The family and loved ones of a highly regarded Cornwall journalist have paid tributes to a man who inspired so many to follow into his footsteps. Christopher Thomas Young, known as Chris, passed away recently at the age of 77 following a short illness.
Born in Plymouth in 1947 to Peter, a local vicar who later became Archdeacon of Cornwall and Marjorie, a teacher, Chris grew up with a strong sense of social justice, an attribute his children Jessamy, Trystan, Tamara and Alex all inherited and that his friends revered.
A highly regarded journalist, Chris started his career on the Daily Mirror training scheme and worked on various papers in south Devon and Torbay. Later he became a highly regarded reporter at Anglia TV and a familiar face on regional news bulletins. In 1987 he moved to Cornwall with his family and worked at the West Briton newspaper and then BBC Radio Cornwall.
Tamara said: "He was a well-known voice on the station for many years. Our dad inspired a generation of young journalists as he guided them through the early years of their careers."
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A dedicated football fan and life-long supporter of Norwich City Football Club, Chris would regularly travel from Cornwall to Norfolk to see his team, the Canaries. He was proud of his team, even when their fortunes were down. He was a very keen runner and completed many marathons in his lifetime. His most recent half-marathon was completed on his 75th birthday in Plymouth, his childhood home.
His much loved partner Linda and his children said Chris spent his retirement working as a volunteer for the Samaritans and Truro Food Bank and dedicated much of his time working shifts for both organisations. His younger brother Tim died of Cystic Fibrosis when he was a teenager and Chris was a keen supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
Tamara added: "His dedication to these important charities was a source of great pride to his family and a testament to his character. His integrity, wisdom and compassion were an inspiration to his friends, family and colleagues. His passing has left a gap in so many people’s lives. His family miss him so much but take comfort from the many people whose lives he touched."
A celebration of his life will take place at Truro Cathedral on Monday December 16 at 2pm. The family asked that instead of flowers, donations be made to the Samaritans and Truro Food Bank and can be given by retiring collection at the service, or by clicking here.
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