In Memoriam - Ed Young - 1947-2017

Ed Young ©picsofyou.com

It is with great sadness that the US Equestrian (USEF) driving community notes the passing of combined and carriage pleasure driving mentor and advocate Edward B. Young, Jr. (Geneseo, N.Y.) after a five-year battle with cancer. Born November 15, 1947, Young passed away on the evening of September 12, 2017 at the age of 69. Predeceased by parents, brother and sisters, Young is survived by sister, Elizabeth Rivers, many nieces and nephews, and loyal pets Gabriel & Luke. A devoted teacher, friend, and brother, he pursued his equine passion with great success and fervor.

A teacher by profession, Young used his skills to help guide and develop the sport of driving, both in North America and overseas, for more than 30 years. Although riding was his first love, he soon discovered that there was a need for more driving officials and “the rest is history!” He was a mentor to many and was well admired and liked.

Young served as a USEF ‘R’ Technical Delegate, an FEI Level 4 Technical Delegate, and Chef d’Equipe for many FEI Driving World Championships and several FEI World Equestrian Games. Additionally, Young managed the Walnut Hill Farm Driving Competition, the largest pleasure driving show in North America. In fact, Young served as Technical Delegate, show manager, or advisor to almost every pleasure show or combined driving event in North America.

Young also served as Chairman of the USEF Driving Sport Committee and was a long-standing member of the USEF Licensed Officials Committee. He will be missed dearly.

In lieu of flowers, Young wished that donations be made in his memory to the USEF Developing Driver program. Under “Fund Destination,” please select “International Developing Driver Fund-Driving” or notate Ed Young in the “In Memory Of” line.

Just a few tributes

Chester Weber
Today marks the passing of a dear friend, mentor and colleague Ed Young. In life I always try to get to gratitude and today is no different. I am grateful Ed Young was in my life and I got to enjoy our time together, I truly have very fond memories with him and for that I am grateful. Certainly I will miss him and his wisdom and guidance but in me is a small piece of Ed and as he said now he will be my angle keeping an eye out for me all the time from above. From these situations we need to learn life is not a dress rehearsal and we need to live, love and laugh. I am a better person for having known my friend Ed Young. Ed's family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.

Katie Whaley
There are no words. You brought out the best in me, you were always there no matter what, through some very sad times and many great times. I choose to remember you for your courage, your integrity, your kindness and your love of your friends. The world is missing an amazing person, but man what an angel we have gained.

Vivien Fawcett Creigh
The driving world on both sides of the pond have lost a good friend and I will miss him terribly. In fact can hardly imagine the driving world without him. A gentleman of wit and patience who knew exactly what to say or do. How he managed to handle all the divas in our sport (myself included) and not make any enemies was always a revelation. We are all so lucky to have had him in our lives. RIP Ed Young

Sterling D.B. Graburn
It is with great sadness that I heard of the passing of Ed Young. The impact and in involvement that Ed has had in Driving sport in the US was tremendous and ongoing. He will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him as well as those who only benefited from his tireless efforts.

Terry Shaw
On a day that the driving community is mourning the loss of Mr. Ed Young, I received a thank you note for my support of Villa from an exhibitor who won a class there. My thoughts immediately turned to what a wonderful activity we are so fortunate to be a part of, and then to what impact Ed has had over the years in making it so very special. His commitment to driving horses and genuine kindness has led to folks like the Rider's putting on a top notch event every year, and folks like Howard who took the time to send his thanks. He may be gone from this earth, but his impact will live on. This Thank You is for you Ed. May you rest in heavenly peace.

Kent Brownridge
Ed Young is a sterling example of all that is great in DrivingSport. Patient, kind, courteous, supremely helpful, totally dedicated and a consummate professional. Throughout the World our sport is grieving and will sorely miss him.

I knew Ed for seven years. Early on, he gave me his cell phone number. He would answer my calls any time of the day or night and patiently help me with trivial or stupid questions.

Ed could be a little crabby in the middle of a big show (with good cause), but he always found time to help. He served all his "constituents" supremely well....the competitors, fans, officials, organizers, the USEF and FEI. A true pro!

I learned that Ed had a serious illness two and one half years ago. I was very worried.....but, then, I nearly forgot that Ed was in jeopardy, because he was always there, working, fixing things, helping, and administering...with his ubiquitous credentials tape around his neck.

Then he was gone. I didn't get a chance to thank him....for so much.

We all love you Ed, and we'll never forget you.

Dee Lawson Aldrich
The driving world has lost one of its greats! Ed Young's dedication to the world of driving has truly shaped it for the rest of us to enjoy and aspire to! Driving will not be the same without you greeting us and keeping us all in line RIP Ed x one of my fondest memories is hunting down a grocery store in France looking for Macaroons!

Tracey Higgins
RIP Ed Young. My last message from you after Walnut Hill was "just a little setback". Thank you for your friendship and all the laughs over the past thirty some years and apologies for the scares I've given you in return. From "Do you have a release for that child?" To "Did your doctor say it was ok to remove the neck brace and drive in a show?" You will leave a huge hole in our community.