In loving memory of Keith, born in England 1929, immigrated to Kelowna, BC early 1939, died in Victoria February 8, 2019.
He is survived and will be greatly missed by his wife Gillian, whom he married in 1954; his children Nicola, Ian and Catriona (Michael); grandchildren Mathew, Paige, Jocelyn, Caitlin, Graeme, Evan, and Sean; great-grandson Gavin; and brother Gavin (Lorna); as well as his step-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
On graduation from Kelowna High School, Keith entered RCN-RCAF College Royal Roads in 1947. On graduation in 1949, he subsequently served in the Royal Canadian Navy for 37 years principally in Halifax and Esquimalt. He was very proud of and grateful for his commands of five HMC ships and of his three years as Commander CFB Halifax.
He was honoured to be appointed an Officer of the Order of Military Merit two years before his retirement from the Navy in 1986.
In Keith’s words, he was most proud of his family, which came with him wherever he served, making new friends, adjusting to new schools, different home situations and lengthy separations. But ultimately, he was most grateful to his wife Gillian, who even after his Navy life allowed him to pursue interests in the Canadian Coast Guard (four years), H&R Block for eight years, and sandwiched into that, over twenty years of frequent sailing in their sloop “Hale Kai.”
There will be no funeral service. A private family and close gathering will be held at a later date.
The family wishes to thank all who cared for Keith, with special thanks to Comfort Keepers homecare, and in recent months, Victoria Hospice.
In memory of Keith, donations may be made to Victoria Hospice www.victoriahospice.org.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Garden
www.mccallgardens.com
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Doug Christensen
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Ian McKee My dear Gill, and family. I just got word of Keith’s death today via the military college ex cadet news. (25th). What a sad report. I knew him and admired him for 70 years. Johanne remembered travelling to Ottawa with you about 1956 and telling you I was an ADC at Government House. He was such a gentle man and fine officer. Our heart goes out to you but have we not have a very special life? I have had to give up our yacht but we are going south shortly for a little sea time in the Caribbean. Blessings to you and your family from Johanne and Ian.
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Dr Henry & Karen Phillips Dear Gill & family. We’re sorry to hear about Keith’s death. We fondly recall the friendship and hospitality that you two gave us, as newcomers to Pemberton Rd. Keith gave us true example of a life well lived. —-Dr Henry & Karen Phillips
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Janice LeBlanc Dear Gill and family, on behalf of my father Jim Cumming and my husband and myself, we send our sincerest condolences to you all at this time. We were so saddened to hear of Keith’s passing. He has been such a great friend to my father and mother over the last 50+ years, and to both Dan and myself, we looked up to him as an exemplary example of a strong and compassionate Naval Officer. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Hugs and love to you all,
Janice & Dan LeBlanc and Jim Cumming
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Cathy Aquart Dear Mrs. Young and family,
I am a friend of Catriona from work. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you and all your family on the loss of a much loved husband, father and grandfather. He led a full and interesting life and I am sure he will be much missed.
With deepest sympathy,
Cathy Aquart
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Debbie Allsopp I am saddened to hear of Keith’s passing. He was a wonderful man and will be fondly remembered by his loved ones and friends. Know that the family is in my thoughts and prayers.
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Jane Carroll Dear Nicola,
My you look like your dad. I was so sorry to read of your dad’s death. I send deepest sympathy and love. Jane (Cupples) Carroll
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Nigel Greenwood Dear Mrs. Young and family,
I first met Captain Young as a young Flag Lieutenant when he was Chief of Staff Operations at MARPAC. The way in which he gently corrected me in my first of many faux-pas reassured me that leadership in the Navy could be awesome and fearful, but also quietly firm and mentoring. He remained one of my favourite models of elegant, upright and admirable naval professionalism for the rest of my career.
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss,
Yours aye,
Nigel Greenwood
Rear-Admiral, RCN (Ret’d)
Dear Mrs Young and Family:
I worked for Capt. (N) Young (aka ‘PacTan’) when he was Base Commander, CFB Halifax, as his Base Information Officer in the late 1970s. Captain (N) Young was a tall, kind, handsome, dignified and uber composed Naval officer, with whom I managed many local political and media issues with the City and the Base. He had a special way of communicating, especially his urgent “U C M” cryptic notes that he left on my desk and signed “KY.” Captain Young, RCN, would sometimes correct me with a gentle “Aye Sir”, when I would respond to him with an un-seaman-like and generic CF ‘Yes Sir.’ Captain Keith Young, RCN, was a thoughtful, academic and kindly officer, a true gentleman and diplomat. God Bless you, Captain Keith. Doug Christensen, Lt (N)