will gather for a memorial service at USMA on the Hudson River at West Point, N.Y. Dad and Mom met, courted and married in this beautiful place. He will be inurned in the Columbarium near the Cadet Chapel. A place waits here for his loving wife, Bettye, when she eventually joins him. Friends and neighbors are welcome to visit with the family at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.