Obituaries : Eugene Young; Longtime Area Artisan

Eugene Young, an artisan, died at home in Thousand Oaks on Thursday. He was 95.

He was born Aug. 19, 1904, in Shepetovka, Russia, as Eugene Astrov. His family fled during the Bolshevik Revolution and passed through Ellis Island, before settling in Baltimore. His older sister, Helen, selected the Americanized family name of Young, borrowed from movie actress Helen Young.

Eugene Young studied classical art at the Maryland Art Institute. Later, because of the Depression, he opened an antique restoration and artisan shop.

He was drafted by the Army and went to the Air Corps Advanced Flying School in Douglas, Ariz. While there, he constructed detailed instructional models of complex aircraft components, such as the B-25 carburetor and hydraulic systems. He also painted pictures of enemy aircraft for pilot training.

In 1943, he was transferred to reserve duty and worked in a similar role for Lockheed Aircraft in Burbank.

When he was discharged in 1945, Young again pursued his passion for the arts. Later, he convinced his nephew, Albert Acton, to join him in California.

In 1947, he met his future wife, Ruth, a violinist, and Acton met her daughter, Helene. They all married and settled in Ventura County several years later.

Young’s home in the Santa Susana Knolls of Simi Valley became both a residence and a workshop. In 1994, Young moved to Thousand Oaks to live with his stepdaughter and nephew. Young was preceded in death by his wife of 29 years and his nephew.

In addition to his stepdaughter, Helene Acton of Thousand Oaks, Young is survived by three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Services will be private, for family and friends.

Arrangements are under the direction of Guardian Memorial Funeral Directors and Crematory in Oxnard.