With great sadness we regret to announce the passing of Robert Keith Young at The Elliott Community in Guelph on November 14, 2019 at the age of 99. Born on April 22, 1920 in Kitchener to Joshua and Gertrude (Von Ende) Young, Robert moved to Stratford as a young boy and then to Owen Sound as a teenager. He finished his last year of high school there where he met and later married Mary Frances (McDonald); a marriage remarkably of 74 years. Bob and Fran settled in Guelph and became loving and nurturing parents to two sons, John (Linda) and James (Cheryl). They were delighted to become grandparents to Matthew (Maryann) and Andrew (Amber) and great grandparents to Violet, Tristan, and Rosie. Robert, the oldest of five children is predeceased by all of his siblings; Randy (Verna), Betty (Jack), Desta (Sandy), and Jerry (Diane). It was during the drive from Stratford to Owen Sound in 1939 that the family learned over the car’s radio that The Second World War had been declared. Robert knew at that moment that he would need to contribute to the war effort. Shortly after finishing high school, Robert enlisted and served as a member of the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME). He trained both in Kingston and Debert, N.S. before being shipped to Vancouver to complete his instruction on the relatively new and vitally important technology – radar. At the conclusion of The War, Robert began his 38 year career with The Bell Telephone Company where he worked primarily with long distance circuitry. During his working years Robert was often required to take additional education as telephone technology evolved. He consistently returned from these training sessions with stellar results. From the time he built model airplanes from balsa wood and onion skin paper and kites from scratch as a young boy, throughout his adult life and into old age, Robert had a fascination with technology and often marvelled at how fortunate he was to have lived through such a time of rapid change. Robert was an active member of Guelph Little Theatre for a number of years in the capacity of lighting and sound production. Upon retirement he became a member for many years of Wellington County Men’s Club, something that he often spoke very highly of. Bob and Fran often delighted in spending time with a large circle of good friends. Upon their retirements, they made a point to travel extensively, often on cruises. They also joined The Probus Club of Guelph and thoroughly enjoyed the educational and social benefits it offered. His sons remember their father as a man of principle and conviction who was always supportive and loving. They appreciate the sacrifice of turning down opportunities for advancement at work in order to keep the family in Guelph and his sons in their schools and close to their friends. Even at his advanced age, Robert took a keen interest in his family and stayed current with both local and global events; a testament to his sharp and inquisitive mind. In his mid-nineties, he decided it best to transfer residence to The Elliott Community where he appreciated the wonderful care afforded by the staff. He was able to rejoin Frances there in a touching reunification after a brief hiatus and they resided in rooms directly across a hall from one another. In keeping with his wishes, Robert will be cremated and his ashes interred at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Arrangements entrusted to the Wall-Custance Funeral Home & Chapel.
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