Don YOUNG

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YOUNG: Don C. Young, May 21, 1937 - Sept. 3, 2013. It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of a dear husband, father and grandpa, Donald Charles Young on September 3, 2013 at the Minnedosa Health Centre at the age of 76.  Don had a very lengthy battle with cancer that he faced with tremendous courage right up until his passing. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Linda of 52 years, daughter, Gaytan, son, Jason (Michelle), grandsons, Emilio, Logan, Landon and Brandt, sister, Jean, brother, Bruce (Judy), sister-in-law, Cheryl (Dennis), brother-in-law, Brent (Mary) and sister-in-law, Chris-Ann (Mel) as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Don was predeceased by his parents, William and Agnes, brothers-in-law, Jim Horwood and Wendell Watchorn, sister-in-law, Karen Watchorn, and mother and father-in-law, Lucillle and Gordon Watchorn. Don was born May 21, 1937 in Minnedosa and was the first child of William and Agnes Young.  He attended Roseneath Country School until grade 8 and then attended Minnedosa Collegiate for his remaining years. At age 15, Don started working on a mink ranch both after school and on weekends, he worked construction building the Brandon Airstrip, and worked on the railroad from 1956-66. Don’s real love though was with animals and grain farming.  He began raising his own mink at age 19 on his family farm and with his income he purchased his first 1/4 section of land at age 20. Don married Linda Watchorn on November 5, 1960 and this land would be where Don and Linda would live for the next 50 years. During this time Don and Linda were blessed with two wonderful children, Gaytan on September 17, 1968 and Jason on November 19, 1972. Don farmed for 42 years and loved every aspect of farm life. He enjoyed grain farming and raised various livestock on his land. He began a greyhound dog hobby farm in 1991 which led to many trips over a period of 14 years to Abilene, Kansas where he would leave his dogs to be trained for the race tracks in the USA.  Don and Linda made many special friends during these visits. Four very special grandsons, Emilio, Logan, Landon and Brandt and a daughter-in-law, Michelle made Don’s family complete. He loved his grandsons and always had a twinkle in his eye when they were around.  He enjoyed their humour and was usually responsible for getting them laughing with his jokes and teasing. Don and Linda were able to travel to Ft. Myers, Florida for many winters.  Don loved the warm climate and all the fun that Siesta Bay had to offer. He so enjoyed all the new friends they made in the south. Don was a very hard-working man who was dedicated to his family and his faith.  He faced many difficult challenges with his health the last few years but never complained and faced each day positively.  Don will forever be in our hearts. A celebration of Don’s life will be held at the Minnedosa Covenant Church (101, 4th Avenue SW) on Monday, September 9 at 2:00 p.m.  Internment will take place at the Smoland Cemetery after the service. All are welcome to join the family for lunch at the Minnedosa Golf and Country Club following interment. If friends and family so desire, donations in memory of Don can be made to Minnedosa Hospital Palliative Care or Minnedosa Evangelical Covenant Church Building Fund.In tears we saw you sinkingWe watched you fade away,Our hearts were almost broken,You fought so hard to stay.But when we saw you sleepingSo peacefully free from pain,We could not wish you backTo suffer that again.Minnedosa Funeral Service in care of arrangements. 204-867-3868.

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 07, 2013