It is with great sadness and deep loss that we note the passing of Ross Henry De Young, our fellow Rotarian and good friend, on May 7, 2020. He was 92 years old.

Ross was a Chicago “boy,” an architect who started his own business. At 16, Ross received a full academic scholarship to Yale University, where he received Bachelors of Fine Arts and of Architecture, and a Masters of Architecture subsequently conferred. In between his two degrees from 1951 to 1953, Ross was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Marines working as a radio operator during the Korean War. Ross survived an atom bomb, literally, when his military unit in southern CA was ordered to the Nevada desert to “observe” an atomic bomb test.

Ross was an accomplished architect winning several prestigious awards for his residential and public building designs. He was also a devoted husband, father and grandfather having met and married the love of his life, Julie, over a college break.

Members of the PMB Rotary Club first met Ross when he joined our club about six years ago. He found us after having been a Rotarian in Chicago for many years. Ross was also an avid and skillful golfer, know for his accurate drives and great sportsmanship.

In the written many condolences from fellow Rotarians, golfing buddies and friends on Ross’ passing, there are some key themes about the man — “a true gentleman”, “humble”, “determined” “unobtrusive”, “sense of humor”, “kind”, “compassionate” and an “extraordinary 10th decade golfer.” Ross was extraordinary in many, many ways, but didn’t feel the need to talk about it. His truly was a life well-lived.

Our deepest condolences to Julie and the De Young family. He will be deeply missed.