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.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Kristina Brewer
Dear Kristina and Family, Please accept deepest condolences. Find comfort knowing he is at peace. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Uzuojauta Jum.
Kristina Petrauskas
Janice Fleming
I am saddened to learn of Brian’s passing. I spoke with him just a month ago as I told him of my husband’s death. Brian and Pat worked tirelessly to spread awareness of Elder Abuse in London-Middlesex through CANE, the Distress Line and other groups in our community.
I met Brian at the Kiwanis Seniors Centre, when he presented, for the first time, the Award in his name, to my now late husband, Patrick Fleming. He and Pat stayed in touch up until my husband’s death earlier this year. Through their example, I know they inspired and mentored others to take up the cause of Elder Abuse awareness, prevention and support. They were powerful examples of the importance of community work and the difference it can make in the lives of many. They will be missed!
Brian’s family was so important to him.I am so sorry for your loss. He was a good, hard working individual, who valued family and career.
Rest peacefully, Brian.
Joan & Ric Atchison
To Brian’s Family,
We were sorry to hear of the passing of Brian who will be dearly missed by many. He was my supervisor (Inspector) when I was hired at the London Police Service. I appreciated his genuine interest in his staff, enthusiasm and sense of humour. May you be comforted with the love of God, family, and friends and may your happy memories outweigh any sadness.
Joan & Ric Atchison
Shirley Hazelwood
It is with fond memories that I write this tribute to Brian, my dear cousin. I am going to travel down memory lane which is my way of saying good-bye. As I read this to Paul, I try hard not to shed tears but to no avail. I first met Brian as a chubby, cute, baby when my mother ( sister to Muriel) would often visit them on Dreaney Ave. In the early years, I sometimes would see Kim (10 and Trish 8) at Turnbull’s grove when Aunt Muriel and Uncle Fred were looking after them. They were very proud of Kim & Trish and we would hear stores of their basketball careers and school accomplishments when my mom and I would go down the hill at Turnbull’s Grove to visit Aunt Muriel & Uncle Fred. Kris & Brian have always been proud that they raised intelligent, caring, and beautiful daughters.
Throughout our time together, Brian and I shared both sad and happy occasions. Sad times when David, his brother died, his parents, my parents, son-in-law Glen and relatives. Thank heavens, we had more happy times than sad. Paul & I attended his fun wedding and we couldn’t believe the number of courses we devoured. I guess they knew Brian liked to eat. When we were married, Brian’s band played at my wedding and we begged them to do another encore. He obliged but we wanted them to play forever. Brian was a fantastic trumpet player. On our fiftieth anniversary, Brian surprised us by playing his trumpet accompanied by another friend, Steve. We got to dance again to Brian’s trumpet playing and we will never forget this special moment. Once, we got married and moved to Sarnia, we seldom saw each other since we were both busy with our lives, raising children, and concentrating on our careers. We reconnect after thirty years when Paul & I retired to Grand Bend and lived near their trailer that they inherited. In the summer, we got together and played card games and Kris would laugh at how competitive Brian and I were with each other. Brian always teased me just like Uncle Fred. A chip off the old block. We shared dinners together and Brian liked to barbecue while Kris made delicious meals. When they came to our cottage for supper, we had to have the hot sauce for Brian because our meals were too bland. We celebrated birthdays, showers, card tournaments, and anniversaries together. We introduced them to our card playing friends because we knew Brian loved his cards and they would both fit in. They have made many good friends from this group and Kris will continue to be included. We have travelled on three cruises and twice to the Deerhurst resort with Kris and Brian. We have great memories from these trips. They visited us in Florida and Brian cooked mussels for Valentine’s Day and bought the steaks which friends are still talking about. They loved to entertain and were always very generous . Paul enjoyed the competitive spirit of Brian when golfing. He has missed golfing with Brian the last two years and entering him in scramble tournaments. I will always remember my dear cousin Brian as being fun loving, a wonderful parent and husband who enjoyed his life to the fullest. Love cousin Shirley & Paul
Kathy Campbell
I was a classmate of Brian at Aberdeen Public school from Kindergarten to Grade six . I remember him as a tall, kind ,athletic boy with sparkling blue eyes. One of my fondest memories was when we were in Grade 5. Our teacher ,Tom Timbrell took us together , to chooses a new puppy from a friend of his. We were beyond excited to bring home our new pets. I will always associate the joy l felt and sharing it with my friend Brian
I wish to extend to Brian’s family and friends my deepest sympathy . May he rest in peace.
Kathryn (Parr) Campbell
Lory Moro
I’m saddened to learn of Brian’s passing. I worked with Brian at the London Police Department. He was a good man and a good, dedicated officer. I was dismayed to learn of is struggle with cancer but was glad to have corresponded with him a bit as he dealt with that. May he now Rest In Peace. Sincere condolences to Brian’s family and his many friends. Rest easy, Brian.
~Lory Moro
Kathleen
Dear Kris and family,
Truly, Brian has left a legacy of hope on so many levels.
My very sincere condolences, to you Kris, and your dear family.
I hope that the reflection included here will be of some comfort to you all. Perhaps these are Brian’s words to you all?
With much love to you Kris.
Sr. Kathleen (Lichti)
Dear Family,
I have only slipped away to the next room
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
That, we still are.
Life means all that it ever meant,
It is the same that it ever was.
There is absolute unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of your mind
Because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you.
For an Interval.
Somewhere. Very near.
Just around the corner.
All is well.
Love to you
Louise ,Lorne &family
To the young family.
It is a sad trajic loss for the Young family .
Knowing Brian for a short time ,we still feel he is a hugh part of our family.
Louise ,I and Family cannot express our deepest sympathy to Kristine and Family.
We now know that Glen and Brian will now meet again and arrange on that fishing
trip we were to have .
RoseMary Cleary
Dear Kris and Family,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear Brian, Husband and Father.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
May he rest in Peace.
RoseMary Cleary
Rosalee Jackson
Our Condolences to the Whole Family especially Christine
So many Beautiful Memories of Brian playing the Trumpet
in the choir at Mary Immaculate Parish. You will be missed.
Pat Drake
Kris, Kim, Tricia, Corey and family
We were so fortunate to have such wonderful men in our lives. When Brian stopped Bob for going through a caution light (well that is what Bob claims?) on his way to the firehall, that started a friendship that never ended. Brian and Bob had so much in common, as did Kris and I, that it made it easy to spend alot of time together. I will always cherish this special bond we had and still have.
Brian was always there for Bob and I especially when it came to the techniques of fishing. He always claimed there where “NO DAMN FISH IN THIS LAKE” but he always came back to the cottage with a stringer full. Then a wonderful fish dinner would highlight the day on the water, of course, cooked to perfection by Brian.
I have missed those times but I know that these two guys will always be buddies forever
Kris and family, it will be a tough journey going forward, but please know that Brian was so loved by all that knew him and we will cherish those memories for ever.
Love Always
Pat