ALASKANS FOR DON YOUNG, INC

2504 Fairbanks Street
Anchorage, AK 99503

For Release: August 3, 2009
Contact: Meredith Kenny (202) 225-5765

A Statement On The Passing Of Lu Young

Washington, D.C. – Lula Young, Alaskan Congressman Don Young’s wife of over 46 years, passed away early Sunday morning, August 2, 2009. Lu passed away from natural causes. She was 67 years old. Congressman and Mrs. Young are blessed with two daughters, Joni Nelson and Dawn Vallely, and 14 grandchildren.

Rep. and Mrs. Young met in Fort Yukon when he was a school teacher and she was a bookkeeper; they have been inseparable ever since. Lu was not only Congressman Young’s wife, but also his partner, his best friend, and his heart. She accompanied him to his office daily where she served as a support system for both the Congressman and his staff. Lu was the “office mother” ensuring that her husband and his staff were well taken care of every day. She took great pleasure in personally greeting all visitors, and was often known to take visiting Alaskans out for lunch to welcome them to D.C.

“Lu was my everything, and I am heartbroken,” said Rep. Young. “This has come as a shock to all of us. She has always been by my side and loved and supported me and I am blessed to have her as my life partner. There are no words to express my grief right now. I am a man of strong faith, and I know she is in good hands with our Lord, and will always be with me, our daughters, and our grandchildren.”

Congressman Young and his family ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Lu’s charity, the Lu Young Fund for Children of Families Fighting Cancer or to the Doyon Foundation. Memorial plans have not yet been confirmed, however when they are, details will follow. Congressman Young and his family also respectfully ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.

Contact information:

Lu Young Children’s Fund
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
4141 Ambassador Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99508

Doyon Foundation
1 Doyon Place, Suite 300
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
http://www.doyonfoundation.com