It is my sad duty to report to you the passing of our Chaplain Emeritus and Compatriot William Ellis Youngs. Bill passed peacefully on March 15, 2015, and is survived by his wife (Mary Helen) and daughter (Renee). His funeral service was held March 18, 2015 at National Funeral Home in Falls Church. Interment followed at National Memorial Park. The Chapter was ably represented by Larry and Mary Frances McKinley, Dennis Hickey, and Jack Sweeney. A floral tribute was also provided on behalf of the Chapter, and I forwarded a message of sympathy to Bill’s daughter, Renee, over the weekend.

A Memorial of Respect for Compatriot Youngs will be placed on the agenda for adoption at our next Chapter meeting (April 9th). You can read more about Compatriot Youngs, his life, and contributions to Fairfax Resolves here.

I close my message to you with a paragraph from a condolence letter written by Benjamin Franklin upon the death of his brother, John Franklin, in 1756:

“Our friend and we are invited abroad on a party of pleasure - that is to last forever. His chair was first ready and he is gone on before us. We could not all conveniently start together, and why should you and I be grieved at this, since we are soon to follow, and we know where to find him.”

Compatriot Youngs - Adieu.

Very respectfully,

William W. “Bill” Price, President

Fairfax Resolves, SAR