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Sylvan Young, 66, passed away on October 13, 2003 from a heart attack. He was born June 19, 1937 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Syl is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jane. The two made their home in Albuquerque since 1962. Syl is also survived by his son Tyler and wife Chris of Albuquerque, his sister Ardis Young of Denver, CO, his brother Mike Young and wife Pat, nephew Kirk Young and wife Lori, all of West Lafayette, IN and niece Renee and husband Mike Krivan of Indianapolis, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Delmas and Helen Conard Young. After receiving his BS in Engineering from Purdue University, he accepted a position with Jacobson Manufacturing in Racine, WI. In 1962, he brought his wife to Albuquerque to start a career with ACF Industries as a Mechanical Engineer. Syl was very active in the Albuquerque business world. In 1965 he started an AAMCO Transmissions franchise which later provided an opportunity to start the first franchise for MAACO Auto Painting in 1973. He was wildly successful in the automotive field and had hundreds of great employees and wonderful customers. He sold his final MAACO shop in 1993 after over 20 years in the industry. The top award given by the MAACO corporate offices internationally is the "Syl Young Award" given each year to the owner/operator that best exemplifies leadership in the business world and community involvement. In 1993 he founded and operated The Gentle Stripper, restoring cars until his retirement. Syl was awarded the First Annual Maxie Anderson Small Business Man of the Year Award. Over the years he held positions in the Rotary Club, Knife and Fork Club, sat on the Board of Directors for the Better Business Bureau, was an Optimist, an Elk, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Lobo Club, Purdue Club, Past President and founding member of the Pajarito Thunderbird Classic Car Club. He also sponsored many youth and athletic clubs such as YAFL, Thunderbird Little League, bowling teams, softball teams and many others. One of his greatest joys were times he spent as a Master Mason in Mesa Lodge #68, as a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason and a very active member of Ballut Abyad Shrine in the Azayim and Loco Patrol, of which he was also a founding member. Syl also served very proudly as the Director in ROJ. I'm sure if we could see him on his way to heaven, "he would be riding one of his Harleys with a smile, and possibly a cold one". Special thanks to the staff of Hilldale Home for the care and support given to Syl and his family. There will be a public memorial and celebration of life for Syl on Monday, November 3, at 4:00 p.m. at the Shrine Auditorium 6600 Zuni Road SE. Honorary pallbearers will be all of his wonderful Shriner friends, balloonists, antique car collectors and Harley Davidson riders that all enjoyed life the way he loved life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ballut Abyad Shrine Center, 6600 Zuni Road SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 or to the Alzheimer's Association. French Mortuary 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE 275-3500
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