Alton Young passed away on January 31 after lengthy battle with esophageal cancer. Alton worked in law enforcement, construction and most recently for the TxDOT Aviation Division for 10 plus years. He loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed his annual trips to Terlingua with the guys. He was a proud member of the Central Texas Patriot Guard Riders and the Austin Area Patriot Guard Riders. He was known in the Patriot Guard by his nickname “Grizzlebear” because they knew he was mentally and physically as strong as a grizzly bear yet with a heart as kind and caring as a teddy bear. Alton shared his musical ability and love for gospel music by singing with The Hillsiders quartet.
In the following two pages, his colleagues share their thoughts on Alton and his legacy. Alton NEVER called me by my first name – always “Gunn.” I took this as a sincere term of endearment. Bill Gunn
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My memory of Alton is he was always looking for quality work and good BBQ! Harry Lorton
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Alton was very thoughtful. When he was on the road and even at home battling his own sickness, he would always find time to call me and wish me the best or offer kind words when I needed them recently. Although the day has come that he would no longer wait for the elevator, waving good-bye for the day with his 44 oz. cup in one hand and his brown leather bag in the other, I have the fondest of memories of Alton. Kelle Geter
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He was a humble guy that truly appreciated all the love showered on him during his fight with cancer by so many people that knew him. My phone has been ringing off the hook all day with people calling to offer their condolences. Obviously, he touched a lot of people and they all said what a nice guy he was. We knew that all along and we were lucky to be his friend. Russell Deason
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Alton always found time to help others. On one such occasion not too long ago Alton was telling me how he was going to help a Boy Scout that was working on a civic project at a local airport towards an “Eagle” rating. He explained how the Scout planned to install an auxiliary wind sock and that he (Alton) was just going to provide some guidance and installation advice. Well, as things progressed Alton became more and more involved and before you knew it he was helping with the actual installation from site preparation to pouring the concrete base. He wouldn’t have had it any other way. I saw that same scenario take place over and over throughout my friendship of 25 plus years with Alton. He always made time to do whatever was asked of him and many times what wasn’t. He was a true friend that will be missed by all that knew him. Ed Mayle
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He would come and visit me in my office every day when he was here. I would hear his whistle and knew he was coming. We would discuss anything from deer hunting, Emma (his granddaughter} and his grandsons, my children, the past, the present, the future and baking good cookies. He talked about how his wife Vicki would make him the best cookies, cake, whatever and he would be the stirrer. I miss my friend and co-worker. We love you, Alton! Becky Vick
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I have many good memories of Alton, from being shot with rubber bands and dodging the wadded up candy wrappers he’d throw at me, to listening to him in the neighboring cubical trash talking to me very loudly – in his playful manner, of course! Alton knew his business and was quite impressive to observe while on a job site. He was quick to share his knowledge, which provided a great learning experience.
My most treasured memory will be watching him perform with the Hillsiders Quartet. You could actually witness his pleasure while he sang the beautiful gospel songs. The evening had me smiling during the entire performance, even when the beauty of the lyrics and music brought tears to my eyes. Kari Campbell
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Alton was so proud of his talent of singing. He enrolled at Austin Community College to take a class in music. He had the honor of getting the part of lead singer in a production. He had gone to several practices and the professor was so proud Alton was joining the production. Alton was humbled that a professor would ask him to participate in such a production. Unfortunately, his illness would not let him complete his passion to play the part. He was like a little kid starting first grade again. Maybe he can be lead singer at the gates of heaven. Sheri Quinlan
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Alton was a wonderful man, and I truly feel honored to have crossed his path. I know his passing has left a large hole in the TxDOT Aviation Division family. To use a paving phrase, you might be able to bridge the hole, but you’ll never be able to fill it. All my prayers to his family. Larry Valdez, Parkhill, Smith & Cooper Inc.
