Joe Young; former Mayor of the City of Guelph and former Guelph City Councillor/Alderman; passed away in the early hours of October 1, 2016.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years, Audrey Mary Agnes (nee Fitzgerald) Young on July 19, 2016. Joe was the dear father to Pamela Young, Janice Niemann, Beverley Lucyk (Brett), Robert Young (Jeanine Holland) and Bridget Young (Amir Gutman). Loving grandfather to Heather Allen (Michael), Rachael Karr (Jared), Hilary Lucyk-Chen (Adam), Aidan and Liam Gutman; great grandfather to Everett Karr and dear brother of Lloyd Youngman (Bebe). Joe was a member of a large family and is predeceased by his sister Ann Litowitz and brothers Maurice, George, Herbert and Sydney. Joseph Young was born in Toronto, on January 25, 1924, to Norman and Clara Young.
The family moved to Guelph in 1933 and operated various creameries in the Guelph/Fergus area.
Joe and his brothers attended Guelph Collegiate and Vocational Institute (G.C.V.I) where Joe excelled as an athlete, playing quarterback on the football team, basketball and track and field.
During the Second World War, Joe served in the Canadian Navy as a gunner on a naval ship that escorted merchant shipping through the U-Boat patrols in the Atlantic.
He attended the University of Toronto and graduated as a Chemical Engineer (class of ’47). Joe went on to work at Northern Electric in Montreal where he met Audrey.
He returned to Guelph where he founded Marblelike Products Ltd., a small manufacturing business. Joe became involved with Conestoga College and led the setup of Program 5 which was a continuing education program that allowed students and residents to gain access to skill development. He later became the Dean at Conestoga College at the Guelph campus and worked with Conestoga College until his retirement.
Joe became interested in politics and was elected as a City of Guelph Alderman/Councillor from 1982 - 1994 and from 2000 - 2003. His passion led him to successfully run for Mayor of Guelph for 2 consecutive terms from 1994 - 2000. Joe deeply cared for the everyday resident and represented a city government that treated Guelph citizens with utmost respect. He was a champion of the everyday person; always had time to listen to anyone, at anytime and was prepared to help out in any manner possible. Joe’s passion for the City was profound, relentless and deep rooted. He worked on various boards within the City including Hydro, Police Services and St. Joseph’s Hospital and was involved with numerous community fundraising efforts.
Joe loved to travel, especially to Florida, Ireland, Eastern Canada and Israel. One of his favourite places, besides Guelph, was the family cottage at Southampton, where he developed a life-long love for the fresh air, clean water, sandy beaches and the seemingly endless spectacular sunsets. Many an evening was spent by the fireside, recounting stories with friends and family.
Joe enjoyed his food. Whether it was ribs from Michelbob’s in Florida or grilled pickerel, cedar planked salmon, Stop 21 burgers, Gerry’s fries, chicken and Kishka or late night ‘snacks’, he was extremely happy to tuck into a great meal, especially with family and friends.
Joe enjoyed his Indian motorcycle as he rode it throughout Southern Ontario and to Montreal. He was fond of the outdoors; played tennis, sailed, fished and skied as often as time allowed. He loved to play the piano and would entertain Audrey, family and friends for hours.
His consuming passion was for his family and his many friends. Joe and Audrey celebrated every family occasion and holiday with enthusiasm and zeal. This gusto carried over to the parties they hosted for their friends. Joe was a positive influence on all the lives of the people he encountered through his tireless work, political and social life.
We have been blessed to share the lives of our parents, our families and their friends. As we now advance our lives, we are inspired by the love, guidance, principles and character that Joe demonstrated on a daily basis. We will forever honour and cherish our devoted, loving Papa Joe, our Mighty Joe Young.
Friends may call at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in the Beth Isaiah Section on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. for the burial service. Shiva will be held at 64 Metcalfe St., Guelph on Thursday and Friday, October 6 and 7th from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. on both days. Arrangements entrusted to GILCHRIST CHAPEL – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph (519-824-0031). Memorial contributions to Lakeside Hope House or to the Royal Canadian Legion (Colonel John McCrae Memorial Branch 234) would be appreciated. We invite you to leave your condolences and donations online at www.gilchristchapel.com