Obituary of Donald A. Young, C.M., Ph.D.

Life Legacy Donald Alcoe Young, Fredericton, NB, died on December seventh, 2015, at the Oromocto Public Hospital Palliative Care Unit at 86 years of age. He was the son of Louis Church Young and Mary (Molly) (Alcoe) Young and the wife of Donna Kathryn (Signer) Young. He is survived by his wife and their three children: Kirsten Emily (Sherman) Yee, Burnaby, BC; Margot Diane Young, Halifax, NS; and Scott Camron (Jane Robinson) Young, Fredericton, as well as three grandchildren: Emily Mary and Olivia Jane Young Cantwell, and Parker Camron Young. One sister, Margaret Mary Waldon, lives in Kamloops, BC. Donald cared deeply for his family, had a lifetime commitment to Plant Science, a passion for boating and sailing, and everything related to wood. His workshop, his garden and the property with the Osprey nest, along the Saint John River were treasured locations during his adult life. Born and raised on the Experimental Farm in Fredericton, Donald gained an early appreciation of everything related to Agriculture. His University career began at Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Truro, NS. He completed a Bachelor of Science at Macdonald College, McGill University, followed by a Ph.D. in Genetics and Plant Pathology at the University of Wisconsin. In 1957, he accepted a position as a Research Scientist with the Agriculture Canada Research Station in Fredericton and began his journey with the potato. During his 46 year professional career he worked in 29 countries around the world. Examples include a five year term as Technical Director of a huge and highly successful CIDA sponsored project in Keshan, China and an assignment as Potato Section Leader in a CIDA sponsored Bangladesh Crop Diversification Project. Donald’s first love was potato variety development. Once he was appointed Project Leader of the Agriculture Canada Potato Breeding Program in 1967, he established a team that pioneered the breeding of varieties for niche markets (early maturing, chipping, and French frying varieties as well as several varieties for offshore markets and starch production). It was a multidisciplinary work group unique in North America. His personal research focussed on data handling systems, potato quality selection methods, and yield prediction. The first computer-based information retrieval system, anywhere, was developed by the Breeding Program in 1968. The team established to develop a French frying variety achieved their goal with the release of one named Shepody. It gained wide acceptance in Europe and North America and is still grown around the world in countries with a French frying industry. “Team Shepody” received several national awards. In his 20 years as Project Leader more than a dozen new potato varieties were released including several with familiar names: Yukon Gold, Caribe and Raritan. Interest in offshore markets for Canadian seed potatoes led Dr. Young to participate in the creation of the Canadian Seed Potato Export Agency. He served as Technical Director as well as Chairman of the Technical School Committee, an ongoing cooperative project with Nova Scotia Agricultural College which delivers technology training to selected students from countries who purchase Canadian seed potatoes. Within the potato research community Dr. Young was recognized as an innovator. He understood the complexity of potato research, advancing technologies and effectiveness of multidisciplinary work groups. He chaired the Atlantic Potato Committee and edited the first three editions of the Atlantic Canada Potato Production Guide. A work group which shared research and extension developments between the State of Maine and Maritime provinces was created. Don retired from Agriculture Canada in 1986 and shortly thereafter joined McCain Foods as a part-time consultant. He helped establish and coordinate worldwide potato research and development projects and evaluated potential sites for new processing plants. He also addressed specific regional potato production problems for the Company. For the Young family, there was also play. They owned a number of boats. The first was a small cabin cruiser built by Donna and Don in 1958. Their last nights on board, together and alone, were spent behind Pine Island in Washademoak Lake in October of this year. Favourite sailing locations were always the Saint John River System and Penobscot Bay, Maine. Yet, they sailed and cruised alone and with family and friends in many distant waters on boats they chartered or owned. In1963 Donald, with the late Stanley Spicer, established the Fredericton Power and Sail Squadron. He remained an active member for the rest of his life. Donald was Life-President of the Nova Scotia Agriculture College Class of ’50. With Jack Johnson, Life Secretary of the Class, he carried a leadership role for the Class and with the Institution for 65 years. He was a member of the Fredericton Botanic Garden Association, The Nature Trust of New Brunswick and a Friend of the Unitarian Fellowship of Fredericton. During his career he held numerous positions within the Potato Association of America, including a term as President. That Association presented him an Honorary Life Membership in 1991. He was granted a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from Dalhousie University in 1993, and became a Member of The Order on Canada for his lifetime contribution to Plant Science in 2010. The family expresses gratitude to Dr. Kathleen Woods, Oromocto and Dr. Paul Sohi at the Saint John Regional Hospital, as well as the Medical Directors and staff of the Palliative Care Units at both locations for gentle care of Donald. There will be no visitation or service. A private interment of ashes, in a pine and mahogany box made by the deceased, will take place in the family plot at Maplewood Cemetery near Petitcodiac. Donald’s grandfather, Rev. J.B. Young, was instrumental in establishing this cemetery. Friends, colleagues and neighbours are invited to join the family at a Gathering to commemorate Donald’s life at Kingswood Lodge on December 17th from 3 to 6 pm. The family suggests that contributions in Donald's memory be made to any Hospice Facility or other charity of your choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com