BRIAN YOUNG

Robert Brian Young, known simply as Brian to everyone who knew him, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas, at the age of 81.

Brian was born on February 22, 1945, in Long Beach, California, to Walter and Rhoda Young. Before his first birthday, his family returned to Fort Worth, where he would spend nearly his entire life building friendships, raising a family, and becoming one of those rare people who seemed to know someone everywhere he went.

He attended Denver Avenue Elementary, J. P. Elder Junior High, and graduated from North Side High School. His childhood on Lake Worth was nothing short of an adventure. He spent his days swimming, boating, water skiing, fishing, and exploring every inch of the lake. Whether he was catching turtles, lizards, or snakes to proudly show anyone willing to look, or leaping from the boathouse into the water below, Brian embraced every adventure with curiosity and just enough fearlessness to keep his family watching closely.

He spent many days at Rockwood Golf Course and often shared stories of hanging around Colonial Country Club with friends, where they found creative ways to entertain themselves and make memories, sometimes even with a golf club in hand. Those friendships remained important throughout his life, and in recent years, he especially enjoyed regular lunches and gatherings with many of his lifelong friends.

While attending North Texas State University, Brian met the love of his life, Mary. They married in 1972 and spent the next 53 years building a home filled with family, lifelong friends, beloved animals, and countless memories. Their home was never without a dog or cat, and over the years, even included a few farm animals. Together, they shared a lifetime of adventures, laughter, and love. Through every season, they were each other’s greatest teammate.

Brian worked from the time he was in high school, taking on a variety of jobs, including time at Vance Godbey’s Restaurant. After college, he began his career with Kraft Foods and eventually built a successful career in specialty cheese sales, where he became a trusted resource for chefs across the country. His knowledge, passion, and personality earned him a reputation in the industry and led many to affectionately call him the “Cheese Man.” Anyone who visited the Young home knew about the second refrigerator devoted entirely to cheese.

He was happiest with a fishing rod in his hand, a golf club nearby, or out on the water. Even after years away from water skiing, he couldn’t resist proving he still had it by popping up on a slalom ski on the first try. He loved BBQ at Angelo’s, a burger from Tommy’s, an ice-cold Budweiser, and time spent with family and friends. He had a quick wit, enjoyed the occasional perfectly timed pun, and although he could be a man of few words, his quiet humor often said more than anyone else in the room.

Brian could fix almost anything. If something was broken, chances were he could figure out how to repair it. Whether remodeling a home or tackling a small repair around the house, he approached every project with patience and determination.

Brian was a devoted father who took great pride in watching Sarah grow and build a family of her own. Becoming a grandfather brought him immense joy. He loved seeing his grandsons, Luke and Zachary, become the young men they are today and was always their biggest supporter, whether cheering them on in sports, celebrating their accomplishments, or simply sharing time together. He especially loved watching them discover the same love of fishing that had been such an important part of his own life. Sharing those moments with them filled him with pride and happiness.

Brian is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Mary Young; his daughter, Sarah Ross and her husband, Brian Ross; his grandsons, Luke Brian Ross and Zachary William Ross; his sisters, Lynette Meadows and Cynthia Efferson; and his nephews, Brian Meadows, Alec Meadows, and Nathan Phillips.

Brian never met a stranger. Whether he met you on Lake Worth, at North Side, on the golf course, through the cheese business, or somewhere in between, chances are he considered you a friend. His family finds comfort knowing that the stories, laughter, friendships, and memories he created will continue to be shared for generations to come.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. If you would like to receive updates or share a favorite memory of Brian, please visit: https://bit.ly/rememberingbrianyoung