Robert Young passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer,surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his parents, Leslie and Mary Young; sisters, Patricia and Rose; and his father-in law and mother-in law, Monroe and Hazel Mercer, whom he loved dearly.
Leaving to mourn, his devoted, loving wife of 56 years, Vivian, his two children, son, Monroe (Vicki) Young, and daughter, Lesley (Larry) Northrup. The Young grandchildren – Jack, Eric and Grace. The Northrup grandchildren - Keira, Georgia and Isabella. He also leaves to mourn, his sisters Jean, Dolores, Shirley and Barbara; brother and sister-in-law, John and Lynn Mercer; and special friends, Barb and Wayne White. Along with a large list of nieces, nephews and friends.
Robert "Bob", "Bert" Young, wore many hats in his life, a proud brother to his sisters; a loving husband and father; a graduate of the Labour College of Canada and Harvard Trade Union University; a driver of change in his as the Sub-District Director in Atlantic Canada for the United Steelworkers of America; and what he might call his favourite role, Poppy, to his grandchildren.
Born in St. John’s, Newfoundland on February 2, 1942, Robert grew up with his six sisters, whom he loved dearly. In 1961, Robert would meet the love of his life and best friend, Vivian in the Riche’s Store in Outer Battery; they were married in 1967, later, welcoming a son, Monroe, and then daughter, Lesley.
Beginning his career in Labrador City as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic at IOC he became involved with the United Steelworkers of America and was later elected President to the 2,400 membership Local 5795. In 1977, he became a staff member of the USWA and was later promoted to Sub-District Director serving mainland, Nova Scotia, Southern New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and later Newfoundland and Labrador. Throughout his lifetime, Robert worked tirelessly for workers’ rights and was a strong supporter of the NDP Party of Canada.
Retiring in 1998 after a long career of serving Local Unions in Atlantic Canada, Robert decided to retire to spend time with his family and growing number of grandchildren. Throughout his retirement, he spent many hours teaching his grandchildren woodworking skills in his workshop, encouraging all of their endeavours. He also enjoyed volunteering to complete home repairs for friends and neighbors.
Robert’s final wish is for you not to feel sad for him, but to go forward and help who you can.
The Family would like to thank all the medical officials, who assisted Robert during his treatment, including Dr. J. Cormier, Dr. C. Redonda, Dr. P. O’Brien, Dr. M. Leger, extramural nurse, Carole, and the entire Oncology Department at the Moncton Hospital, as well as at the Saint John and Georges Dumont Hospital.
His family will be receiving friends and relatives on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Cobb’s Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 330 Whitepine Road, Riverview (506)-869-2007. A service to celebrate his life will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 3 PM with Rev. Steve Berube presiding. Donations made to The Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation of the memorial of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by his family. The service will be live streamed and recorded.
To view the live stream of the service please click here