On Tuesday, May 15, Dr. Steve Young’s struggle with cancer ended. He fought this terrible disease with dignity and in the hope and peace of the promised resurrection of our Lord and Savior—Jesus Christ. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, a son-in-law and a grandchild.The memorial service for Dr. Young was held on Friday, May 18 at Southern Gables church in Lakewood. In addition to this service, Denver Seminary students, faculty and staff were invited to a remembrance service on Thursday, May 17.
Dr. Stephen Young began at Denver Seminary on May 23, 2001. He joined the faculty in 2004 as the Director of the Leadership Degree program. Prior to joining the faculty, he served Denver Seminary as the interim vice president for enrollment management and assistant to the president for strategic initiatives.
He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Purdue University. His graduate studies included organizational and small group dynamics, leadership theory, motivation theory, inter-group relations, communication education, systems theory, quantitative research methods and statistical data analysis.
After teaching at the high school level and serving for four years as professor and chairman of the Speech Communication Department at Grace College, he entered the business world. He had 22 years of leadership experience in human resources, training and sales management. Working in a large corporate environment, he led teams involved in planning, policy and process improvement, contract negotiations, conflict resolution, and the development of accountability systems.
Dr. Young has also served in the church as an elder and teacher. He had over 25 years of experience in teaching adults, leading boards and committees, and traveling abroad on short-term missions initiatives.
We will miss Steve and his wise, insightful counsel. He had the ability to sort through distractions in order to find the Godly wisdom that was needed. He was a trusted counselor and confidant.
Please join us in praying for Steve’s wife Bonnie, their children and the rest of their family and friends.We invite you to share memories and thoughts as both a way for us to celebrate Steve’s life and encourage his friends and family. Just click the comments link at the end of this post to read and share your memories and thoughts.
30 comments:
I first met Steve and Bonny as a seminary student in 1984 and have been enriched by their lives ever since. Among the ways in which Steve blessed me were his mellow singing voice, his communication ability (never flashy or "dynamic" but always clear and engaging), his genuine interest in people even though he was something of an introvert, and his smile that made his eyes disappear :-) Two or three years ago I asked Steve to mentor me for a few months to work on some specific leadership skills and issues. He was excited to spend that time together, though I know he had plenty of other matters that needed attention. I have always admired and enjoyed Steve, and am most grateful to our Lord for the ways he blessed my life. He marked my own faith by the entirely realistic way in which his faith was anchored when his health situation looked really bleak. I will miss him.
I am very grieved to hear of this great loss to us all. Steve was my leadership advisor and professor for the last few years. I appreciated that he took great care and time in helping me to navigate my education at DenSem. His patience, calm presence, and genuine concern I always valued. Steve will be missed , even as we grab hold of the hope we have in Christ in this moment. To his family...know the prayers of my family are with you.
I was a student this last term in Dr. Young's leadership course at Denver Seminary. From the first day of class, it was apparent that he was not in good health. Yet his will to live and his passion to mentor students remained so strong, even as his body weakened. It's as if he was driven to finish one more course, to mentor one more group of young people before dying...and he died only a few days after the term ended.
Reflecting on his life inspires me to live passionately all the way to the end!
I had the privilege of working with Steve Young while he was the interim enrollment manager at Denver Seminary. Steve and I had some loss issues early in our lives. Sharing our stories bonded us together. I looked up to him as a father-figure and experienced his warmth and caring. At the time I knew him, Steve talked a great deal about caring for Bonnie;s father, who was not doing well. Steve had great empathy for this man and what he was going through. He also talked about his daughter and his new son-in-law. Steve pride in them was obvious. Steve and I went skiing together. We would talk together every few minutes, after he stopped on the slope long enough for me to catch up to him. After I apologized for not being able to keep up, he smiled and said, "That's alright." I think he enjoyed being able to so easily ski faster than the "young guy." I have very fond memories of Steve. I felt strongly encouraged by him both professionally and personally. I will miss him.
Unfortunately, I never had the privilege of having Dr. Young in a classroom setting. But as I'm in the Leadership program, I met briefly with Dr. Young at orientation and was very impressed by his professional demeanor and warm presence. That brief time made me realize the genuinity of Denver Seminary and its professors and calmed my nerves about whether this is the place God wants me to be. Dr. Young will be missed dearly and anyone who knew him would think of him at the least as a gentleman and a great man of God.
During the spring of my very first academic year at Denver Seminary, 1986-87, Steve Young invited me to come and teach his large, adult Sunday School class at Southern Gables Church for an extended period of time while he took a much needed break--10 or 12 weeks roughly. Who recommended me to him and why I've long since forgotten, but he was wonderful to take a chance on a comparatively untested 31-year-old rookie like me. The class was wonderfully supportive and over the next few years Steve had me come in several times again for similar series. I was delighted to re-establish ties with him at the beginning of this decade when Craig Williford brought him to the seminary, but nothing we have done in ministry together over the last seven years will replace my first impressions of his kindnesses years ago at Southern Gables. We will miss him!
Ryan K said...
I had Dr. Young this last fall and the experience was one I will never forget. Not because of the material or the lectures but because of the character, and dignity Dr. Young displayed.
I remember the last day of class as he gathered the energy to come be with us and share what was going on in his life. You could tell he was weak physically, but oh so strong spiritually. We spent the entire class letting him share with us what God had been doing through this devastating news and hearing how it had changed him. He spoke about how he felt so close to God and had come to peace with what the Lord had in store for him. He said his only sorrow would be for his family, and not getting to see his grand daughter grow up. Many of us in the classroom were moved to tears by his honesty, courage, and vulnerability. I will always remember the Jesus that he told me about that morning in class. It is one I deeply desire to know and want to preach to others I know that Steve is with that beautiful Jesus right now.
I had Dr. Young last semester for leadership. He was a joy and a blessing to have for the class. I keep remembering how during our last class session together he got all teary during his prayer for us. What a heart! He has inspired me as well as many, many other students he has had the chance to mentor and teach over the years. He will be missed.
The very first class I had with Steve was my last semester of my degree, which was last Fall 2006. He made it very apparent that he was sick and fighting a disease. After he left during the middle of the semester, we all knew that it was worse than we originally thought. Dr. Young left me inspired to pursue my study of leadership. He was a strong individual. He had the love for and of Jesus written all over him. I truly look forward to seeing him soon!!!
I first met Steve over five years ago when I started work in my new position at Denver Seminary. Since our offices were next door to each other, our conversations were many -- and he quickly became one of my first friends in this new town. I loved to hear Steve's deep, joyful laugh -- that alone was enough to brighten a day for those around him. I grew to respect his wisdom, leadership expertise, and his abiding faith. We shared such enthusiasm over our new grandchildren. I recall the giant grin with which he told me of spending time over spring break in England with his family and what joy he felt in having them all together for a few days. I so enjoyed co-teaching with Steve last year; it was a privilege that I hold dear to my heart. I was indeed privileged to have known this wonderful man for five years, and how I look forward to seeing him again. May his family take great comfort in knowing how dearly he loved them and he much he loved his Lord.
I was one of the last to learn from Steve, enjoying his final semester of teaching this spring. It was obvious from the very first day both that he was sick AND that his insights into leadership and servanthood were rare. Too rare. Every word he shared in class was at once incredibly simple and immeasurably valuable. Before I ever raised my hand for the first time, he greeted me by name. He brought his experience to bear in the classroom in a way that illuminated scripture and was almost raw in its practicality. Like so many others, I will return to my notes and memories from his class for my entire life of ministry, and beyond. I too will deeply miss him, and will regularly thank God for the chance to meet him.
What a sad day. As a graduate from the Leadership program I worked closely with Dr. Young and had the honor of having him as one of my mentors and spiritual formation directors. What more can I say than what I said at my Dec graduation luncheon. Dr. Young taught me how to die. He expressed his humility and obedience to his savior even through his death. What an honor I had to learn from this man as well as seek wisdom from him throughout my time at Denver Seminary. I will greatly miss this man but we as Christians have hope and the hope is in the Ressurection. Amen!!
Michael T. Kern
MA: Leadership Jan '07
At work this morning I went to read my email. I was surprised and deeply saddened by the news of Dr. Young's death. Along with several others here, I was in the last class he taught, which was also my last class at the Seminary before graduating. What distinguished Dr. Young for me was his humility. All of his teaching and interaction was couched in an obvious sense of personal humility. This is evidence of a deep walk with Jesus.
Thank you Steve for teaching me how Godly leadership looks like.
I had Dr. Young this last semester for a PME class. I have felt so blessed by his wisdom and guidance as he taught us everything he knew about leadership. His insight helped me make some big decisions this past semester that I don't know if I would've been able to make otherwise. I believe God used that class to form me in unexpected ways and he used Dr. Young's wisdom, humility, and experience to do say.
I feel so incredibly blessed and thankful to have known Dr. Young. I will miss him.
Thanks to The Young Family for sharing him with us this last semester. My prayers are with you.
Intimate friends we went to church with. Bonnie was the very Best piano accompaniement when I played the musical saw for sunday evening services. Our kids grew together in church & as friends while in Indiana.
Steve Was a great Ski Buddy who shared the passion - we skied fast together. What a Hoot!
He introduced me to Andre Crouch music years ago. I introduced him to Smooth Jazz later.
He was a true friend & I loved him dearly. I will miss him.
I came to know Steve while working on a proposal on behalf of Denver Seminary to develop a Pastoral Leadership Mentoring Network proposal. His leadership was outstanding. Though we did not receiving funding for it, his example was a great learning experience for me. I discovered that he was very wise, very knowledgeable, and very humble. I will take his example with me the rest of my life. When he became the director of our leadership major I interacted with him several times each week. I often stopped by his office to bounce ideas off of him. He was never too busy to talk and I always came away richer. When my wife was diagnosed with cancer last December and was facing surgery, I came into the office and found a voice message on my phone. It was Steve who at that time was deep into his own treatment and the terrible side effects. He wanted me to know that he was thinking about us and praying for us. I will never forget that. Steve will always be a part of my life and ministry.
I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Young this last semester, Spring '07, in PME 702. While it was clear the cancer was taking its toll, he fought it and taught us with clarity of mind. He displayed a strength of spirit I have rarely seen. His earnest desire to share his knowledge with us while he still could was greatly appreciated. My understanding of leadership, and application of the principles he taught have already greatly impacted my ministry. I am overwhelmingly grateful that he gave his last months of life to have an impact on mine.
Thank you Dr. Young. With heartfelt sentiment, I look forward to seeing you again, bye and bye.
I've just returned from the beautiful memorial service at Southern Gables. The sentiments and tributes about Steve shared there, including many of these blog comments, were truly moving. My own experience of knowing Steve mirrors many of yours. I took a leadership course from Steve in Spring 2005, my first semester at Denver Seminary. I had a strong sense of commonality with Steve, as I had just left the high technology world and responded to a leading to explore a ministry career, and also because my own father had been stricken with serious illness at age 50, much like Steve's. During the semester, I felt led to seek Steve's guidance as an "informal mentor," since I was a non-degree student and not part of the formal mentoring program. Steve was extremely gracious with his time, and we met on several occasions. To say his guidance was wise and helpful would be a tremendous understatement. Our conversations were both deep and wide-ranging, and I definitely had the sense that they were "God appointments." Steve helped me to recognize God's hand in my circumstances, to feel that I belonged in ministry despite my engineering background, and to trust the leading of the Holy Spirit in making decisions. His impact on my life, in just a few short months, was quite profound. I am thankful for the time I had to gain from his knowledge, and will miss him dearly.
Bonnie, Steve and I gradutated together from Grace in '68. I did not see either of them after graduation, but knew of Steve's illness and that it was serious. I am saddened by for the family because of losing a dear loved one, but rejoice that Steve is with His heavenly Father and is not suffering anymore. Much love to Bonnie and their children during this time of adjustment without husband and father.
Much has already been said about Dr. Young. My sentiments resemble those of others. Today, after reading Dr. Anderson's email, my heart is heavy. It was a great privelage to study under Dr. Young in his last semester at Denver Seminary. Week after week this amazing man of faith inspired me, as he would muster up the strength to teach our class after undergoing chemo just days before. His very life exemplified servant leadership. To his family, who supported him in his desire to continue teaching, thank you for your ministry to Steve. I, for one, was greatly blessed by his insights, example, and presence.
In the few months I've known Steve, he presented himself as a Christian, a professional, and a gentleman. As I told him, it was a priviledge to pray for a "brother" at such a critical time. Nevertheless, God's will be done. And God has been glorified through Bonnie's demeanor. Thinking of him has also caused me to think and be excited about going to Heaven myself. We don't always think that way because we're so comfortable here--it's all we know. Isn't it great to have a God who cares for us so emensely that He has prepared our way! Steve, we'll see you soon.
I barely knew Dr. Young. My lone experience with him took place during a faculty concerns committee meeting. He provided wisdom, discernment, and a fresh perspective throughout a meeting that required a number of tough decisions. Based on my limited experience it is no surprise to me that he not only mentored students, but also other faculty members. Additionally, throughout my short "career" at the Seminary I heard over and over how effective a teacher Dr. Young was...many times I was reminded to ensure he would be my teacher for any leadership classes. Today, I am saddened by the loss of a great leader, but joyful for the glory God did and will continue to receive through the memory of Steve's life...
Steve Young was a wonderful teacher and example for all of us students. I remember what an encouragement it was when he told us he never really sought to climb the corporate ladder. God had always provided him with opportunities and promotions. What an amazing testimony. What a countercultural, meek, strong man! What a leader. What a Christ follower. May we all learn from his life.
Bonnie:
I just now learned that Steve passed away. I had not known of his illness, so I was quite taken by surprise. Even tho we were separated by miles and years I always appreciated Steve. We travelled together for two summers as you know. We sang in the same quartet at Grace College and did lots of things together in those years. He was a an example of a godly man with a commitment to Christ and to serving others. I will always remember him with the duet of "We walk hand in hand, thru this pilgrim land..." It is great to know that he can actually be face to face with the Lord now. I have lots of memories from the Carolaires (mixed quartet)and choir and fun times together. God's best to you and the rest of the family. Know of my prayers for you.
Bonnie:
I just now learned that Steve passed away. I had not known of his illness, so I was quite taken by surprise. Even tho we were separated by miles and years I always appreciated Steve. We travelled together for two summers as you know. We sang in the same quartet at Grace College and did lots of things together in those years. He was a an example of a godly man with a commitment to Christ and to serving others. I will always remember him with the duet of "We walk hand in hand, thru this pilgrim land..." It is great to know that he can actually be face to face with the Lord now. I have lots of memories from the Carolaires (mixed quartet)and choir and fun times together. God's best to you and the rest of the family. Know of my prayers for you.
Bonnie:
I just now learned that Steve passed away. I had not known of his illness, so I was quite taken by surprise. Even tho we were separated by miles and years I always appreciated Steve. We travelled together for two summers as you know. We sang in the same quartet at Grace College and did lots of things together in those years. He was a an example of a godly man with a commitment to Christ and to serving others. I will always remember him with the duet of "We walk hand in hand, thru this pilgrim land..." It is great to know that he can actually be face to face with the Lord now. I have lots of memories from the Carolaires (mixed quartet)and choir and fun times together. God's best to you and the rest of the family. Know of my prayers for you.
Bonnie and family,
I remember Steve as a delightful, fun loving college boy back in 1965 at Grace College. We were suite mates and friends and had many wonderful times together. I had lost track of y'all over the years. It is so gratifying to Jane and me to hear of his life, his impact on others, his love for our Jesus and his family. Our love and prayers will continue for all of you.
Tom and Jane Grady and family
Alpharetta, GA
Steve was my boss' boss at the seminary for a short time. I have tremendous respect for his leadership ability and character. I loved his sense of humor! Right before fall graduation, when I was overwelmed with responsiblilty as my boss was gone, I remember he asked me what he could do to help. I asked him to double check the degree requirements for an individual and he was happy to do so. He led by serving. I am really sorry to hear he passed away. I know he loved his family dearly.
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