Obituary of Brian Frederick Young
It is with deep sadness that the family of Brian Young, 71, announce his passing after an arduous 20-month journey with cancer. He passed away peacefully at home and was surrounded by love until his last breath.
Brian was a devoted husband to his wife and best friend, Kristine, for 50 years. He was a proud and loving father to his daughters Kimberley Young Milani (Glen, predeceased) and Tricia Young, and son-in-law Corey Short. He was a dotting Poppy to his beloved granddaughters Fiona and Evangeline, and to his step-grandchildren Christian, Colin, Corey and Montana. His family was his life’s greatest treasure.
Brian was born on 18 July 1951 in London, Ontario and was the cherished son of Frederick and Muriel Young with whom he is now reunited. He was predeceased by his brother, David, and half-brother, Tom (Ann). He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his mother-in-law Nellie Ausrotas (Jurgis, predeceased), brother-in-law Richard Ausrotas (Stina), cousin Birute Carr (Tim), and nieces and nephew Cathy (Danny), Sheri (Darren), Tammy (Mike), Brad and Kristi (Rob).
Brian grew up on Dreaney Avenue in London’s Soho neighbourhood having many grand adventures with his lifelong friends, Lee (Linda) Attard and Jack (Sue) Nelligan. As a child, he attended Aberdeen Public School and, in grade 6, began what became an enduring pursuit – playing the trumpet. He was also an excellent athlete, playing baseball and hockey for many years. He moved on to Wheable High School where he played football and was a member of the Junior, Senior and Dance bands.
In 1970, Brian was hired as a cadet on the London Police Force, becoming a constable in 1972, a sergeant in 1983 and staff sergeant by 1988. In 2000, he was promoted to Inspector, the rank he maintained until 2008 when he retired as the head of the Criminal Investigation Division. Throughout his 38-year career, Brian was dedicated to serving his community through each of the many divisions within which he worked or led, such as break and enter, fraud, arson, major crime, vice and drugs, court services, personnel and professional standards.
It was through his police work that Brian found what became his personal mission: the prevention of elder abuse. He formed the Committee Against Neglect of the Elderly and Project Senior in order to create a coordinated response to abuse of older adults, and he was instrumental in establishing a seniors helpline at the London Distress Centre. Brian also lectured widely on elder abuse and senior-targeted fraud scams. For his dedication to this issue, the Brian Young Award was established and is given annually to a member of the London community in recognition of their contributions to protecting area seniors and increasing elder abuse awareness.
While his work life was serious, Brian never took himself too seriously. He loved to laugh and joke around, had a large social network filled with cherished friends who are way too numerous to name. He was an avid fisherman and cribbage player, most often enjoying those activities “at the lake” – the family’s place in Turnbull’s Grove, Grand Bend. And, as all his friends and family know, Brian was a great lover of food! Brian was also a life-long learner and attended evening classes for many years in order to earn his B.A. from Western University.
Brian’s family would like to thank the wonderful and compassionate care team that strove to do all they could to heal him and then, when that was not possible, best manage his cancer to the end: Dr. Davies, Dr. Dinniwell, Dr. Logan, Dr. Hamilton, Dr. Chettiar, Pauline, Lori, Aathira, Matthew, and Vencotte. They are also deeply grateful to the many, many friends who walked alongside Brian, and the whole family, on this journey – and whose incredible kindness and generosity ensured that they all felt supported and embraced.
Visitors are welcome on Monday 8 May from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Northview Funeral Chapel, 1490 Highbury Avenue North, London. A celebration of Brian's life will be held on Tuesday 9 May 2023 at 10:30 a.m. with a reception to follow. Police Chaplain Fr. Jim Mockler of the London Police Services Officiant. For those wishing to make a donation in Brian’s honour, please select a charity of your choice that you feel connects to his legacy. Arrangements entrusted to the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood.
