In Memory of Gary Young

Seonghwa

Aug 24

Written By Youth and Young Adult Ministry

Gary Young

Spouse: Maria Young
Children: Alessandra and Austin
Birthdate: June 21, 1952
Blessing: November 29, 1997
Ascension: August 18, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: September 4, 2022

Gary Young was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in Lafayette, Indiana as the third of six sons. When Gary was a high school freshman, his dad was offered a position with the Engineering faculty at Arizona State University, and the family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona. His childhood summers consisted of driving across the United States—shoved between five other boys in the back of a station wagon—visiting National Parks and camping in the woods. In high school, Gary discovered his love for golf, spending most afternoons playing in the Arizona heat. In college, he continued to play on the ASU golf team.

From early on in his life, Gary had a real sense of God's love for him and was always reading and searching for a deeper relationship with this love. His religious life truly began in 1973 when someone invited him to hear Rev. Moon give a speech in Phoenix. This speech touched him deeply. In 1975, he joined the church, working on a Global IOWC team. Gary did street witnessing in NYC and helped prepare for the Yankee Stadium and Washington Monument speeches, where he oversaw a fleet of vehicles and trucks. Later, he joined the Oakland Church, where his mission was street witnessing and driving guests back and forth to various workshops.

In 1979, Gary was assigned to serve as Rev. Kwak's driver, spending a lot of time in Belvedere. During his time at Belvedere, he had many personal experiences with Rev. Moon, Mrs. Moon, and their older children.

Dealing with some health issues, Gary moved back to Arizona in 1981, where he finished his undergraduate degree and earned his master’s in international development. He knew he would be able to serve the church better with his education completed.

In 1985, Gary returned to New York to work at IRFF on funding mission projects. He returned to his role as Rev. Kwak's driver for several months and was able to attend the first Assembly of World Religions seminar. He was in the room when the Religious Youth Service was announced, and on the drive back to New York City, Rev. Kwak assigned Gary to be the first project manager for RYS.
The many years spent developing RYS were very enriching, and Gary found a deep purpose for True Parents’ providence and his own potential. Every year, there would be a service project in a different country with young leaders from around the world, representing different religions and developing international relationships.

In 1994, Gary permanently moved back to Arizona. He started a wireless telecommunications business with one of his brothers, where his studies of land development came in handy. In 1997, he was blessed to Maria Young in Washington D.C. His two children, Alessandra and Austin, were born in 2000 and 2001. Gary instilled his deep love for nature in his children, retracing his childhood visits to over 80 National Parks and Monuments.

Gary was the kindest, most generous person that you could know, always cheering for the success and happiness of others. After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February 2022, Gary celebrated his 70th birthday before ending his days surrounded by loved ones. In all that he did, he held onto his conviction that, “the truth will set you free—never give up.”