Newsmaker
Monday, October 5, 1998
Name: Joseph W.C. Young
Age: 73
Position: 1998 Model Chinese Father
Education: Washington University
Hobbies: Community service
Joseph W.C. Young retired from his dentistry practice after 40 years -- but the practice itself didn't end. His two sons, Emory and Collyer, are continuing it, while daughter Haven Young Rafto is an educator and his other daughter, Shelby Young Goo, is a veterinarian. Devoted to education
Young, who was chosen by the United Chinese Society as the 1998 Model Chinese Father of the Year, learned early the importance of education and other values. As one of nine children, he was taught by his parents the value of hard work, honesty, community service and respect for others.
"My parents had no education, practically none," Young said.
"They came here to escape the abject poverty in China and the chaos. So they realized the value of hard work, and coming to a beautiful but strange country, in Hawaii, they knew that education was important for good livelihood."
Both then and now, it's important to be honest and fair, and not give up easily, even under adverse conditions, Young said. He also was taught by his parents to help the less fortunate. "That's one of the important values that they instilled upon us."
The Honolulu-born Young attended Hawaii schools, served in World War II and received bachelor's and dentistry degrees from Washington University in St. Louis.
He is president of the Chung Shan Association of Hawaii, Mun Lum School, Luk Tuen Kuen and Washington University Club of Hawaii.
He is past president of four other Chinese organizations and holds directorships in the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Aina Haina Community Association. He also is a trustee of the Washington University School of Dentistry, a member of the city Planning Commission and legislative chairman of the Mayor's Downtown/Chinatown Task Force.
In the raising of their children, Young gave much of the credit to his wife, the former Barbara Chun, a teacher who he said guided them along. He felt honored to be named Model Father of the Year, based on a nomination from the Sun Ming Ting Benevolent Association, of which he was president for two terms.
"Due to the support of family and friends, I was able to be selected," Young said.
Harold Morse, Star-Bulletin
