WESTBROOK — Albert Young, a successful and hard-working businessman who operated Twin Falls Golf Club in Westbrook for more than 40 years, died on Tuesday. He was 86.

In 1970, Mr. Young fulfilled a longtime dream to develop a former dairy farm on Spring Street into a 2,700-yard golf course. At the time, he didn’t golf.

The course features nine holes with rolling fairways and a few ponds.

Mr. Young operated the golf course with his wife, Yvonne Young, and their two children, Richard Young and Kathy Boullie.

Mr. Young owned the business until roughly 2000, then turned it over to his two children. Boullie, of Windham, now operates the facility.

She reflected Tuesday about her father’s dedication and commitment to the business. He continued to mow the greens and fairways until last year.

“He loved it,” his daughter said. “He loved the camaraderie with the public.”

Soon after developing the golf course, Mr. Young taught himself how to golf. His wife learned to golf as well and they both participated in golf leagues. Boullie said her brother worked there until he died in 2004. Her mother continued to rake until she was 78. She died in 2011.

“They were so dedicated,” Boullie said. “I have over 70 acres here. I look out and all I see is my brother mowing, my dad on the tractor mowing, and my mother with a rake in her hand.”

Mr. Young, of Spring Street, graduated from Westbrook High School. In 1944, he enlisted in the Army. He served for two years and was discharged in 1946. He was past commander of the American Legion Post 197 in Westbrook.

In his early years, Mr. Young worked at the former Dana Warp Mill in Westbrook as a machinist. He later worked at the former S.D. Warren Co. as a master electrician.

He left the mill to start his own business, United Electric Corp., which he operated for about 15 years.

“He wired many, many homes in this area,” his daughter said. “My brother worked alongside him for many years. My dad was just an all-around hard worker and a great provider for his family.”

For 42 years, Mr. Young and his wife wintered in Seminole, Fla.

“They loved it,” Boullie said. “They loved it when their grandkids came down.”

About five years ago, his health began to decline. He suffered with Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

 

Staff Writer Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at:
mcreamer@pressherald.com