Recently, I learned of the passing of former State Senate Minority Leader, Senator Richard Young. I had the privilege of meeting Senator Young many years ago when I served as an intern in the Indiana General Assembly and later as a government employee. A quiet and unassuming man, he left a lasting impression on me. In a place that can often feel stiff, hurried and intensely partisan, Dick stood out for something far more human: his humor, his kindness and his genuine interest in the people around him.
He had an easy laugh and a quiet, gentle nature, but what struck me most was how he used both to make others feel welcome. He spoke to interns and colleagues alike as people whose ideas mattered. Those small acts of decency stayed with me, and upon hearing of his passing, I felt compelled to offer this tribute.
Beyond his personal warmth, Senator Young was a lawmaker whose work left a meaningful mark on Indiana. His leadership helped shape policies that continue to strengthen our state. Among his most significant contributions was his role in Indiana's adoption of full-day kindergarten — a change that gave thousands of children a stronger start in school and provided working families with greater stability.
It was the kind of practical, forward-looking solution that defined his approach to public service. Even with the popular Governor Frank O'Bannon championing the effort, the path to full-day kindergarten was far from easy; in fact, it was a slog. Senator Young quietly worked across the aisle, helping colleagues understand the value of the proposal. His efforts not only helped the O'Bannon administration pass FDK, but also built the bipartisan support that later allowed its expansion under Governor Mitch Daniels — a remarkable evolution for a policy many Republicans had once dismissed as a "non-starter."
He believed government should improve everyday life, not just debate it. Whether the issue was education, public safety or local infrastructure, Senator Young approached each challenge with the same steady question: What will make life better for Hoosier families?
As an intern, I saw firsthand how he carried that philosophy into his daily interactions. He treated people with respect, encouraged curiosity and never forgot to laugh. I am grateful to have met him. Indiana is stronger because Richard Young served it — and because he did so with integrity, compassion and a clear vision for the common good.
Spencer Valentine, Indianapolis
