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A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
YOUNG, Ronald Melvin (Ron) - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Ronald Melvin Young on Saturday, April 18th, 2020 at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital. Ronald was born at Grace Hospital, in Vancouver, BC on June 12th, 1939. He grew up an orphan on the eastside of Vancouver and New Westminster, where he was in and out of foster homes. Bill and Gertie Ursulak were his family until he joined the Royal Canadian Navy in his mid-teens. He served his country on the east and west coast of Canada, and around the world for 30 years as a radio communicator. Over his career he was stationed at CFB Aldergrove, Esquimalt and Halifax and HMCS Discovery in Stanley Park. Upon his retirement he had risen to the rank of Chief Petty Officer First Class. After his retirement, he worked as a jail guard with the Abbotsford Police, a courier for Gatekeepers and a noon-hour supervisor at W.A. Fraser Middle School. Ronald married the love of his life, Lily (Pausch), on January 19th, 1963 in Abbotsford, BC. He always wanted a family to call his own and he achieved this and more. He is predeceased by his son Kerry. He is survived by his wife Lily of 57 years; 4 children Shawn, Dawn (Bruce), Shalegh (Balan) and Patrick (Wendy); 10 grandchildren: Marisa, Rachael, Colin, Tiahna, Katrina, Emily, Haley, Charis, Colby and Payden; his nephew Darren; many nieces, nephews and in-laws; and his foster siblings Judy, Danny and Pat. Throughout his life Ronald was a boxer, a brawler, a poet, and a man always curious about the world. He was often found reading, researching and wanting to discuss new things. He educated himself through intense reading and his love of libraries and completed his GED while serving in the Navy. Ronald was a survivor, making the most of a challenging upbringing. He often pondered how he ended up with four university educated children. Special thanks to the nurses and social worker at ARH who cared for and held his hand during his passing. They gave us solace that he was not alone, as our family from all over the world, could only spend time with him remotely due to the pandemic. You are angels and warriors. Ronald leaves a gaping hole in our lives. But he lived well, loved well, saw his children earn success, and his grandchildren grow into adults and start their own educational and career journeys. His spirit will resonate within us forever.
Ron died due to complications as a result of COVID-19
Ships served in: HMCS SASKATCHEWAN - Served in Saskatchewan 1969-1972
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For Posterity's Sake 
