Obituary of Donald Ross Young

Don was predeceased by his wife Grace and his sisters Helen, Jean, and Mary. Loving father of Jon and his wife Maria of Elliot Lake; Tim and his wife Marie of Brechin; Jane and her husband Dave of Bracebridge; Tony and his wife Tina of Markham. Poppa will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Nicholas (Elisha), Carolina (Luke), Julianna (Braden), Rachel, and Ryan and his great-grandchild, Emilia. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews who will miss their Uncle Don, and many loving friends including Lenore Mills and Carol Schell.

Harry Young Shoes in Toronto was started in 1918 by Don’s father, Harry, at Bloor Street and Dovercourt Road. In 1936, the store moved to the St. Clair-Yonge location where Don took over the business. Known Canada-wide for its exceptional personal service and quality footwear, Harry Young Shoes continued to thrive when Don opened a second store at Adelaide and Yonge Streets. The business was a success for three generations with Don’s son Tim as the final owner who consolidated the two locations and relocated to Front and Church Streets.

Don touched so many in his life and was often referred to as “the nicest man on earth”. Be it someone he knew well or a stranger in a grocery line, his friendliness and interest in others made him someone to remember fondly. Always positive, he lifted others when they were down with his great sense of humour and zest for life. Kindness and compassion spilled over to his love for animals, and dogs were always welcomed with patrons at his shoe store.

At the age of 17, Don followed his love for big band music and started his own 13-piece band “Don Young and his Orchestra” which ran for 7 years. He was a dedicated Toronto sports fan, following the Blue Jays, Maple Leafs, and Raptors. Don also enjoyed cottaging in Muskoka where family and friends gathered and made wonderful memories of playing baseball, water skiing, swimming, boating, board games, Yahtzee, concerts, and bridge.

Those left behind will honour Don’s memory by carrying on his “life’s too short” philosophy and making the best of each day we are gifted.

The family would like to thank the staff at Amica Bayview Village Retirement Home for the wonderful care provided to Don during his stay.

Due to COVID restrictions, a private family service will be held, with a celebration of Don’s life at a later time. In lieu of flowers, because of Don’s love of animals and love of Muskoka, memorial donations can be made to Moosonee Puppy Rescue/Pets-Too at http://www.moosoneepuppyrescue.com/pets-too.

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