William Albert “Al” Young, CD Chief Warrant Officer, (Ret’d) Royal Canadian Corps of Signals. Of Truro.
“Velox Versutus Vigilans”

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of William Albert Young “Al”, age 86, on Thursday, November 4th, 2021. We are comforted that he has found peace; he will be dearly missed.

The son of William and Olive (Chaisson) Young, Al was born on July 23, 1935 in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia and grew up in Reserve Mines. As a young man, Al joined the Sea Cadets, an experience which shaped his career. In 1952, at the age of seventeen, Al enlisted in the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Corps of Signals as a radio operator and lineman. He earned his jump wings with the Canadian Airborne Signals Squadron and completed two United Nations Peacekeeping tours in the Middle East in 1965 and 1975. His postings included Vancouver, Bordon, Kingston, Charlottetown, Gagetown, Saint John, Debert and Halifax in Canada and Lahr and Soest in Germany. It was during his first posting to Germany that he met his wife, Elisabeth (Ellen) and they were married on his birthday by Prelate Dr. Theodor Legge in Prospteikirche St. Laurentius, in her hometown of Arnsberg in 1960.

Al attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer in 1981 and in 1988 took his release after serving his country faithfully with honour, diligence and integrity for 36 years. His decorations and medals include Canadian Forces Decoration (CD) with 2 Clasps, Canadian Centennial Medal 1967, UN Emergency Force (UNEF), UN Emergency Force Middle East (UNEFME), Canadian Peace Keeping Service Medal, Special Service Medal (NATO) and the Parachute Badge. Al retired with his wife at their home in Truro, N.S.

Al travelled the world and was not afraid to try anything and made friends wherever he went. He was a very caring person and a true family man – a husband, father, grandfather and soon to be great-grandfather – always giving and never asking for much in return except friendship and respect. Remembered for his love of the outdoors, especially being on the water, Al delighted in angling of all sorts, but especially fly fishing for salmon on his beloved Margaree River. Al curled and played and coached hockey well into his 40’s until a knee injury prevented him. He was a long-time ham radio operator with the call sign “VE1 BLB”. Al actively volunteered in his community with the Knights of Columbus KOC (4th degree) where he served as Grand Knight and was a long-time member of Immaculate Conception Parish. He served as past president of the Cobequid Salmon Association and an Area Director of the Nova Scotia Salmon Association. He enjoyed spending time with his lifelong friends, Walt Conrad and John Stears recounting their hunting, fishing and military adventures with a great sense of humour and a kit bag full of stories and one-liners to tell. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially grandchildren, Alex and Morgan, who were both the apple of their Papa’s eye.

Al is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elisabeth “Ellen” (Schüttler); son, Patrick(Tanya), Marion Bridge; daughter, Susan (Hass), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; brothers, Jerry (Karen), Kenebecasis, NB; Ernie, Reserve Mines; sister, Brenda (Nelson, deceased) Borgal, Glace Bay; grandchildren, Alexander (Ashley), Guysborough and Morgan (Emily), Marion Bridge; brothers-in-law, Franz Joseph (Heidi) Schüttler, Arnsberg, Germany and Hans (Gabrielle) Hildebrand and sister-in-law, Maria Lindemann-Posner of Darmstadt, Germany and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Al was predeceased by his uncle and godfather, Carl (Collie) Young, Reserve Mines; brothers, Joe (Jean, deceased), Glace Bay, John (Helen), New Glasgow and sister-in-law, Monika St. Laurent, Darmstadt Germany.

Dad also leaves behind his special little buddy, B.B. who is now brightening the lives of all who visit at home.
We would like to thank Dr. Trevor Locke, Today’s Nurse, especially Dad’s favourites, Samantha and Sharon and Wynn Park Villa 3E staff for their compassionate care until his passing.

In keeping with Al’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to a Royal Canadian Legion Branch 26 Tribute Service followed by a Knights of Columbus Prayer Service and Liturgy of the Word on Saturday, November 27th beginning at 2 p.m. in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro, N.S., Fr. Dariusz Miskowicz officiating. In accordance with current COVID-19 restrictions, proof of full vaccination, wearing of masks, as well as ID are required. Burial will take place in Cape Breton at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Al’s memory to Operation Smile or World Vision Canada.

Webcasting of the service will begin at 1:58pm (Atlantic Time) and is available along with online condolences at www.ColchesterCommunity.com