KINGSTON, Jamaica, Dyhann Buddoo-Fletcher — Desmond Young, respected civil engineer, businessman, and Seventh-day Adventist leader, whose life bridged national development and Christian service, died on Monday, March 30, 2026. He was 62.
His death has prompted grief, admiration, and condolences from leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and its institutions, who have highlighted both the breadth of his influence and the strength of his character.
Pastor Glen Samuels, president of the Jamaica Union Conference, described the loss as a major blow. “He has been a tremendous resource. His reach is almost immeasurable, and the depth of his service, the quality of his commitment, integrity, and professionalism all speak to the kind of man he was.”
“Because so much was given in one person, his passing is such a tragedy, but we believe in the hope of the resurrection,” Samuels said.
Young’s early life was marked by adversity. Born in Kingston, he lost his mother at 15 years-old yet remained firmly committed to his education. He attended Dupont Primary School, Cockburn Gardens Primary and Junior High School, Excelsior High School, and Excelsior Community College. He then pursued further studies at the University of the West Indies, Mona, before travelling to Moscow to earn a master’s degree in civil engineering. Upon returning to Jamaica, he continued his academic journey, obtaining a second master’s degree in business administration and international business from the Mona School of Business at UWI.
Young’s journey from personal hardship to professional distinction became a defining part of his life story and stands at the heart of his memoir, The Desmond Young Story: Where You Begin Does Not Determine Where You End.
That same journey was one he described with candour and gratitude. “I lived a fantastic life, one that started badly, with tragedies, disappointments, unfulfilled promises and with economic obstacles. God placed quite a few destiny helpers in my way to provide guidance that allowed me to be who I am today,” Young said.
“My approach to every event has been and still is, to face it, deal with it and move on. The past is the past, leave it there.”
In professional life, Young built a record of distinguished service across both the public and private sectors. With 24 years at the senior management level, he led or significantly influenced major entities in Jamaica. He credited his 14-year tenure at Ashtrom Building & Systems Limited with providing him with a “solid professional background”.
His leadership roles included chairman of Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, chairman of the University of Technology Faculty of Civil Engineering Advisory Board, acting general manager of the Urban Development Corporation, vice president and later chairman and chief executive officer of New Era Homes 2000 Limited, managing director of Halicon Holdings Limited, and chief executive officer of Molodoy Development Limited. He also served on several national boards and committees in housing, construction, engineering, and planning, contributing to critical areas of Jamaica’s development.
For church leaders, Young’s significance extended well beyond his technical accomplishments.
Pastor Everett Brown, immediate past president of the Jamaica Union Conference, said Young never separated faith from service, “Desmond Young was an extraordinarily gifted professional who used his gifts and talents to advance the development of Jamaica and the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.”
Brown continued, “He unselfishly leveraged his expertise as a professional engineer and his experience in corporate governance to assist his local conference, the East Jamaica Conference, and the wider church in Jamaica. He was a selfless Christian gentleman whose commitment to God, family, and community was second to none.”
That commitment was evident in his extensive work within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He held leadership roles as an elder of Meadowvale Seventh-day Adventist Church, chaired committees, and served on the executive committees of the Jamaica Union Conference and the East Jamaica Conference. He was also a member of the Andrews Memorial Hospital Board. Together with his wife, Patricia, he was active in Adventist Laymen’s Services and Industries, Junior Chapter, mentoring young members.
Young also played a major role in Adventist development initiatives. He served as chairman of the Conference-wide Development Committee and was project manager for the Northern Caribbean University Church building complex, guiding key building projects across the Adventist community.
Pastor Meric Walker, president of the East Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, said Young’s contribution had left an enduring imprint. “Desmond Young was more than an intellectual giant, more than an architectural guru, more than a magnanimous philanthropist. He helped to shape a new order of conference property development and will forever be etched on the walls of our hearts,” Walker said.
At Andrews Memorial Hospital Limited, where Young served on the board, he was remembered as a thoughtful and visionary leader.
President and Chief Executive Officer Donmayne Gyles said his presence would be greatly missed. “Desmond Young has been a man of great wisdom and leadership, especially in his field of civil engineering,” Gyles said.
“We have made great strides in improving the quality of our buildings, but more importantly, he was a man we could all relate to, share common interests with, and work within the pursuit of excellence. He will be deeply missed.”
Young was also being remembered at Northern Caribbean University as a man who gave generously of himself and his expertise over many years. President Dr Lincoln Edwards said Young served the university as a pro bono project manager in engineering and construction and said the institution was grateful to have honoured him before his untimely passing.
“He was the consummate professional, a man of standards and integrity, who will be truly missed. He was a committed and self-sacrificing servant of God. He led by example, and what an example of true stewardship he showed to all who knew him.”
“I am pleased that NCU was able to honour him last graduation on August 11, 2025, with the honorary Doctor of Science degree before his untimely passing,” Lincoln concluded.
His national contribution was recognised through several major honours, including the Jamaica Institution of Engineers’ Excellence in Engineering Award in 2008, the Eastern European Graduates Association Outstanding Graduate Award in 2015, and the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service to the Nation in 2022.
Young is survived by his wife of 36 years, Patricia, their adult children, Kimone and Desmond Jr., extended family members, and thousands of well-wishers.
