Henry Wah Young was born on May 19, 1924 in Astoria, Oregon. He lived there until he was five years old, when he moved to China in the Canton Province. At age 15 he returned to the states and was a student in Portland.
In 1947 Henry found himself working at a cannery on the Oregon coast. During a group outing among friends, he was introduced to a young lady who worked at the cannery named Edith.
After a six-month courtship, Henry proposed to Edith while at her mother’s house, and Edith accepted. The two were married on February 5, 1950 at Rose City Presbyterian Church in Portland. The ceremony was a joyous occasion, followed by a dinner at the Pagoda restaurant where Henry had recently found employment.
The following year, Henry and Edith welcomed their first child, Gary. Three years later Jolene was born, and exactly two years later to the day the family was completed with the birth of Karen.
During this time Henry began working at National Dollar Store in Vancouver, Washington. Shortly after the Vancouver store closed he was transferred to Bremerton, Washington, and then again to Las Vegas.
Finally, in 1959, the family moved back to Portland where they settled into a little house in Ladd’s Addition. Henry was hired at Trader Vic’s at the Benson Hotel, where he worked as a waiter and captain. Always generous and hospitable, Henry was well loved and a favorite among patrons. He remained at Trader Vic’s until retiring in 1994.
After retirement, Henry and Edith enjoyed the perks of complimentary hotel rooms at Westin Hotels around the country. Traveling became their favorite pastime, and many of their grandchildren were blessed with fond memories of visiting new and exciting places.
In recent years Henry and Edith stayed close to home, enjoying regular family time together and treating everyone to countless family meals. Henry was well liked around the neighborhood, by tenants, close neighbors, and those he would meet on his daily walks. It seemed no matter where he went he would see a familiar face and stop to chat. Even in his last month of life, many of the nurses and caregivers would remark at his constant expressions of thankfulness.
Henry is survived by his wife, Edith, his three children, Gary, Jolene, and Karen and their three families. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor and love of sweets. His absence leaves a great void and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Donations may be made in Henry's honor to: Mercy Corps https://www.mercycorps.org/donate with designation in the "in honor" box to HENRY YOUNG. The correct designation will ensure the donation goes to the right department. Thank you on behalf of the family and Mercy Corps,
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