The Reverend Bruce Younkin

April 29, 2023

Let us remember with thanksgiving the life and ministry of Rev. Bruce Younkin, 76, of Flat Rock, NC who passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2023.

Bruce received a B.A. from Franklin & Marshall College, a M.Div. from Union Seminary in New York City, and a MSW from Yeshiva University. He also spent a year at Oxford University studying Old Testament. He was a Clergy in the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church from 1973 until 2006. From 1973 to 1996 he served the following churches: Manhattan: Broadway Temple, Queens Village: Calvary, Goshen UMC, and Katonah UMC. From 1996 – 2001 Bruce was a psychotherapist at the Child Care Center in Goshen, NY. In 2001 he was appointed to Monroe UMC in NY and he served there until his retirement in 2006. He was a LCSW and practiced as a psychotherapist from 1989 until his death.
 
Bruce was a caring and much loved husband, father, grandfather, sibling, friend, pastor, and therapist. He made a difference in the lives of many. He loved to run and proudly completed 17 marathons. After retiring to Flat Rock, NC in 2006, he continued to have a part-time psychotherapy practice, loved mowing pastures on his daughter’s farm, and being part of a contemplative spiritual group in Asheville, NC. He loved talking to his children about their lives, TV shows and movies, sports, and books they were reading. He was always ready to play card and board games with his grandchildren, and find new adventures to try out. He looked forward to seeing them at the Jersey Shore each year to jump waves, go to the water slides, play miniature golf, and share his love of the seashore.
 
He is survived by his wife of  48 years, Florence Younkin. In addition he is survived by four children, Paige Younkin (Chris Edmonds), Jeremy Younkin (Roysin Younkin), Jonathan Younkin (Maureen Younkin), and Timothy Younkin (Mel Younkin), and six grandchildren, Theo, Louisa, Claire, Alice, Chris, and Brett.  He is also survived by his brothers Steve (Linda), Don (Suellen Riffkin), Clyde (Donna), and his sister Becky Kotraba (Walter).  Also two young friends, Chris and Alex who were part of his larger family for a decade.
 
Services will be private. Donations can be made in his memory to Flat Rock Park Foundation, P.O.Box 1288, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
 
You can contact Florence at fyounkin1117@gmail.com
 
Blessings and prayers to the Younkin family at this time of loss.
 
Grace and peace,
 
Margaret Howe
Conference Secretary