Obituary of Bill Young

Bill Young, a long time resident of Chetwynd, B.C., formerly of Dawson Creek passed away on Sunday, November 15, 2015 in Chetwynd at the age of 86 years. Cecil William Young was the fourth child born to parents John Cecil and Dorothy Lillian on Tuesday, September 17, 1929 in Hanna, Alberta. At the age of two, Bill moved with his family to Gundy, where they remained until Bill finished Grade 4. At which time they moved to a farm near Lake Saskatoon, Alberta and Bill remained on the farm until Grade 10. He lived with his grandmother in Calgary for Grade 11, and returned to Wembley for his final year. After graduation he started working in the bush and took a welding course in Edmonton, then returned to the bush running cat for his dad. One winter when his dad went to work as a millwright, Bill took over running the logging and sawmill operation. In 1953, they moved the mill from Cold Brook to Stuart Lake. The mill stayed there until 1959. Bill met Avis in Dawson Creek in 1951, and were married on November 16, 1954. Their first son Brian was born on April 18, 1955, and Gary was born on December 10, 1957. The family of four lived in their camp home until 1959 when the mill moved to the Sukunka Valley. They lived at the mill site and just moved back to Dawson Creek during spring break-up. With Brian starting school in 1961, Avis and the boys remained in Dawson Creek while Bill went to camp. On September 22, 1961 Dwan was born. Over the years Avis and the boys lived in town until school was out, and moved to the bush to be with Bill for the summer months. Bill had a great sense of direction. He could be anywhere and still always be able to tell you which way was North. Many evenings in the bush were spent hunting and fishing. Bill delivered logs to Canfor Chetwynd then moved to haul logs into Canfor Hines Creek for a period of time. He went on to work for Northwest Wood Preservers in Dawson Creek. In 1979 after they sold out to West Fraser, Bill retired. Although his retirement didn't last long, he enjoyed coaching minor hockey in Dawson Creek. Canfor Chetwynd contacted Bill and convinced him to go back logging. In 1980, Young's Mills (1980) Ltd. was formed. Jean moved next door to Bill and Avis when she was sixteen to help out with their neighbors. She became the daughter and sister the family never had. She always said that anyone could be a father, but he was always my "dad". Bill's hobby was work, but they did manage some time for travelling going as far south as Florida and twice to Hawaii. They went to Eastern Canada and to California as well. They went to Vancouver in 1986 to enjoy the Expo. They purchased a motor home, and toured north to Dawson City and surrounding areas including Skagway, Alaska, and another trip to Yellowknife. Bill and Avis also made numerous trips to Vancouver Island. He loved his dogs, Trish was his first sidekick. He loved that dog, and she loved him, but she didn't love anyone else. Diego aka "Fred" was next. They walked Diego through the trails in the gully. Bill also always had a birdbath full of fresh water and the hummingbirds never went hungry in his house. Bill also loved gardening. Many a day he was out in his vegetable garden pulling weeds. His garden was a precise layout and even used a tape measure to set up his rows. Over the years their children all married and gave them the greatest treasures; eight grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. Bill was a quiet man, but ever so happy when his grandchildren and great grandchildren were around him. His family was his passion. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Avis, who he lovingly called "Squirrel", daughter Jean, his sons: Brian (Loni), Gary (Kathie), and Dwan (Lynn), his eight grandchildren: Jason, Jennifer, Tara, Ashley, Todd, Brandon, Kendal, and Chanelle, his fourteen great grandchildren: Alyssa, Nadine, Griffin, Drake, Brianna, Ava, Ella, Jett, Cadence, Harper, Madeleine, Jordan, Morgan, and Hayden, as well as his sister Joan (George), brother Larry (Yvonne), in-laws: Joyce, Dianne, and Gerald, along with numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service was held on Friday, November 20, 2015 at 1:00 PM at the Chetwynd Fellowship Baptist Church. Pastor Bill Evans officiated. Interment will be at a later date. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Bill to the Chetwynd & District Hospital Foundation Box 121, Chetwynd, B.C. V0C 1J0. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium