WILLIAM ALLAN (BILL) YOUNG

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WILLIAM ALLAN (BILL) YOUNG On Sunday, April 6, 2003 in Winnipeg surrounded by his family and a lot of love, the spirit of Bill Young moved on from this world. He fought courageously and with dignity against cancer, the unrelenting foe, but in the end graciously accepted defeat, with no regrets. Bill, aged 78 years, was born in Dauphin, MB on February 21, 1925. Middle son of Lavina (Govenlock) and John Forrest Young, he will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 53 years, Helen Lillian Granger Young and their four children, Barbara Lee (Lars-Henrik Edelvang), Scott William Allan (Debra Jonasson-Young), Deborah Louise (Robert Longley), Dale John Forrest (Debora Haliuk Young) and his four grandchildren, Christian, Kirsten, Lindsey, and Taylor. Also left to mourn are his brothers, Murray of Leroy, SK and Lloyd of Flin Flon, MB; his aunt and friend Anne Campbell; and numerous cousins, grandnieces, grandnephews and many, many friends. Bill was predeceased by his brothers, Harold, Jack, Arthur, Clifford and Russell; and his sisters, Alice, Dorothy, Margaret, Clara and Betty (Elizabeth). While attending Daniel McIntyre Collegiate, Bill excelled in football and later played Junior Hockey for the Winnipeg Rangers. He had opportunity and an invitation to play professional hockey but chose to serve his country and joined the Navy at the age of 17, pursuing athletics in Boxing, where he provided his shipmates with much entertainment and his backers with a lot of cash. After the Second World War, Bill returned to the football field to play Fullback for the Elmwood Giants. He was invited to play for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, but did not accept. Bill met and married his true love, Helen, in Winnipeg on July 26, 1949. Together they raised their family guiding the children and supporting their choices in life. Bill was a hard worker and believed in the work ethic. He was a loyal employee of CN Rail freight and express for 40 years before taking early retirement. He then embarked on his second career for the next 20 years as Guardian, Friend, Lover, Father, Grandfather, Artistic and Family Business Manager, family Camp Director, Good Samaritan, and of course, Bridge and Cribbage partner. Bill always wondered how he even found time to work before he retired! Bill loved life and felt it a privilege to be alive. His children adopt his enthusiasm and privilege. As a fourth generation Canadian, Bill was a sensitive, caring man with a genuine concern for humanity, maintaining the highest morals and ethics. He was a true gentleman who loved his friends and family. His face never failed to light up with joy, each and every time you entered his presence. To have him as part of your life was to have a secret light of happiness always present in your heart. Honesty, integrity and fair play were the foundations of his character, as were loyalty and faithfulness. To know him was to love him, pure and simple. He had a great sense of humour, enjoyed dancing (jitterbug and waltzes), observing nature, hockey, swimming, boating, travelling, and reading the newspaper cover to cover. He loved to join in at a sing along and had a terrific whistle. He loved to work around the yard at home or at the lake and enjoyed a cocktail before dinner out on the deck. He loved to play cards and drink coffee in the morning, always ready with a huge smile. Most of all, he loved to be surrounded by his family and friends. The grandchildren all have special memories of Grandpa, whether he was playing crib with them, attending their performances, sporting events, graduations, or holidaying at the lake. He was always there, encouraging them to do their best in everything they tried. He was ever so willing to teach them new things, and always there to lend a helping hand. Everyone just enjoyed spending time with Dad! The family extend appreciation to the third floor staff at Victoria Hospital, who treat their patients and patients families as extensions of their own. According to Bills wishes, cremation has taken place and a committal service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, at the St. Vital Cemetery, 236 River Rd. near St. Vital Park with Rev. Stefan Jonasson officiating. Friends and relations of Bill and family are invited to a celebration of Bills life to take place following the formal service at Garry Memorial, 1291 McGillivray Blvd., from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Rev. Stefan Jonasson will speak at 3:30 p.m. Bill was a regular blood donor (more than 75) and generously supported numerous charities. If friends so desire, donations in memory of William Allan Young may be made to the charity of their choice. Our angel on earth has gone to be with the angels in heaven. It was a life well lived! GARRY MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATION CENTRE 1291 McGillivray Blvd. 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 09, 2003