William Arthur Young, a 44-year-old Caucasian male, tragically lost his life on the evening of Wednesday, October 25, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine. A resident of Winthrop, he was a loving husband and father. Known to his friends and family as Bill, he was remembered for his big heart and an infectious, joyous laugh that could fill a room. A veteran of the United States Air Force, he had spent the last twelve years working as an auto mechanic.
On that fateful night, Bill was at the
Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley with his 14-year-old son, Aaron. What began as a father-son outing turned into a scene of unimaginable horror when a gunman opened fire. Both Bill and his son were among the victims of Maine's deadliest mass shooting. His brother believed that given Bill's stature and character, he would have likely tried to confront the shooter.
The man responsible for this senseless act of violence was identified as Robert Card. The shooting spree took place at two locations in Lewiston, the bowling alley and a local bar, leaving 18 people dead and 13 others injured. Following a massive two-day manhunt that put the local community on edge, Card was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
A memorial service to celebrate the lives of both Bill and Aaron Young was held at Hope Baptist Church in Manchester, where over 200 people gathered to mourn their loss and share cherished memories. Family members painted a picture of a man who deeply loved his family, enjoyed making people laugh, and shared a special bond with his son, with whom he shared his final moments. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and stepdaughter.
