ROBERT W. YOUNG

YOUNG, ROBERT W. June 2, 1928 - May 25, 2022 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) William Young, in his 94th year. He passed away peacefully at home with Lilethe, his wife of 63 years, by his side just as he had wished. As a young man in Belize, Bob was a top student who began his studies at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica and then moved to Canada in 1956 to pursue his studies at the University of Toronto. He married his true love, Lilethe, in 1959 and began his teaching career shortly thereafter. Bob was a dedicated and respected teacher at Leaside High School for over 30 years, where he taught various subjects including English, Math, History, Geography and Latin, and was beloved by the students he had the privilege of teaching. Upon his retirement, a former student sent him a note which thanked him for breaking away from the "dusty by-the-rulebook method" and for encouraging education as an intellectual pursuit rather than mere rote learning. Bob was a progressive teacher who believed that education should be empowering, relevant and thought-provoking. Bob was an avid reader and loved the theatre, especially attending the Stratford and Shaw Festivals. He liked gardening at home with his wife, traveling to destinations near and far, and walking several miles a day, a habit which he took up in his 60s. Bob was a loyal fan of all Toronto sports teams whether they won or not. For years he was the president of the Belizean Association of Canada which promoted Belizean culture and development. Although he lived through some of the most turbulent times in history, Bob was fundamentally an optimist who believed in justice, fairness and the goodness of humanity. He cherished being surrounded by his family of whom he was immensely proud and he celebrated their every achievement. He will be remembered for being "a gentle gentleman" with a mischievous sense of humour and an enduring love for family and friends. It was always said of him that he embodied a rare mix of humility, patience, modesty, grace, intelligence and generosity of spirit. Bob was predeceased by his parents Samuel and Ina and his five siblings: Ethel, Russel, Elswith, Raymond, and Oliver. He created a beautiful family and will be missed by his wife Lilethe; his four children: Patricia (Paul Shaffer), Robert (Susan), Donna (Peter Halewood) and Gordon (Stephanie McKinley); and grandchildren: Lauren, Michelle, Shola, Isaac, Maya, Lucas, Samuel, Reid and Jason. His legacy will live on through his family and every heart that he touched along the way. The family would like to thank Dr. Albert Kirshen and all those who helped nurture and care for Bob including his PSWs (Myrna, Maricris, Shannon, Christine, Anthony and Yung), and Gladys, RN. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Young Family at Highland Funeral Home, Scarborough Chapel, on Friday, June 3, 2022, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the Highland Funeral Home, on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Friends are invited to join with the family for refreshments in the Sheppard Lounge of the Funeral Home following Interment at Highland Memory Gardens. In memory of Bob and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: the Lilethe and Robert Young Award at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, Toronto Metropolitan University; the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care; or the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. Friends may send condolences by visiting: https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/highland-scarborough