Robert Leycester Young

Our treasured Papi passed away at home surrounded by love in the early morning of January 24th 2021. Born in Banes, Oriente, Cuba on Aug 25th 1919, he was born to Robert (Robin) St Clair Young and Evelyn Oscarina Dunscombe Honiball and moved shortly thereafter to Vancouver BC where he attended Kingsley School for boys, was part of the first class of St George’s School and later attended University School in Victoria. At the age of 18 his maternal grandfather arranged for him to work for the United Fruit Sugar Company in Banes, Cuba and he quickly embraced the beautiful country, culture and people. At 28 he met and married the love of his life, Lesbia Hernandez Herrera with whom he built an idyllic life and lovingly raised four very lucky children. During his life in Cuba, Bobby, as he was known there, was first an executive secretary of the company in Banes and later became the administrator.

A ‘man of the people’ and friend to all, he was a larger-than-life figure in Banes, loved and respected for his kindness and generosity. Along with our mother he had great faith in the Cuban revolution at the beginning, in part because of their friendship with Fidel Castro. Later, disillusioned and saddened by the lack of elections and human rights, we as a family decided to leave Cuba and came to Canada in 1966 to be united with our Canadian family in Victoria BC. This was accomplished with the tremendous help of Papi’s brother John and the Canadian and British governments, particularly Sir Ian Percival in England and Canadian diplomats in Cuba John Graham and Alan McLaine. Once settled in Victoria, Robert became a real estate agent and had a successful career working with MacAdams Investments/ Park Pacific until he retired at age 73.

Nothing was more important to Papi than his family. We always came first and he made sure each one of us knew we were loved unconditionally and how proud he was of us. He was an amazing father, the kind that never missed his son Bobby’s sports games or could magically make tickets appear for his daughters to attend the Beatles’ concert in Seattle in 1966. He was equally attentive and loving with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments, both small and large, with equal enthusiasm. We will miss hearing him say “Way to go, champ!” or “I’m so proud of you, baby” not to mention “You are the most beautiful girl in the world” (even when we were in our pyjamas!). Papi was a lover of nature and animals and his lucky ‘little kitties’ and ‘dog-bone doggies’ were always spoilt by him.

Papi had an amazing life story, filled with adventures, historical events and extraordinary courage. He loved and had an encyclopaedic knowledge of sports and met some of the greatest sports figures of the 20th century. He also loved music, especially big band jazz, and saw many of the best play live. For Papi everything was more enjoyable with an espresso ‘buchito’ and a Cuban cigar, especially when watching a Canucks, Seahawks or Blue Jays game with his family. Always interested in world issues, our father and mother were forward-thinkers and had a strong sense of social justice during their entire life.

Predeceased by his beautiful Lesbia in 2014, his parents and his brothers Alexander, Al and John. He leaves behind, to love and treasure his memory, his beloved children Janis (John) Payne, Jeanne Young, who lovingly cared for him in his last few years, Deanna (Roman) Young, Robert (Alejandra) Young; grandchildren Maria (Mike) Payne Boorman and John (Alex) Payne Jr. and great-grandchildren Spencer and Evelyn Boorman. Also left to remember him are dear family and friends across Canada, the US, Cuba and all over the world.

We deeply thank Dr. Jeff Pocock for his constant care and friendship and the help he provided us in keeping Papi home with us right to the end.

There he goes….Bongiovanni!

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com