Whether he was planning for the city entrance fountains, Spokane Street revitalization or Post Falls Landing, Gary Young is remembered for his efforts to advance Post Falls.

Young, the city's former community development director, died of cancer over the weekend.

City council member Linda Wilhelm said Young was the city's chief planner when she served on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

"He was a very good mentor to all of us," Wilhelm said.

Wilhelm worked with Young on planning the city entrance fountains on Spokane Street.

"He gave hundreds of hours of his time for free on that project," she said. "He's been a friend of the city's for decades."

When she last spoke to Young about four months ago, Wilhelm said, he was upbeat.

"He said that, in his last checkup, he was cancer-free," she said.

Young's most recent projects were planning for the Spokane Street revitalization project and Post Falls Landing along the Spokane River.

"Those blue candlesticks on the lamp posts that have been the talk of the town this month were Gary's recommendation," councilwoman Kerri Thoreson wrote on Facebook.

Mayor Ron Jacobson said he worked with Young both as a city employee and on the recent projects. Young had worked more recently in the private sector with the Verdis landscape architect firm.

"Gary was a good planner and had a firm grasp of what needed to be done and ideas on how to get there," Jacobson said.

Jacobson also sponsored Young into the Post Falls Rotary club.

"When he joined the club, Gary became an active member immediately," Jacobson said. "Too often, people join groups but do not get involved. That was not Gary."

Bill Melvin, city engineer, worked alongside Young in the Community Development Department.

"Gary had a great comprehensive vision for the city and much of the planning work completed by him helped set the stage for the progression of our community during years of rapid growth," Melvin said. "Gary had a great zest for life, a sense of humor and was always quick with a smile or laugh."

Young enjoyed fly fishing trips with Melvin and others at the city.

"I am sure this summer there will be a toast or two around the fire in Gary's honor," Melvin said. "Our thoughts are with his family."