Walter (Whip) Gordon Young
Walter (Whip) Gordon Young, passed away January 1, 2016 at the age of 91 years. Born in Moose Jaw, SK, May 5, 1924. Predeceased by parents: Mary and Charles Young, brothers Clifford and Lloyd: wife, Beatrice (Miller); and infant grandson, Colin Thompson. Survived by his children; Diane (Nick) Vander Zande: Barry (Diana) Young: Barb (Ken) Thompson; Thom (Maureen) Young. Grandchildren: Stephen (Nancy Venegas) Vander Zande; Jamie (Laura Hudson) Vander Zande; Malina (Lee) Poppy; Matthew (fiancé Heather Callander) Thompson, Liam Young, Carlene Young; Great grandchildren, Oliver Vander Zande, Chase Wright, Declan and Jasper Poppy, Damian Knoruk, Braelyn and Cole Kriegler. Survived by sisters-in-law, May Young and Beth Young, and many close nieces, nephews, and cousins. Whip is also survived by his good friend and travel companion, Mary Irwin. Whip grew up in Moose Jaw and other than the war years, remained in Moose Jaw. He served in the RCAF overseas in Britain as an aircraft mechanic during WWII. Upon returning to Moose Jaw, he met and married a young student teacher from Strasbourg; Beatrice Shirley Miller. They met when she visited his convenience store and “borrowed” cranberries out of his food bins. They were blessed with four children. Whip worked for the CPR, MacGavins and then 30 years at Canada Post. He was very active in the Moose Jaw Curling Club, later the Hillcrest Golf and Curling Club, serving as president for a time. He curled in a variety of leagues such as the Legion and the National Post Office curling, and served on a number of provincial and national curling championship organizing committees. He was honoured with induction into the National Post Office Curling Hall of Fame in Winnipeg. Whip and Bea enjoyed 54 years of marriage before Bea passed away suddenly in 2001. They spent many years camping with the kids in the early years, and in later years, camping with the CDY club and the Good Sams. A year or two after Bea passed away, Jesse, the tree climbing dog, joined his family to provide some humor and comfort in his life. He later met his good friend Mary on a bus trip and their relationship continued until his passing. Regardless of his ill health over the past few years, he maintained his sense of humor and charmed the various nursing and therapy staffs he encountered. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday January 6, 2016 at 1:30 PM at Zion United Church, 423 Main St., Moose Jaw, SK. Reverend Doug Hallman will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Walter (Whip) may be made to Royal Canadian Legion, Moose Jaw Branch No. 59, 268 High St. W, Moose Jaw, S6H 1S8; Zion United Church, 423 Main St. N, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 0W5, or a charity of your choice. In living memory of Whip, a memorial planting will be made by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries).
Dayna Smith-Short – Funeral Director