Sophie J. Young

Kenneth and Gary Young sent the following letter to Friends of TYMCO:

Dear TYMCO Friends,

We have some very sad news to share with you. Our mother, Sophie J. Young, passed away peacefully in her sleep early Sunday morning, October 9, 2016 after a yearlong struggle with Leukemia.

Sophie was born March 15, 1921 in Hill County, Texas. She was one of eight children that grew up on their family farm growing cotton and participating in all the hard work that came with it. Sophie loved her heritage, growing up just outside of the Czech influenced City of West and spoke about it often with her family. On June 4, 1951, she married Bernard (B.W.) Young, founder of TYMCO and inventor of the Regenerative Air System. Soon thereafter, they started their family, raising three children – Kenneth, Gary, and Curtis.

B.W. and Sophie founded TYMCO, Inc., (The Young Manufacturing COmpany), a small family owned business which started in 1968 as a division of Young Brothers Construction Company – a company B.W. and his brothers R.T. and F.M. Young founded in the late 1940s. As the businesses grew during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, many West area residents worked for B.W. at both Young Brothers Construction and TYMCO. The personal relationship with the West community and surrounding area was created as a result of B.W. Young and Sophie Marek’s marriage in 1951 which helped form the foundation of what TYMCO is today – a down-to-earth family business that takes care of their people and customers. After B.W.’s passing in June of 1973, at the age of 52, she assumed ownership of TYMCO. Sophie and her sons, Kenneth, Gary, and Curtis, committed themselves to continue the dream started by B.W. Many of the original employees were supportive of Sophie and the Young family as they created the Regenerative Air Sweeper market within the sweeper industry, and have been a critical part of its success for over 40 years. She served as president of TYMCO until her retirement in 1990.

Even after her “retirement”, Sophie would arrive at work with briefcase in hand and greet everyone walking down the hall. Mother unknowingly inspired us to enjoy work – especially working at TYMCO! Sophie was without a doubt the matriarch of both her family and TYMCO. During her weekly visits to the office, she would take care of any business such as signing payables and paychecks, catching up with employees, and sharing lunch with us. She also attended TYMCO social events such as the annual Christmas Party, Family Fun Day, and retirement parties. Additionally, her presence at trade shows, such as APWA, and sales seminars helped dealers and customers understand the family-oriented culture of TYMCO. Mother had the willingness and strength to trust herself and her family in order to continue the vision B.W. wanted for TYMCO. She was very proud of TYMCO and loved everyone who has worked and currently works here.

TYMCO will be closing their offices and plant on Thursday, October 13, to allow employees to attend services. Information on services for Sophie can be found here.

Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know Sophie can attest to what an amazing mother, woman and dear friend she was to us all. We will miss her.

Sincerely,

The TYMCO Family

Kenneth J. Young
Gary B. Young