The Chapleau Senior Citizens Club honoured Dr. G..E Young for his contribution to Chapleau at a social held in the Bignucolo Residence in February, 2010.
Making the presentation to Dr. Young, who was born and raised in Chapleau, and practised medicine in the community for almost 50 years, were Margaret Fife and Velma Morin, while the Township of Chapleau was represented by Andre Byham.
He was presented with a plaque "acknowledging his tremendous commitment to the health and well being of the citizens of our community during his years of medical practice."
The exact wording on the plaque which Dr. Young hung above the photo of his graduating class in medicine at Queen's University in 1942 read: "In acknowledgment of your tremendous commitment to the health and well being of the citizens of our community during your many years of medical practise in Chapleau. You will always be remembered and loved by all for your dedication. Presented by the Chapleau Senior Citizens Club, February 11, 2010".
In response, Dr. Young said he was "pleasantly surprised" and deeply appreciative of the gesture, according to a story in the Chapleau Express.
On the same occasion the Senior Citizens Club made a presentation to the Chapleau General Hospital Foundation.
After graduating in medicine from Queen's University in 1942, he interned at Columbia University in New York with no intention of returning home. He did to replace a doctor who wanted a vacation, and the rest is history.
Not only did he practise medicine, but became involved in many aspects of community life which included building the town beach using his own funds, establishing a television system, serving as a township councillor for six years. He was also the second president of the Chapleau Rotary Club.
He always seemed to have a new project underway.
Related to his medical practise he served as served as coroner, medical officer of health and chief of staff at the hospital. There were occasions when he was the only medical doctor in Chapleau, who also "hopped freights" to look after patients along the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Over the years Dr. Young and I became good friends, and I was delighted to stay at his place when I was home for the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of Chapleau in 2001. In 2004, on his cross country trip he visited with me in Cranbrook. Dr. Young and my father Jim Morris were born only weeks apart in the Lady Minto Hospital soon after it opened in 1914.
In 1997, shortly after he retired, Dr. Young was honoured at a reception hosted by the township.
During my 2001 visit home I learned from Jean Hong that when she and other Chapleau girls were in training to be nurses, they would visit with Dr. Young when home and he would provide assistance and support. Over the years they would make it a point to have a visit with him.
Jean died recently and I extend my most sincere sympathy to Yen and all the Hong family.
My email is mj.morris@live.ca
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