Dr. Christopher Young of Guelph passed away peacefully on January 29, 2018. Born April 1, 1940 in Charlottetown PEI, he was the son of the late Merrill and Irene (nee Corkum). He is survived by his loving wife Margaret. Favourite brother of sister Gretchen (Bill) Warren, Gravenhurst. From his first marriage, Chris was the proud father of Scott (Michelle) Edmonton, Rebecca (Jay Charette & his daughter Emily-Anne) Ottawa, and Stacey Andrea, Ottawa. Loving grandfather of Benjamin Young. Fond stepfather of Joy (Steven) Prime, Saskatoon. Dearly loved Gramps of Stephanie & Michael Prime. Fond step-grandfather of Jasmine (Klaus) Lachnitt, Kim Swain. Loved great grandfather of Nicole, Jenna and Katelyn Shank, Kaden and Violet Lachnitt.
Chris grew up in Sackville NB, where he attended Mount Allison University and studied chemistry (1960). He simultaneously earned an officers commission in the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve. He then moved on to Hamilton to attain a M.Sc. in organic chemistry at McMaster University (1962). Next, Chris tried his hand at teaching chemistry; first for two years at Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School and then for two years at Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo. He continued his formal education with a PhD in chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1971). Post doctoral studies followed at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse (1972) and Mass Spectrometry Research Unit, University College of Swansea, Wales UK (1992).
In 1972, he joined the Research Branch of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa. Much of his research was devoted to providing analytical support to his colleagues’ studies. While in Ottawa he worked on methods for removing mycotoxins (toxic chemicals produced by fungi) from contaminated wheat and corn. After 25 years in Ottawa, Chris was transferred to Guelph to help establish the Guelph Food Research Centre. In Guelph, he helped colleagues identify beneficial compounds in fruits and vegetables. See, mom was right when she said “eat your fruits and vegetables because they are good for you”. After 39 years of having fun at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, he hung up his test tubes.
Chris was an active member of the West Ottawa Rotary Club. He faithfully served as a committed member of Sackville United Church, NB, Westboro United Church, Ottawa and Dublin Street United Church, Guelph. However, his greatest activities were devoted to the study of the history of the families who left Germany, France, and Switzerland 1750-1752 and settled in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. He chaired the organizing committee of the Grand Family Reunion of 2003, which celebrated Lunenburg’s 250th anniversary. He also wrote five books on Lunenburg family history and his personal memoirs.
One of the challenges of his later life was dealing with Parkinson ’s disease, diagnosed at age 62. He chose to respond to the philosophy Parkinson’s lives with me, I do not live with Parkinson’s.
Chris’ remains have been cremated and will later be placed in the waters near Lunenburg. A memorial service and reception to celebrate Chris’ life will be held on Saturday, February 10th, 2018, 10:30 am at Dublin Street United Church, 68 Suffolk St West, Guelph, N1H 2J2. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 519-822-0051 or www.wallcustance.com.
Margaret is most grateful for the support of the Guelph Wellington Alzheimer Society and to Wellington Terrace Long Term Care Home, Fergus, Ontario for their marvelous care of Chris. If desired, donations may be to them.
A tree will be planted in memory of J. Christopher Young in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest, University of Guelph Arboretum. Dedication service, Sunday, September 16, 2018 at 2:30 pm.