Call it irony or even divine intervention, but the amazing life story of Russell “Russ” Young is a truly unique one that has tragically ended far too soon. Russ was the owner and operator of Russell’s Foreign Car Repair, Inc. of Berrien Springs until his untimely and highly unexpected death back on Saturday, February 17th at the age of just 63.
The irony is that Russ launched his highly successful car repair business nearly 35 years ago as a way to pay for his schooling at Andrews University where he pursued a degree in Theology. Having married the love of his life, Suzanne “Sue” Hiebert Young in 1980, Russ became involved with evangelism and pastoring in the state of Washington. He later attended Andrews University and as an avid car lover decided to begin Russell’s Foreign Car Repair to cover tuition costs and more. Thanks to his innate talent and prolific hand in the shop his business skyrocketed, and he changed his focus to building that business even more while being a witness to those he came into contact with.
Having served as a team mechanic at Portland International Raceway in the mid-70’s following his graduation from high school at Auburn Adventist Academy in 1973, his skills with a wrench and every other tool of the trade served him well and his clientele even moreso. In recent years he could be found attending various car shows and faithfully keeping up with the auto racing circuit.
He never forgot his faith, however, utilizing his spare time to join various short-term mission trips to Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Nepal, Brazil, Peru and even Bangladesh. He greatly enjoyed those mission trips that returned him to the roots of his theological education. Russ had a passion for outreach and always strived to get young people involved with mission service.
Russ was an active member of the Stevensville Seventh Day Adventist church for 37 years, serving as a greeter, potluck host, mission board member, and elder. He was known by family and friends as a kind, outgoing, hardworking, husband, father, and friend. Along with becoming a successful businessman, he was an active member of the community and made it his mission to turn all strangers into friends.
Russ was born November 16, 1954 in Lewistown, Montana to the late Floyd and Patricia (Crane) Young of Washington state.
Russ is survived by his wife, Sue; son, Andrew Young; three daughters Kaitlin, Hannah, and Jessica Young; his sister Renee (Young) Pinette; step-mother Maxine Young; step-sister Krista Castner; step-brothers Trent Castner, Corey Castner, Jason Castner, John Hood; and eight nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Floyd & Patricia (Crane) Young, and step-fathers Gordan Hood and Erwin “Ed” Hansen.
Russell deeply loved his family, friends, and God and often looked forward to spending quality time with those he loved.
The team at Russell’s Foreign Car Repair where he held court daily for 35 years shared their grief on the shop’s Facebook page today saying, “Dear friends, it is with great sadness that we share with you the unexpected passing on Saturday of our owner Russell Young. We ask that you keep the Young family in your thoughts at this time.”
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 4pm on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at the Village SDA Church in Berrien Springs with Pastor Brian Hamilton officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bangla Hope Children’s Home at banglahope.org or at PO Box 6853, Kennewick, WA 99336. Those who wish to leave an online condolence, may do so at www.allredfuneralhome.com.
My friend and colleague Sarah Spoonholtz worked for Russ for the past three years and says that the shop remains open for business and will work to carry on the legacy of the man they knew and loved. She says of Russ, “Isn’t it funny how one phone call can change everything? We may have butted heads occasionally, but in the 3 years I’ve been working for him, he really did change my life. Please keep his immediate family, and his shop family in your thoughts as we all process this loss.”
Russell Young was 63.
