Neil “Skip” Young, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and one of the Turlock Police Department’s most dedicated volunteers, died April 20. He was 92.

Young, known for his whip‑smart memory, sharp wit and steady presence, spent more than 20 years volunteering with the department’s Volunteers in Police Services program. He logged more than 10,000 hours, trained new volunteers, assisted with patrol visibility and provided traffic control at parades, fairs and major incidents. To many inside the department, he became family.

“Skip served the Turlock Police Department as a volunteer for over 20 years,” the department wrote in a May 5 Facebook statement. “He became part of our department family. Someone you could count on to show up, check in, and make the day a little better just by being there.”

Young often said his commitment to service began at home.

“If parents want their children to experience the benefits of volunteerism and helping others then they have to set the example,” he once said. “On both sides of my family they always did things to help others.”

Born June 22, 1933, Young enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1952 during the Korean War. What began as a short‑term plan became a 30‑year military career that included combat in Korea and three tours in Vietnam. He retired as a First Lieutenant and received numerous commendations, including the Air Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Defense Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

After retiring from the military, Young continued serving through Boy Scouts, Little League and community programs. A heart attack in 2004 — and the calm reassurance of dispatcher Alex Stapler, who stayed on the phone with him until paramedics arrived — inspired him to join the Turlock Police Department’s volunteer program the following year.

In 2024, he was named one of Stanislaus County’s Outstanding Senior Citizens for District 2.

“Mr. Young improved his community by helping the police department keep it safe and more secure,” his nomination read. “He enhanced the lives of others by his example of volunteerism, community involvement, service to others, work ethic, sense of humor, and retelling of his interesting war stories.”

Tributes from former colleagues and friends reflected the same admiration.

Alexa Ortega, who worked with Young at the department, remembered how he made an impression from the very beginning.

“My sincere and deepest condolences to Skip’s family… both at home and at the PD,” she wrote. “This man was a force of nature and I can’t think of too much that could have ever really slowed him down or dimmed his spirit. When I first got hired, he took me for the grand tour of the city and we got into some fun stuff while doing so. It cracked me up how for the next three years, he always remembered and referenced that very first ride‑along he took my rookie self on with so much willingness and excitement.”

Former Turlock Fire Capt. Brian White said Young “represented the Turlock Police Department very well,” calling his passing “a sad loss for the City of Turlock.”

Retired Turlock Police Detective Jason Tosta added, “Skip was amazing… walked the walk and talked the talk. A true American hero. TPD family and the world lost a great one.”

Young’s legacy, friends said, is one of kindness, connection and a life lived in service.

No local services are planned.