Thomas Arthur Young

Thomas Arthur Young of Unionville, age 74, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2025, with his loving family by his side. Tom was born in Pontiac on July 9, 1950, the son of the late Charles and Inez (Waite) Young. He grew up in the Pontiac area and was a graduate of Pontiac High School. Eventually, Tom moved to the Thumb area and established roots in Tuscola County where he cultivated a career, family, and friendships that spanned decades. His professional journey was marked by an impressive tenure with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, where he served as a Business Development Manager for over eighteen years. He also worked as a Procurement Specialist for PTAC for eight years and spent twelve years with Thumb Area Michigan Works, helping to foster economic growth and opportunity throughout the region. In addition to these roles, Tom farmed potatoes in the 80’s, showcasing his connection to the land and his agricultural roots.

Tom’s public service contributions were vast and impactful. He served as a Tuscola County Commissioner for District 1 beginning in 2016, rising to Vice Chair of the Tuscola County Board of Commissioners and Chair of the Finance Committee. Over the years, he also held roles as a township supervisor, a village council member for Unionville for twenty years, and contributed as a member of the Tuscola County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. His leadership extended to organizations like Tuscola 2020, where he served as chairperson for twenty-five years, and LEAD Tuscola, where he was a twenty-year member of the steering committee. Additionally, Tom was a proud lifetime member of the Masons Mt. Moriah Lodge #226 and an active participant in Toastmasters International.

Beyond his professional and civic achievements, Tom’s personal life was a testament to his love for the outdoors and his thirst for knowledge. A passionate outdoorsman, he found joy in fishing, hunting, and riding ORV trails. The Upper Peninsula held a special place in his heart; for seventy-four consecutive years, he celebrated the opening day of deer season there, a tradition he cherished deeply and proudly never once missed. Whether sitting by the campfire with a cold drink, preparing hearty breakfasts for the guys at camp, or enjoying the solitude of the wilderness, the UP was Tom’s sanctuary.

Tom’s intellectual curiosity was boundless, reflected in his habit of reading two or three books a week. His love for learning and storytelling made him a captivating conversationalist and a respected mentor.

Above all, Tom was devoted to his family and friends. His unwavering support and genuine care for those he loved were defining characteristics of his life. He was a special friend to everyone who knew him, a man whose thoughtful acts of kindness left a lasting impression. He will be deeply missed by his loving family, countless friends, and a community that will forever remember his profound impact.

Left to cherish Tom’s memory are his children, Amy Young of Oxford, and Greg & Aimee Young of Royal Oak; step-children, Amanda & Louis Boggs of Marine City, Danae Hoppe of Bay City, and Zachary & Amanda Hoppe of Unionville; grandchildren, Curtis Ramirez, Brayden Hoppe, Lux Hoppe, Case Boggs, and Haper Boggs; siblings, Herbert & Pam Young of Mayville, and Nancy & Randy Frenzel; and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Ann & Roger Allen of Unionville, Alice & Lonnie Vermeersch of Unionville, Rita Thomas of Scottsdale, Arizona, Mary & Josh Hooper of Merritt Island, Florida, and Cyril Thomas of Unionville. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his loving wife of nineteen years, Christine (Thomas) Young; his beloved son, Matthew Young; and his brother- and sister-in-law, Calvin & Linda Young.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025 at the Unionville Moravian Church with Pastor Todd Cramer officiating. Tom’s family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Tuscola County Animal Shelter in memory of Tom.