Richard Donald Young, born Jan. 31, 1929 in Wisconsin died peacefully from the effects of Alzheimers on Sept. 16. Growing up in Waterton, SD, he graduated summa cum laude from the University of Minnesota, then served in the U.S. Navy. Completing his Ph.D. in mathematical economic s at Carnegie Mellon, he taught in the College of Business at Stanford. In 1965, he joined the Economics Department at Rice University, working on economic optimization problems. Retiring as Professor Emeritus in 1991, he and his wife moved to Flagstaff where he designed and built a home.

Richard worked as a key leader for the Doney Park Water Board and was instrumental in creating a budget surplus for the first time in their history. Being party of that organization was a major joy in his life . He also enjoyed politics, riding his horse Droney in the national forest and watching the Dodgers.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Ruanne. He is survived by wife Harriet, son Greg (Coleen) and their two children, and his step-daughter Stacey (Deanne) and their son.

His wit and kindness will be missed by all who knew him.