Russell James Young

Russ was born on Sunday, May 10th, 1953 in Toronto, ON. This was an auspicious occasion for his father as he was the first son, to Gong and Ruth, following the arrival of four daughters spread over 11 years. Russ was a bright and active boy who through focus and hard work, achieved his professional engineering degree at the University of Toronto. At the age of 21, Russ was successful in securing a job in the oil and gas industry and consequently moved west to Calgary, Alberta. Here, his career spanned some 45 years in the industry and culminated in peer recognition of being a valve expert for gas transmission applications. Russ’s organizational and management skills far exceeded his profession - as his many golf buddies can attest to - his abilities to herd and organize the boys to successful outcomes over the many years and trips.

Russ was also a generous loving human being that would never turn away a friend, or family member in need. He had taken into his home a number of people who required a safe place to land during their life upheaval, for whatever the reasons. Friends used to tease that a welcome mat be custom made to read; “Russ’ Home for the Wayward and Perpetually Inebriated”.

In the last four years of his life, Russ lived with stage 4 cancer. This was a chronic condition that could not be cured, but only deferred through Chemo therapy. His final days were spent being present in the moment as his cognitive abilities were sharp in contrast to his failing body. He passed, without fuss, in his home and was surrounded by loving family members and friends.

He was well loved by an extensive family, and a vast network of friends, business associates, and many acquaintances. He will be sorely missed.

Russ is survived by his sisters Linda Cohen (Gerald), Barbara Young, Carolyn Buckley (William), Patricia Young, (Al Hinton), his half-brother's wife Hing Young as well as many nieces, nephews and their partners, as well as grand nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Gong & Ruth Young, his half-brother Robert and his sister Mary Ellen Young.

A Celebration of Life was held on June 25, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation at https://www.albertacancer.ca/.