Obituary of Gary Desley Young

August 10, 1956 - San Fernando, Trinidad 

February 23, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Desley Ecliffe Young, affectionately known as “Gary" or "Flip” passed away on Friday, February 23, 2024, in his hometown of Calgary, AB.

Gary was born in Trinidad and Tobago, the second of four boys to Shirley and Carlyle Young. In 1969, the family immigrated to Canada, where Calgary became their cherished home.

Educated in Calgary, Gary attended Colonel Macleod, Ernest Morrow Junior, and Forest Lawn High School. Following his education, he worked as a roadie and fondly talked of all the bands he set up for. He even received an invitation to party with Rod Stewart, a memory he cherished. He then embarked on a career in the oil and gas sector. Gary was highly respected in the residential construction industry in Calgary and Florida, where he worked closely with his father, Carlyle. He also served as a service care provider at Camp Horizon, before finding his place at SMED and later DIRRT Modular Construction Systems.

Gary's zest for life was evident in his love for the outdoors. He found joy in camping and fishing, revelling in the simple pleasures of sitting around a campfire with a six-pack and a pack of cigarettes after a day spent casting a rod into a river somewhere in Kananaskis country. He had a knack for storytelling, especially about the 'BIG ONE' that got away.

Gary will be remembered for his infectious smile and hearty laugh, which illuminated every room he entered. His true legacy lies in the love he shared, the strength of his family bonds, and the profound impact he had on those around him. Though deeply missed, the memories of Gary will forever provide comfort and inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Gary is survived by his beloved father Carlyle and his partner Angel, his brothers, Winfield, of Trinidad, Derek and Dale of Calgary, AB; and his two sisters, Michelle of Calgary and Menelva of Edmonton, AB. In addition to his immediate family, he also leaves behind numerous first and second cousins in Trinidad. Gary had a special bond with his nieces and nephews, Vanessa (Mackenzie), Michael (Christina), Desmond (Marina), and Jas and Carlie; as well as his great-nephews, Elijah, Maddox, and Parks, whom he adored spending time with. Gary loved spending time with the younger ones, and he reveled in teaching them life's simple pleasures, from fishing to using a slingshot and making owl whistle sounds with their hands. His patience was admirable, and kids loved being around him.

Gary was predeceased by his mother Shirley Rosemarie in 2000 and his nephew Corey Derek in 1987.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Camp Horizon (Hwy 66, 10 km Southwest of Bragg Creek, AB T0L 0K0, www.easterseals.ab.ca/camp-horizon, in memory of Gary's passion for supporting others and his love for the outdoors.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Gary’s family here.

In living memory of Gary Young, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.