Born April 8, 1929, Brown’s Town, St. Ann, Jamaica – – Died March 25, 2019, Victoria, British Columbia.
Father Keith’s early education was in Montego Bay, Jamaica. He gained his senior and higher education certificates from the University of Cambridge, England. After leaving school, he worked for many years as an accounts clerk for a large firm in Montego Bay.
Keith loved Jesus and his Church from a very early age. He was a choir boy, youth leader and had the privilege of being the youngest member ever elected to the Parish Council of his Church, St. James Parish Church in Montego Bay. From the age of 8 years, Keith felt he was called to be a priest in the Church of God. In 1955, he left Jamaica to begin his studies towards this goal, gaining a Bachelor of Arts degree from University College at the University of Toronto in 1958 and a Bachelor of Social Work in 1959. In 1962, he gained his Bachelor of Sacred Theology from the University of Trinity College in Toronto where he was elected Head of Divinity in his final year.
Ordained a Deacon in 1962 at St. James Cathedral, in Toronto, was appointed Priest at St. Bartholomew Church in Regent Park where he served as Associate Priest for 4 years. He then ventured out west to become Associate Priest at Saint Andrew’s Cathedral in Prince Rupert for 4 more years. He then served as Rector of Christ Church in Kitimat for 12 years. Keith was then promoted to Senior Assistant at Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria. He served in this position for 14 years when he was then installed by the Rt. Rev. Ronald Shepard as Canon Residentiary of the Cathedral in 1986. Keith was endowed with many gifts, but he loved to minister to children and young people, whom he loved very much. He also loved and enjoyed ministering to street kids in Victoria.
Keith was predeceased by his parents, Rhoda and Henry and older sisters Lorline, Rhoda, Lucille and Myrtle, brothers Lloyd, Bobby and in-laws Rupert, Ronald, and Walter. He is survived by siblings Marlene, Roy (Marion), Jacquelyn, sisters-in-law Carol, Marlene, many great and grand nieces and nephews.
A Requiem Eucharist in Thanksgiving and a Celebration for the life witness of Canon Keith Young will be held at Christ Church Cathedral on Monday, April 8, 2019 at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to: “Father Keith’s Bursary Fund”, Christ Church Cathedral School and to the Out of the Rain Youth Shelter.
MAY HE REST IN PEACE AND RISE IN GLORY
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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The Cundle Family
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Liz Our times at Camp Caledonia were the very best.
Thanks for those good times.
Love you. Xxxx
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The Rt. Rev. Wm. Anderson What a wonderful blessing Fr. Keith was. I will always remember his kind and gentle approach to all he met and to teaching the faith. For me he exemplified what it is to be a Christian.
I have always appreciated the time we worked together.
Rest eternal grant unto you my friend,
And may light perpetual shine upon you.
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Kate Kindness from the inside was what Father Young taught us. No matter what, you are kind. You are good, you are gentle, and you try your best. Father Young radiated kindness; it glowed from his dear Jamaican face. He was like sunshine, he came from the lands of sun, and brought the Light of Christ into our understanding. He taught me my catechism and made me remember the Apostle’s Creed in its entirety. In what is now the grade 3 class at the old Cathedral Hall, we brought out the Book of Common Prayer and we would turn to the page… and we would study.
Father Young’s kindness gave me hope and confidence. We children who were under his care at the Cathedral believed that we could go on and do anything wonderful. And probably, if Father Young is praying for us now, we can.
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Jackie Mosdell Thank you, Father Young. Thank you so much. My heart weeps for the loss of you, but rejoices in the memory of your kindness, your empathy, and your help in a time of immense personal desperation. I still remember how it felt to be hugged by you, 35 years later. You helped me to smile in the midst of the pain. I will always be grateful, and I feel blessed to have known you. May peace be with you.
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Douglas Moore We have fond memories of Keith’s years here in Prince Rupert! Remember the annual Jamaican dinners and of Keith doing the limbo!! Rest In Peace my friend!! Hugs from the Moore family!!
Father Young,
Our time in Kitimat left us with so many wonderful memories. From early morning services, the youth group, movies, church sleepovers, driving around Kitimat to check out Christmas lights, to visits to our home, you added so much to our lives with your positive, reaffirming and humorous ways. I am glad we had a chance to speak a few years back. You will be missed.