Obituary of David Edgar Young

YOUNG, David E. December 9, 1948 - July 17, 2024 The family of the late David Edgar Young (Kokyo) mourns his loss with heavy hearts. David was early in life stricken with bi-polar disorder which colored the tone of his life and his family with the spectra of suffering. He dealt with his disability by working all his life on his poetry. He was the son of the late Dr. J A Fraser and Kathleen Cassie née Pope. He was predeceased by brother, Gerry (Sharon); and brother, John; sister, Kath (Sandy). He is survived by his devoted wife and family – “for which he owes, simply, Everything!” Surviving is his wife, Ruby née Wong; his fine son, Shawn; daughter-in-law, Karen; and granddaughter, Emily (for whom he was her perfect Papa!). He is also survived by many dear nieces and nephews. He followed up a life-long interest in Buddhism by becoming a Zen Buddhist in 2007. David was a Soto Zen Buddhist with The Silent Thunder Order, ASZC, Atlantic Zen Centre, Halifax. David was a Lay Priest (in training), under Rev. Tesshin James Smith, Roshi, his Sensei and good friend. His grandfather in Zen is Rev. Taiun Micheal Elliston, Roshi of the Atlanta Soto Zen centre, Atlanta Georgia. The Silent Thunder Order was created by Rev. Soyu Matsuoka, Roshi. David served on the CHAD Board; the CAP Board; and volunteered as a visitor at the former Psych Ward in the Aberdeen Hospital. Unfortunately, he was stricken in 2020 with Parkinson’s Disorder. Most of David’s works (poetry) can be found and are available on Kindle Books by searching Amazon for “Kokyo David Young”. Cremation has taken place, and a private graveside service will take place at a later date.