P. Youngdahl

P. David Youngdahl, 81, CEO Saint Luke's Hospital P. David Youngdahl was a visionary hospital administrator and, more importantly, an individual with a unique and inspirational zest for life. From the beginning of his career in Minnesota through his retirement from St. Luke's Hospital in Cleveland, he worked to improve the status of regional care and to confront economic challenges faced by the American health care system. P. David Youngdahl, 81, died November 2 at Hillcrest Hospital from complications of prostate cancer after having bravely and successfully survived two previous bouts with cancer over a decade ago. Youngdahl, a native of Minnesota, was the son of Luther Youngdahl, who served three terms as governor of Minnesota. He earned a Masters Degree in Hospital Administration from the University of Minnesota in 1953 and later instructed courses in the same program. In 1960, Youngdahl accepted the role of Administrator for the Frederick Memorial Hospital in Maryland and then moved to the Fairfax Hospital Association in Springfield, Virginia, where he ultimately became Executive Vice President. In 1981, Youngdahl became President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Luke's Hospital of Cleveland, Ohio, where he continued to use his visionary administrative skills for the betterment of the health care system. During his tenure at St. Luke's, Youngdahl became an active part of this region's healthcare delivery system, serving on numerous prestigious regional organizations and a score of national committees dedicated to the improvement of delivery of care. Youngdahl was a loving and dedicated family man. He met his wife, Catherine Mary Martin Cathy, at the University of Minnesota and remained happily married to her for 58 years. They raised three devoted children, Jenny, Kim and David Deneen. Youngdahl was deeply adored by his grandchildren, Renee, Haley and Brian, and loved traveling, playing games and laughing with them. They will forever hold their "Boompa" in their hearts. Youngdahl was an avid boater and loved fishing, barbequing, golfing and family. He played the ukulele and sweet potato, never failed to get a laugh with his expert delivery of a punch line, and loved feeding and admiring his backyard birds. He derived great comfort from his faith and he and Cathy sang in the choir at Garfield Memorial Church in Pepper Pike for 18 years. The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in his name to The Gathering Place 23300 Commerce Park Rd. Cleveland, OH 44122 or to The Urban Reach Tutoring Program of Garfield Memorial Church 3650 Lander Road Cleveland, OH 44124 where a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1pm on Saturday November 6. Friends may call at Brown-Forward, 17022 Chagrin Blvd, Shaker Hts, OH from 2-4 and 6-8PM on Friday, November 5.


PDF Printable Version