Robert Peter (“Pete”) Young passed away on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer.  Pete earned his Master’s degree in Geography at UVM in 1997 and served as a part-time instructor in Geography, teaching courses in geospatial technologies from 2013 to 2016.  His students consistently commented on his passion, energy, and commitment to teaching about the power of geographical analysis in addressing compelling social questions.  Pete worked as the lead geospatial analyst for the Vermont Department of Health, conducting statewide analyses of health data and training agency personnel on the use of geographic information systems (GIS).  He was also an active member of the statewide GIS community, and internship mentor for numerous UVM students. 

Pete leaves behind his beloved wife, Naomi Clemmons, and three children.  In honor of  Pete’s lifelong accomplishments and contributions, the Geography Department is establishing the Peter Young Award for Excellence in Health Geographies or Geospatial Analysis.  Contributions to this fund may be directed to the Geography Department at UVM (under Designations, indicate "Geography- Peter Young award"). 

A celebration of life was held on Sunday February 3, 2019 at 11:00AM at the University of Vermont Ira Allen Chapel.

Pete Young was an applied geographer who had extensive experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. In addition to teaching at UVM, Pete worked three-quarter time as the Vermont Department of Health's GIS Manager. Previously, Pete had provided GIS consulting services during 7 years to the health department to help build GIS capacity and to address a variety of public health issues.