MERIDEN, NH — Claude Lee Young, 61, died on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care. Claude was born in Hanover, NH on March 10, 1959 to Andrew Heath Young and Ruth Marguerite Martin Young and grew up in the Upper Valley.

After graduating from Mascoma High School in 1977, Claude enjoyed many legs of his life which led to the famous stories his loved ones can attest to listening to on repeat. From time spent skiing in Colorado to adventures with lobster fishermen in Maine, Claude collected a diverse circle of friends who became family. Claude came back to the East coast and his first daughter Jessica was born in 1980.

Claude was a meat cutter for almost 20 years and valued his time managing meat departments for Purity Supreme, and Butson’s Supermarket. During this time, he met and married his second wife, Stacy, and together they raised their daughter, Cassandra, in Meriden, NH.

Shortly after Cassandra’s birth, Claude purposefully changed paths to become self-employed, buying the Meriden Garage. He owned and operated the garage for 24 years, until his cancer diagnosis forced his retirement. In this small village, the Garage quickly put him amid a community that became so much more than customers, and his employees became lifelong friends.

Claude spent his life connecting with an accumulation of friends by enjoying everything he could fit into his time. Many days were spent hunting, snowmobiling, renovating camps, motorcycling, and fishing with everyone he could gather. Despite his years of illness, Claude continued to make plans for the next snowmobile ride, trip to camp, and weekend with friends. His family considers this a testament to a full life, well-lived.

Claude was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Dorothy. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Stacy (Hoose) Young; his daughter, Cassandra Young of Meriden, NH; his daughter, Jessica Willett (Joshua) of Saranac Lake, NY; his grandchildren, Evan, Ellie, and Elias, whom he was very proud of; brothers, Thomas (Joan) of Lexington, MA and Charles (Paulla) of Lebanon, NH; nephews Paul (Cricket), Clifton and George, Brett, Andrew and Harley, Eddie, Tommy Jr. and Shawn; nieces, Melissa and Tracey; as well as a circle of dear friends.

At his request, there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on October 24th at Glenwood Cemetery in Lebanon, NH. Family and friends planning to attend are asked to wear face masks and observe social distancing.

In the spring, Claude’s family will release some of his ashes off the Maine coast privately, to honor his love of the ocean.

Please consider setting aside some time this weekend to engage in a meaningful activity with someone you love in his honor. Ride the Kangamangus, smell the ocean, or raise a toast, and please share a photo of that time with his family at cyoungtribute@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Jack Byrne Center. His family is grateful to the Center for their guidance and support that allowed them to be fully present, and to Dr. Hourdequin and her team for their excellent care throughout his illness.

To leave a message of condolence, please visit the online guestbook at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.