Tributes paid to a true champion of community

TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-known retired businessman and champion of community life in Plymouth.

-  CLARE AINSWORTH

Norman Young, a loving family man who was unstinting in his charity work and a highly respected member of the business community, has passed away, aged 95.

His death came two years to the day after the passing of his beloved wife, Maureen, to whom he had been married for 70 years.

Norman was known not only for his many achievements in life and his generosity of spirit, but as an extrovert who loved recounting jokes and stories.

He was born and educated in Brighton, a wartime evacuee who also did National Service at the end of the war, before starting his career with the Alliance Building Society at its Sussex headquarters.

He married Maureen in 1953 and their first child, Steve, arrived in 1955, followed by David in 1958. His work brought the family to Plymouth in 1972 and he never wanted to leave his new-found home, where he also enjoyed a long and happy retirement.

Norman was devoted to his family and gave amazing support to them, particularly his disabled son, Steve, sadly now deceased.

Through caring for Steve, Norman became a volunteer for Mencap and was also involved with numerous charitable organisations in Plymouth, including the Round Table, 41 Club, Rotary, and the Catenians.

Norman was a Catholic by conversion and became a member of the Catenians, who awarded him a medal for his 65 years of membership last year.