Young, Phillip Lee

Phillip Lee Young, 65, passed away on May 30, 2007 following a brief illness in San Jose, Costa Rica.

He is survived by a daughter, Deidre Young Brearley; and son-in-law, Todd Brearley (Jacksonville, Fla.); and a step-daughter, Amy Owens (Charleston, W.Va.), who has two young sons, Tristen and Hunter. He is the son of Myles Young (Floyd, Va.) and the late Annie Hall Young. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Young (Brenda), in addition to many uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews in the Christiansburg, Va. area.

Mr. Young graduated from Auburn High School in Riner, Va. and studied Civil Engineering at Virginia Tech. He was employed by Eli Lilly in Roanoke, Va. from 1967 – 1976. He transferred to Eli Lilly aquatic plant research in Boynton Beach, Fla. in 1976 and began his career in the environmental services field, particularly the management of invasive vegetation for public agencies and the private sector. His long career included research and development of herbicides for international chemical manufacturers and the management of vegetation management firms in the southeastern US.

Prior to moving to Costa Rica, Mr. Young ended his career by retiring as President of Aquatic Vegetation Control, Inc. in South Florida. He was a long time member of the Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society and the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council and was active in developing strategies for control of invasive plants within the Florida Keys. His contributions to the vegetation management and herbicide application industry are widely recognized by his colleagues.

A funeral was held in San Jose, Costa Rica, on June 1, 2007 followed by a memorial service near his home in Jac, Costa Rica on June 2, 2007. Two other memorial services are planned. The first service will be held in Riner, Va., in later July and the other is scheduled for August 4, 2007 in the Florida Keys.