Obituary of John Rowland Young
John Rowland Young, was born in Hanna, Alberta on December 8, 1940 to Orlie and Edith Young. He passed away on August 4, 2023 in the Red Deer Regional Hospital.
John took officer training in the Canadian Navy and attended both the University of Alberta and the London School of Economics. He was a Sociology professor at the University of Alberta for many years.
John was a world traveller, visiting many countries, and every continent. He was a hiker, horseback rider, sailor, and mountain climber to both Everest and Kilimanjaro. He was an independent man with a thirst for knowledge, experiences, and adventure. He was always planning his next quest and was lucky enough to have experienced many people and places of the world. We enjoyed his travel stories and he inspired us to have travel adventures of our own - to reach higher, go further, and follow our dreams! He enjoyed cultural and unique events from opera to rodeo. His travels were often based on enriching events, courses, and lectures. He was always seeking – what was over (or on top of) the next mountain? What was around the next river bend? Where does the next path lead? And now he embarks on his biggest adventure ever!
The entire family has many wonderful memories of happy times at John and Marilyn’s cabin at Lac Ste Anne (The Owl’s Eye).
John gave his time and talents for many years to volunteer with the Cancer Society, both provincially and federally, and to the Skyline Hikers.
John married Marilyn Reid of Ponoka, Marilyn passed away in 1982.
John is survived by his siblings George of Red Deer, Jim of Red Deer, Joyce of Teslin in the Yukon, David (Lynette) of Red Deer County, and by his sisters and brothers in law Donna (Larry) Murray, Melvin (Elizabeth) Reid.
“Uncle John” was a favourite and will be remembered by his Nephews and Nieces – Deb (Dwayne) Beck, Greg (Lesley) Young, Laurie Young, Marueen Young (Louie Kozsan), James (Gayle) Young, Darwyn Young, Chad (Jody) Young, Darrin (Sue) Murray, Brad (Allison) Murray, Christine (Kevin) Gartly, Patricia (Stuart) Riesen, and Scott Reid.
Great nephews and Nieces include: Devon (Jenna) Beck, Breanna Beck, Keegan Livingstone, Dacey Livingstone (Glenn), Quinn Livingstone, Darby Livingstone, Griffin and Aislinn Young, Landan and Noah Rehn, Jaxon Young, Eythan and Jaynee Young, Sarah, Joshua, Jennifer, and Benjamin Gartly, Andrew, Abigail, Riesen, Daniel (Emily) Riesen, Kaitlyn Reisen, Chanel Reid, Lauren (Lazlo) Anda, Aidan Murray, Keira Murray (Will Brookes), Cassandra (Daniel) Ayotte, and Shanda Murray.
Great great nephews and nieces include: Jake and Cade Beck, Finn Livingstone, Levi and Emery Anda, James Ayotte, Makena and Oakley Krupnik.
John is predeceased by his wife Marilyn; his parents Orlie and Edith Young; Marilyn’s parents Emery and Leta Reid; an infant brother Frankie; nephew Dylan Young; and sisters in law Patricia and Barbara Young.
The whole family would like to thank Maureen Young for her unceasing care and attention to her Uncle John while he has been ill these last nine months.
In accordance with John’s wishes, a private family gathering will be held on September 3 at Totem Ranch, to celebrate John’s life. His ashes will be interred with Marilyn at Forest Home Cemetery in Ponoka. Condolences to John’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Young“ in the subject line.
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944