A publication of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at MSU
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In Memory and Gratitude
Good day everyone,
It is with a heavy heart that I write to tell you that Doug Young, our beloved OLLI at MSU Advisory Council President, passed away on October 28. He had fought his recent bladder cancer valiantly and approached his subsequent surgery with the optimism that we all know and appreciate.
I like to think of the story ending there, and dwell on his contagiously positive attitude, curiosity and ‘can do’ approach to life and work. As a fellow Advisory Council member so aptly said, “Doug was larger than life” and a friend to anyone he met.
He served many roles within MSU Wonderlust over the years, as an Advisory Council member and president (twice!), instructor, treasurer of the Friends of Wonderlust Board, MSU Wonderlust reception bartender and more.
We are pleased to honor Doug, and offer an opportunity to share his enthusiasm for lifelong learning with others, in the form of the Doug Young Memorial Scholarship Fund, which has been created to support student scholarships for participation in OLLI at MSU. Contributions in Doug's memory may be sent to: MSUAF, Attn: Doug Young Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 172750, Bozeman, MT 59717.
I encourage you to reach out to your loved ones (human, furry, feathered or otherwise) to share a hug and let them know how much they mean to you.
Doug, my heart and hugs go out to you and your family.
Be Well Everyone,
Bobbi j Geise
OLLI at MSU
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A Tribute to Doug Young
Prepared by friends of Doug Young
The year 2020, which seems to have no end of shocks for us, has delivered yet one more with the death on October 28 of our friend and colleague, Douglas Young, Ph.D. Doug, a Professor Emeritus of Economics at Montana State University (MSU), was the current President of the Advisory Council of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at MSU (formerly MSU Wonderlust) and a previous member and officer of the Board of Directors of Wonderlust and The Friends of Wonderlust. These titles in themselves show what a loss this is for OLLI at MSU, but it is not for his titles that we cherish his memory.
His energy, effort and enthusiasm were instrumental in moving Wonderlust from a small group of curious (in all meanings of the word) friends to the MSU organization with 500 plus members that recently succeeded in securing funding from the Bernard Osher Foundation.
Doug exemplified the ideal of senior living which OLLI at MSU aims to promote. He led a life of the mind, the body and the spirit. As one of Wonderlust’s first and recurring instructors, he shared his knowledge and clarity of thought in helping hundreds of us understand the baffling intricacies of economics and infected us with his love of numbers, tables and graphs along the way.
He was a citizen of the world who spent many years living and teaching in foreign countries and who welcomed many students and visitors from abroad into his home. He was an avid reader and his e-mail signature line always included the books that he was currently reading. He relished nature with a spectrum of activities from swimming in the cold waters of Puget Sound to skiing and hiking in the high sunny peaks of Montana.
Although his expertise was in economics, which Carlyle named “The Dismal Science,” Doug’s outlook was always one of optimism. He could see progress where others saw only stagnation or worse. And he had a sense of humor for all. For example, he often introduced his contemporaries, an unrelated friend with whom he shared a surname, as his father. His loud, hearty laugh will remain a vivid and beloved lasting memory. As we mourn him and remember him, his spirit endures, laughing with us and at us along our way.
Laura and family, our hearts and condolences go out to you all.
Rest in peace Doug.
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More words about Doug Young from fellow OLLI at MSU members:
"Doug was a treasure and so versatile in his talents that he made a remarkably wide range of contributions to Wonderlust, all the while being cleverly amusing and fun to work with. We will miss him so much!" - Chris
"He has contributed immeasurably to all of our lives for so many years, in so many ways. He so often provided the framework of thought within which we could collectively be more productive, most always with humor and goodwill. What a loss we have had!" - Bob
"We have all lost a very special friend. Those of us connected with Wonderlust, MSU and our entire community. 'Larger than life' is a most appropriate descriptor. Always upbeat and full of humor, energy and graciousness. How I will miss my friend." - Cathy
"Losing Doug is a stunning loss and we will miss him greatly. Here’s an excerpt from an email he sent me when I asked some questions about his online presentation on MT economy and taxation:
'Kathryn, you aren't supposed to actually THINK about what I said! Just sit back in reverential awe and wonder!' 😁 Doug Young
Can’t you just see his mock indignation?" - Kathryn
"Doug was a special person and friend to us all." - John
"Doug was the most playful economist I've ever met. I've always appreciated his vibrant, playfulness and optimism." - Linda
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Osher lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at MSU, formerly MSU Wonderlust, is a program of MSU Academic Technology and Outreach that provides intellectually stimulating and enjoyable programs that foster lifelong learning and community engagement for individuals 50 and greater. There are no tests, no grades and no papers. OLLI at MSU offers opportunities for the pure joy of learning. Become a member or consider teaching for us.
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