George "Lefty" Young

George Joseph "Lefty" Young, 81, a long-time U.S. Forest Service employee and Navy veteran, died on Feb. 8, 2006, at his home.

He was born on Feb. 10, 1924, in Great Falls, where he attended schools. He served in the Navy during World War II, and was on the deck of the ship Tjisidana near Okinawa in May 1945 when a Japanese torpedo plane dove into the port gun-mount, killing four crew members.

After the war, he sailed with the Merchant Marine and settled in the Troy area. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and past post commander of Troy VFW Post 5514. He worked for the Troy Ranger District for 28 years, retiring in 1980.

He married Wilma Marie Hale in 1953; she preceded him in death in 1958. He is survived by three sons, Daniel of Billings, Donald (Sheri) of Kalispell and Lorne (Cathy) of Spokane; a daughter, Jeannie of Great Falls; six grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Private family services will be held. Local arrangements are by the Nelson & Vial Funeral Home.