Kennewick City Councilman Steve Young passes away

City officials are confirming that former Mayor and current City Councilman Steve Young passed away Thursday following a battle with cancer.

Kennewick Police Chief Ken Hohenberg confirmed Young's passing to Newsradio 610 KONA Thursday night, saying, "He was truly the best Mayor I ever had the privilege and pleasure to work with. He was the consummate professional and Kennewick benefited greatly from his leadership. He loved the City of Kennewick and serving Kennewick citizens. One of the many reasons I was proud to call him my friend."

The city issued a press release Thursday night, expressing sadness at Young's passing.

“Councilman Young had the ability to create a vision for our community, advocate for the vision and then follow-through to implement that vision. There are many examples of this such as the Southridge Local Revitalization Area, Three Rivers Convention Center, Vista Entertainment District and embracing our partnerships to see the vision become a reality,” said City Manager Marie Mosley. “I truly cannot think of an area in Kennewick that doesn’t have some mark from Councilmember Young”.

Fellow councilman John Trumbo: "Steve Young impressed me when I first came to the Tri-Cities 19 years ago as a reporter. He loved the community and did all he could to make it better. Steve poured himself into public service. He was a tireless booster for the Tri-Cities, and he has left a legacy that will be visible for many years."

Just this week, Young had filed paperwork with the Benton County Auditor's office to run for another term on the city's council.

He was first appointed to the council in 2008, replacing Mayor Jim Beaver who was elected as a Benton County Commissioner that same year. In 2009, the City Council elected Steve as Mayor where he continued to serve Kennewick as the Mayor until 2018.

He is the 2nd longest serving Mayor in the history of the city.

Young leaves behind his wife Anita. Together they had three children and six grand-children.