Obituary of Gordon Bruce Young
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Gordon (“Gordie”) Young passed peacefully early Saturday morning August 3, 2024 at Hospice House in Fredericton, NB, from complications of diabetes. In the preceding week he was visited by many friends and extended family.
Gordon was born in Fredericton to parents Roy Bruce Young and Clara Blanche (Addy) Young. Gordon is survived by his loving wife of 66+ years, Carol (Saunders), his brother-in-law Dale Saunders, his sons, Christopher (Karen), Graeme (Claudette), and Neil (Angela), his daughter Karen (Philip), ten grandchildren, Erica, Rachael (Alaina), Travis (Emma), Bethany (Michael), Lauren (Jonathan), Kaitlyn (Fintan), Jacqueline (Andrew), Gregory (Chiara), Andrea (Clark), and Adam (Misty), and nine great grandchildren, Kaiden, Icelyn, Eleanor, Evan, Theodore, Rose, Caroline, Elio, and Peyton. Also survived by nieces Jennifer Chisholm, Kim Webb, Heather Orton, Joanna Swim and nephews Andrew Swim, James Young and Bradley Swim.
He was predeceased by his parents, brother William and his wife Mary, sister-in-law Marilyn and her husband Milton Swim and youngest grandson Jonathan.
Gordon was a graduate of Fredericton High School, went on to study forestry at the University of New Brunswick, graduating with BSCF and MF degrees. An entrepreneur, Gordon started his own forestry consulting business, Woodlot Service Limited. He was a member of the Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF) and a member of the Registered Professional Foresters (RPF). While still studying at UNB, Gordon started Christmas tree farming and continued this ‘hobby’ through his career, harvesting as many as 50,000 trees per year. He was very proud of being recognized by the Canadian Institute of Forestry with the Tree of Life Award for notable contributions to sustainable forest resource management.
Music was an important part of Gordon’s life. His passion for music started at an early age with piano and vocal lessons. He was active in the FHS Glee Club, sang in the Wilmot Church Choir for over six decades with his brother Bill, became a charter member of the SPEBSQSA (Barbershoppers), and joined his wife Carol singing with the Stepping Stones Choir. Gordon also participated in community outreach services and events as a member of the Golden Club, including anchoring the tenor section of the Golden Club Choir.
He was a passionate community-minded volunteer, serving on District 26 School Board, YMCA (North Side Pool and Maintenance committees), Wilmot Church committees and various community project fundraising campaigns. Gordon’s volunteer efforts were recognized over the years with Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club and the Governor General of Canada Award.
Gordon and Carol enjoyed many years working together in their forestry consulting and Christmas tree farming businesses. They loved serving families at their u-pick Christmas tree farm in Cardigan, NB. They embarked on several trips across North America and southern islands, often combining business conferences and meetings with their vacation time. A highlight for the entire extended family was visiting Gordon and Carol at their summer home on Grand Lake.
The family extends heart-felt gratitude to the Fredericton and Saint John Dialysis teams and the Fredericton Hospice House for taking such great care of Gordon, listening to his many stories and allowing him to entertain! Also, the extramural hospital team provided excellent care and home visits. Patient transport services by Ambulance NB are so appreciated by the family.
Visitation will be held at York Funeral Home at 302 Brookside Dr, Fredericton, on Saturday August 17, 2024 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. A Celebration of Life service will be held from Wilmot United Church on Sunday August 18, 2024 at 2:00pm, with Rev. Mary Tingley and Rev. Ellen Beairsto officiating. A livestream of the service will be available at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/wilmotunitedchurch. A reception at the church will follow the service.
Donations in Gordon’s memory to Wilmot United Church, Fredericton Hospice House, Fredericton Hemodialysis Unit or a charity of the donor’s choice, are appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at yorkfuneralhome@yorkfh.com.
