Maurice Clifford Young

Young, Maurice Clifford (M.Clifford/Cliff) of Boston, passed away peacefully September 21. Best friend and beloved husband was completely devoted to his adoring wife Lynne and their pets: (Mutoto) Simba,Tara,Teddy and Dino, who were treated like children. A Renaissance man in every sense, but very humble and private. A true Anglophile who lived his life to the fullest. A Naval Intelligence serviceman in two wars who left college to serve, returning to finish his studies, then called up again to serve, received a Bronze Star. A rugged athlete who ran track and played football at Lawrence Academy and Harvard College breaking records including a 34 yr. track record at the Cambridge ‘Y’, was considered one of the fastest runners in Massachusetts when competing at the Boston Garden. Once a Polo player at Myopia Hunt Club, the late Neil Ayer told him, “If you must choose between Polo or your business you choose Polo.” A Director and long-time member of the American Society of Arms Collectors, Past President, Board member and recipient of their Lifetime Achievement award of the Mass Antique Arms Collectors, he was a well-known published lecturer and highly respected collector of the Civil War Confederate States Navy specializing in the Blockade Running. A fearless lover of adventure he was a Director of the Safari Club International New England Chapter, traveling to Alaska he was flown in by bush pilots and rode horseback, several trips to England, Africa, and while in India, decided with friends to continue around the world for eight weeks. He had a dirt bike saying,” they would climb a tree if you let them”, taking it often to Newport, RI. A life member and Proprietor of the Boston Athenaeum he often took lunch while doing research with their nationally known outstanding Civil War library collection. President /Owner of Young Contact Lens Laboratory, known for The Boston Lens, whose friend Dr.Harry Zeltzer invented the X-Chrome lens for color blindness, which the Young Laboratory developed. “Like a League of Nations”, he was so loved by his employees they bought him gifts. An elegant dresser during college and later years his suits were custom made at various Cambridge and Boston stores. A charming, handsome and debonair man. Cliff was on the steering committee, along with his wife, who is continuing the efforts to memorialize his friend Commander Mel Lederman, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon at the Mass General Hospital who gave his life in Vietnam helping to save soldiers on the battlefield; a monument is being designed for Lederman Park on the Esplanade. He was fascinated by all modes of transportation, all creatures great and small, often expressing for many types of animals, “Mother Nature’s paintbrush created such exquisite designs.” A member of numerous collecting, cultural and educational associations, including a founding member of WGBH. He had a great sense of humor and was a great story-teller. He cherished his friendships around the country and the many clubs, societies, cultural and educational institutions to which he and Lynne belonged. LOVED LIFE. Cherished son of the late Pearl (Franks) and Harry Young of Brookline, brother of Bettye R. Young of Miami, the late Thelma Mason, and the late Luba Y. Lepie. Services were held at the Bigelow Chapel, Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. Burial was with Naval honors near a large oak tree so his squirrel “buddies” can continue to visit. He is leaving a huge void in the lives of many, but most of all, his wife Lynne B. Levine Young. In lieu of flowers a remembrance in Cliff’s name may be made to: MSPCA-Angell Medical Center,Boston -development office, Animal Rescue League of Boston-development office, Boston Athenaeum-membership office, 10 1/2 Beacon Street, Boston, MA. A “Celebration of Life” will take place at the Harvard Club in the spring; the date and time will be posted on www.stanetsky.com, where condolences may also be expressed.