Sally Young

We are sad to announce the passing of our mother, Sally Marion Young, in Canmore on October 14th, 2019. She was 89 years old. Sally emigrated to Canada from the U.K. in 1963 and had lived mostly in southern Ontario. After a brief stop in Calgary, she and her late husband Gord settled in the Bow Valley 19 years ago to be with her family. Sally leaves behind her two children Mark Bray (Bonnie) and Sarah Leavens; her grandchildren Michael Wulff (Michelle) and Rayna Tupper (Sean); and her great-grandchildren Olivia, Annika, Rori, Ivy and Lucas. She also leaves her younger brother Dick Laurie (Ann).

Sally was best known in the valley for her volunteer activities and, in fact, had been an enthusiastic volunteer in most communities that she had lived in. Before she and Gord retired, volunteerism had been her career. She was Director of Volunteer Services at York County Hospital in Newmarket, Ontario. Although she is best known locally for her work in the Canmore Hospital gardens, she gave her energy to any non-profit organization that needed a hand. Locally she fund-raised for the library, the hospital auxiliary and the Canmore Museum. And even in recent years she lent a hand in the NWMP Barracks gardens. She received a volunteer recognition award from the town of Canmore in 2011. When she wasn't volunteering, she was an avid hiker and quilter. These are activities she discovered later in life and she excelled at both.

Friends were invited to join a celebration of her life on Monday, November 18th at Origin - Spring Creek, Canmore. There were pictures, music by her brother's jazz band (not in person, unfortunately) and more about her volunteer activities over the years. Did you know, for example, that she had crewed on a tall ship and taught ballroom dancing?

Sally was helped by a lot of people in these past few years and we want to acknowledge the following. First, our thanks to the team in Morningstar House at Origin who were always so kind to Sally and our family. Second, our thanks to the extraordinary nursing team at Canmore Hospital. You won't find better care anywhere. And lastly, we are grateful to Sally's physician, Dr. Emma Morin. She had cared for Sally when Gord was in his final years, and recently had guided us all through the difficult process that is the end of life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to any of the organizations that Sally gave her time to. Even better, sign up as a volunteer yourself as there are many worthy organizations in the valley that could use a helping hand!

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.