Worthington High Schools Alumni Club - Deceased Classmates
First Name
John David
Maiden Name
Last Name
Young
Passing Date
1/16/2023
Class Attended
1960
High School
Worthington High School
John David Young of Galena, Ohio, 80, died peacefully January 16, 2023, after a year living with prostate cancer. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 36 years, Shelly Ann Leister Young; his elder sister, Sandra Joan Young Bé; and his parents, Isobel Agnes Snyder Young and John Forrest Young. He is survived by his daughters, Laura J. Young, and Megan E. Van Aelst (Craig) both of Westerville; five grandchildren, Craig A. Van Aelst Jr. (Danielle), Elizabeth J. Moats Pennington (Cody), Madeline I. Van Aelst, Nicholas J. Moats, and Amelia R. Van Aelst; two great-grandchildren, Alaric J. Van Aelst and Wylder A. Van Aelst; and son-in-law Raymond F. ("Chip") Moats III. Born March 16, 1942, in Columbus, Ohio, John grew up in Worthington, where he was a scholar, choral singer, and star athlete. He helped bring Worthington High School to many wins as a running back and high hurdler. John earned Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from The Ohio State University. His 40-year career in science included pharmacology/toxicology research at Dow Chemical Co. in Midland, Mich.; cancer research and pharmacokinetics at Wayne State University, where he also taught in the medical school; biotech research in California at the former Cetus Corp.; and finally, Amgen Inc., as its founder and head of the pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism department, which he built to 125 scientists by his retirement at 59. He consulted for young biotechnology companies until age 65. John's substantial contributions to science included testimony to the Food and Drug Admin., prolific journal publishing, and patents related to biotechnology. He felt honored to mentor generations of young scientists. In his retirement especially, he became quite knowledgeable about wine, 'ruining' the palate of many. He was a committed fan of classical music, opera, poetry, literature, and sunsets. He was deeply concerned for the health of the planet, particularly clean water and soil. John was a champion of his family, encouraging each person in their interests, never pushing his own agenda. When he helped his daughters with homework, they sometimes got the history of algebra, or a binary computer made of match boxes and silver candy balls. There was never a straightforward answer because he knew the world's complexity. John's huge generosity, stellar advice, dry wit, and deep love will be missed by many.
