Robert L. “Bob” Young, 82, retired Baker City fire chief, died July 16, 2008, at his home.
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at First Lutheran Church, 1734 Third St. Pastor Mel Harris will officiate. Vault interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Bob was born on May 2, 1926, in Union County to Oliver P. and Vivian Brooks Young. He was raised in various towns in Eastern Oregon receiving his education at Wallowa, Bates, Lockhart, Rock Creek and Haines.
He moved to Baker City from Bates in 1938 and had lived here since.
Bob went to work for Baker City on April 15, 1945, at the age of 18 as a fireman for the Baker City Fire Department. On June 6, 1948, he married Beverly J. Carnes at the First Lutheran Church. The couple had a son, Robert W. Young.
Worked his way through the ranks, Bob became fire chief on May 1, 1971. He retired at the age of 55 on Dec. 31, 1981. During his retirement, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and telling stories of the old days. He was a great friend of Leo Adler and had many wonderful stories to share about him.
Bob continued to serve the city as a member of the council from 1987 to 1995 and was a member of the budget board. He was a member of the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association, and served as president. He was also a member of the First Lutheran Church and the Baker Elks Lodge.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly of Baker City; son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Joette Young of Pendleton; grandsons, Michael A. Young, of Pendleton and Stephen J. Young of Corvallis; sister-in-law, Pat Young of Gresham; and two nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, James O. Young.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or the Baker City Fire Department through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, July 21, 2008
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor