Young Automotive Group Announces Death of Patriarch Sam Young
Layton, UT – The Young Automotive Group announces with great sadness the death of its patriarch, Sam Young. Sam passed away peacefully on October 18, 2017 at 1:27 p.m., surrounded by loved ones. He was 89 years old.
Mr. Young took over Olsen Chevrolet from his father-in-law, Jack Olsen, in the early 1950s. He ran it alongside Kent Murdock until the 1970s. At the time, in order to accommodate their rising posterity, the two decided to part ways. Under Young’s direction, Olsen Chevrolet became Young Chevrolet, which evolved into the Young Automotive Group.
Sam led Young Automotive Group as its president and CEO for many years, until his retirement in 1989, when he moved into a director role. During his tenure as CEO, Mr. Young opened two new automotive dealerships and expanded the company’s service and body shop departments. His legacy continues at the Young Automotive Group, which is presently owned and operated by his children and grandchildren.
Mr. Young was a key influencer on Utah’s automotive industry. He served as the president of the Utah Auto Dealers Association in 1976, and was inducted into the Utah Auto Dealers Association Hall of Fame in 2009.
Sam’s community involvement and philanthropic endeavors spanned many areas. He served as the president of the Davis County Chamber of Commerce, and received its Legacy award in 2000. He served on the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary for fifteen years. For over four years, he served alongside his wife, Marian, as a substance abuse recovery missionary at the Davis County jail. The couple also spent four years as temple workers at the LDS Ogden temple. Sam was the head of Ogden exchange club, and also served as a Boy Scout leader for several years.
Mr. Young was a yachting and sailing enthusiast, and served as Commodore of the Lake Powell Yacht Club in 1990. For many years, he and Marian lived on a house boat on Lake Powell.
Sam was passionate about skiing, tennis, and WSU basketball. He had a fantastic sense of humor, and was known for his wit and candor. He was always making those around him laugh.
Mr. Young was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on August 13, 1928. He was married to Bertie Laura Olsen in 1951 and together they raised their 6 children. They later divorced. Sam married Marian in 1994. His posterity is large, including his 6 children, 3 step-children, 31 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren.
GREAT MAN AND A GREAT FRIEND.
Spencer.. sorry to hear of your lose, GOD speed my friend, our condolences, thoughts and prayers to you and all your Family.
I’m sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to Spencer Sr. and family.
Sam referred to me as his “visiting angel” as I was occasionally able to spend time with him, and help him get things done. He is a great guy. And has a great family.
So sorry to hear this, he was always a great person to be around, always positive. Sincere condolences to the Young family.
My condolences and love to the young family. A great man has left us but his legacy lives on!
God bless to the Young Family.
I am so sad to lose such a great friend and mentor. Sam was certainly a people person, he has moved to a different sphere and is no doubt making friends on the other side! I hope he finds his dog Bogey and has a nice romp with him 🙂 My love and prayers go out to the whole Young family.
So sorry to the Young Family for the loss of a Father and Mentor to all. God Bless each of you at this time in your lives.
Sam was a great friend and person. It was always great to see him and talk with him at RMR. He always said he loved RMR and all the people here and was grateful for all the YAG employees. I’m proud to have seen him and was able to talk with him here at the YAG employees Monster Truck event and was able to tell him that, I loved him.
Loved this man and he will be missed by all that knew him.
God Speed Sam,
Thoughts and prayers. Always so nice to my family and I. Leaves a tremendous legacy.
Warm thoughts and prayers to all of Sam’s family and to all of those who he touched …
Sorry to hear of your loss. He was a great man who raised a caring family.
Sam was a great man and has left an incredible legacy behind. I’m happy to have known him and to have called him my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Young family.
I’ve known Sam for a long time and considered him a friend. He is a very good man and I personally will miss him very much. My deepest sympathy goes out to all his family.
Thoughts and Prayers to the Young family. May you find comfort at this time. Sounds like a great family.
What a legacy Sam has left behind. Reading this breif overview of his life, it is clear he has made an incredible impact in the community and the state of UT. We are very sorry for your loss in the Young family – to a life well lived and a legacy deserving of celebration; God bless.