Obituary - David Young, a fun-loving family Stratford man with a passion for sport
DAVID Young, a proud Stratfordian through and through, has died aged 80.
Born at home in Vincent Avenue to Marie and Sam Young, David was a big brother to Martin and the late Vanessa, both of whom he cherished dearly.
Aged five he went to St Gregory’s Primary School, and carried on to KES. He always said that he knew the minute he stepped into the school, that KES was a very special place. It’s there that he befriended school mates who formed the BBs, a group of likely lads who rode out on their bikes to Chipping Campden swimming pool, venturing further to camp in North Wales and then hitchhiking around Europe.
On leaving KES he gained a place at Aston University, with an apprenticeship scheme at Automotive Products in Leamington. He was proud to be the first person in his family to go to university, but also that his education didn’t cost his parents a penny.
It was always assumed that David would eventually join the family firm, Young Engineering in Masons Road, but this came about more quickly than expected when his dad, Sam, became ill.
As the firm’s managing director, David carried on his father’s ethos ensuring that Youngs was an engineering company that cared for its employees. He was chairman of Stratford Manufacturers’ Association, and sported such a large chain of office, that his daughters, then all under seven years old, thought he must have been made mayor!
Later in his career, David moved to join his brother Martin at Quality Springs, where he worked as commercial director until he decided to take early retirement.
David was probably best known for his passions outside work. He was a huge sports fan, both on and off the field. His first love was cricket and he played at Wellesbourne.
He loved running and realised that long distance was his thing. He completed several marathons in Stratford in very respectable times, and his only regret was that he didn’t run the London Marathon.
David also played football, squash and even rowed the Head of the River Race on the Thames.
He loved golf, especially the early morning sessions in the summer and autumn months.
Then, of course, there was rugby. David’s playing career started as KES, moved onto the Cobras at Aston University and then he found his home at Pearcecroft at Stratford.
After his playing days were over, David served Stratford as chairman and then VP chairman and was latterly seen on the scorer’s bench at every home game.
Just like KES, Stratford Rugby Club gave David friends for life, including his Friday night ‘Wombat’ chums.
David passed his love of sport onto his grandchildren and despite his lack of mobility in later years, still managed to pass on the secrets of his spin pass. He loved watching his grandchildren compete.
David was always known for his humour and organisational skills, which he combined in writing, directing and producing his beloved St Gregory’s School pantos, a legacy that continued for over 30 years.
At heart David was a fun-loving, family man and truly loyal friend.
He loved his wife, Trish, hugely, adored his three daughters Becky, Hannah and Sophie and was a proud and loving grandad to Noura, Angus, Stan, Seth, Genevieve, Hamish and Leif. His love and support for all his family and very many friends will continue to shine on them.
David’s funeral will take place at St Gregory’s RC Church, Warwick Road, Stratford, on Wednesday 10th July, at 12noon. He died on 14th June.
