VEKA shared the sad news that longtime employee Chris Young passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024. According to the company, Young had been battling cancer for nine months. “Chris’s spirit and legacy will live on in all of us,” they said.
Born in Chicora, Pennsylvania, Young started with VEKA in 1995 when he joined the quality department. By 1996, he had transitioned to a door and window fabrication technician role, and was promoted to technical account manager for the Northeast in 1999.
In 2006, Young earned the role of Northeast regional sales manager for VEKA Innovations. By 2011, he had risen to divisional sales manager, where company officials say he led the transformation into VEKA Outdoor Living products, guiding his team of four territory sales managers through over thirteen years of growth, innovation and success. Company officials say Young’s leadership was a cornerstone of the division’s achievements.
“Chris’s passion for his work, dedication to his coworkers, and unwavering commitment to his customers were evident in everything he did,” a company statement said. “He faced each challenge with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to help others, inspiring those around him with his positivity and respect for all. More than just a colleague, Chris was a dear friend and mentor—always ready to offer support or encouragement. His infectious laughter and sense of humor brought joy to our workplace, reminding us to find moments of light even in the toughest times. Chris cherished his family, his work, his coworkers, and his customers. His contributions to VEKA and the industry will be cherished and remembered, but it is the warmth of his spirit and kindness that we will miss the most. As we grieve this profound loss, we also celebrate the legacy Chris leaves—a legacy of integrity, hard work, laughter and a genuine love for life.”
Young was surrounded by family when he passed.