Arthur Young, 72

Arthur Young, professor emeritus of astronomy at San Diego State University, died in Poway on Feb. 7, 2012, from complications of diabetes at the age of 72.

In his almost 35-year career, he was a highly respected researcher, professor and author of numerous scientific publications, many of which were co-authored by students he mentored. He was recognized by the astronomical community for his innovative research in stellar astrophysics.

Young enjoyed bringing the wonders of the universe to the public, often as guest speaker at planetarium shows in the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and at meetings of the San Diego Astronomy Association. His passion for education was evident in the workshops he presented for elementary and high school science teachers. He is remembered by his colleagues for his depth and breadth of knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for science. His book, It’s Turtles All the Way Down, an analysis of the structure of scientific thought, reflects both his wit and skill in making sophisticated concepts accessible to a wide audience.

Young attended Stuyvesant High School in New York, graduating at age 16. He earned his B.S. degree from Allegheny College in Pennsylvania, followed by three years of service in the Air Force. After his military service, he entered the graduate program in astronomy at Indiana University, where he earned his Ph.D. He joined the astronomy faculty at SDSU in 1967.

Young and his wife, Candice, lived in Lakeside for the past nine years and they both felt their marriage was “written in the stars.” Candice continues her career as director of Oak Knoll Montessori, established in 1982 in Poway. Young is also survived by two sons from a previous marriage, Greg and Bruce and their families of California and Florida, respectively.

-Submitted by Candice Young