John Samuel Young

John (Johnny) was born in Orville, California on December 23rd, 1932, to Martha Elizabeth Shull Young and John Samuel Young. He married his sweetheart, Joanne Tannlund on November 26th, 1952 whom he met early in his working career at Burgess Motors.

John attended Granite High School graduating in 1952 and continued to gather with many fellow graduates annually over the next 50 years. Out of love for his country, John served in the Marine Corp after which he attended Westminster College earning degrees in Geology and Business. Westminster left a positive impression on John as later in life he would volunteer 29 years raising funds in the role of Vice President of the Board of Trustees. John also received an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Westmister in 2001 and luckily never made us address him as Dr. Johnny.

After graduating, John worked for Dixon Paper which took him, Joanne and their first-born Craig, to El Paso, TX for three years then found his way back to Salt Lake City to work for Farm Bureau. John and Joanne had a second child, Michelle and made the choice to found their own business in 1976, SentryWest Insurance Services, and grew the business to four offices with many agents whom became part of the family. John was a hard worker with a unique laugh that everyone would instantly recognize. He was very successful at everything he put his mind to. He sold the business in 2005 and left an amazing legacy and wonderful memories to his loving family.

He is survived by his wife Joanne Tannlund Young, two children, John Craig (Char) Young and Michelle (Greg) Reynolds. His optimism and humor and love for travel will be remembered by his seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

There will be a graveside service Dec 22nd for close family (respecting Covid precautions). In lieu of flowers, we ask to direct any donations to the “John S. and Joanne T. Young Westminster Scholarship Fund” to help further the education for those that are in need and would like to follow the path that brought John so much joy.