08-11-03 - Madison Press article: BillYoung

Dear Friends:

It is with a heavy heart that we must pass on the following:

Bill Young, founding member and Board Director of FMCPT died on Saturday, November 1, 2008 while doing what he loved – cycling. He suffered a fatal heart attack along the Prairie Grass Trail just outside of London.

Bill was actively involved in the community for many years. He helped clear brush, trees, and trash in preparations for the Ohio-To-Erie trail being built through Madison County. He was a trained and certified Trail Sentinel. Bill actively served as a fundraiser and past Treasurer for FMCPT.

Bill and his wife Vickie opened and operated the bike shop in London called Young's Cyclery of Central Ohio. They generously opened their doors to allow riders from the Underground Railroad Bicycle Tour stay at their shop as they passed through London on their way across the country. They allowed a local elderly woman use their shop and tools to get started in repairing donated bikes to give to needy children.

Not only was Bill a cyclist, but also he played and coached soccer for many years. For those that knew him, he was an eternal comedian, which spilled over as a local amateur actor in South Charleston during their annual play.

Bill served as a Board Member for the Madison County Chamber of Commerce at the time of his death. He worked with the Chamber to help put on several local events and fundraisers.

Bill was a local member of AmSpirit Business Connections. (A group of professionals that worked together to improve local businesses, communications, and understanding.)

Bill worked in the London area for many years as the Service Manager at Coughlin Automotive Group and later as a salesman at Buckeye Ford Mercury Inc.

He will be missed greatly by the community. The family invites friends to call at the London First United Methodist Church, 52 N. Main St., London, Wednesday from 3-7 PM. with funeral service to follow at 7:00 PM., with Reverend Steve Rogers officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the Friends Of Madison County Parks And Trails. PO Box 308, London, OH 43140. Envelopes will be available at the church.