Senate Resolution No. 2978

BY: Senator JACOBS

MOURNING the deaths of Betty L. and Robert E.
Yung, distinguished citizens and dedicated members
of their community

WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Robert E. and Betty L. Yung, an
extraordinary couple of indomitable faith and dedication whose
purposeful lives will long serve as a standard to which others might
aspire; and

WHEREAS, Betty L. Yung of Orchard Park, New York, died on Tuesday,
February 18, 2020, at the age of 94; and

WHEREAS, Her husband of 69 years, Robert E. Yung, died three days
later on Friday, February 21, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Born in Orchard Park, the former Betty Roth attended the
local high school, and was a member of the second class of special
education teachers from Buffalo State College; and

WHEREAS, Betty L. Roth was a teacher with Kenmore schools before she
married the love of her life, Robert E. Yung; after taking time to raise
her beloved two children, she returned to work as a substitute teacher
in Orchard Park; and

WHEREAS, Robert E. Yung was born to American parents who operated a
restaurant in Toronto, Canada; after moving to Tonawanda, New York, he
graduated from Kenmore High School in 1943; during his senior year, he
joined the United States Navy's V-12 program, and spent two semesters
each in naval training at Union College and Dartmouth College before
entering midshipman school at Fort Schuyler; and

WHEREAS, After completing his training in August of 1945, just as
World War II ended, Robert E. Yung joined the crew of the USS Roi in San
Francisco, California; in this capacity, he visited several Pacific
islands and ferried home a large number of United States Marines from
China on a trip called "the Magic Carpet"; and

WHEREAS, Upon his discharge in 1946, Robert E. Yung earned his
degree from Union College, and joined the Naval Reserve in 1950, where
he served until 1984; and

WHEREAS, For many years, Robert E. Yung enjoyed a successful career
in insurance for Mutual of New York and as an independent agent; devoted
to his community, he was a member of the Masons, the Shriners, and
Western Star Lodge 1185, serving as the organization's grand lodge
representative for the second Erie District; and

WHEREAS, Together, Betty L. and Robert E. Yung attended Baker
Memorial Methodist Church in East Aurora, New York, and were involved in
several local historical societies; they also enjoyed traveling around
the world, and genuinely loved being in love; and

WHEREAS, Betty L. and Robert E. Yung truly lived their lives with
great dignity and genuine grace, always demonstrating a deep and
continuing concern for human values and ideals, and in doing so,
inspired others to do the same; and

WHEREAS, Betty L. and Robert E. Yung touched the lives of their
family and many friends through the shining example of their marriage,
which is a testament to the devotion and admiration which they possess
for one another; and

WHEREAS, Betty L. and Robert E. Yung are survived by one daughter,
Barbara J. Kipler; one son, Robert R. Yung; and three grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Through their boundless love and profound words of wisdom,
Betty L. and Robert E. Yung's legacies of true grace will shine on
through their family's vivid and happy memories; their shining lights
and strengths will forever serve as a beacon of love and hope for all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing and dynamic
woman and man; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the deaths of Robert E. and Betty L. Yung, distinguished citizens
and dedicated members of their community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Betty L. and Robert E. Yung.