[From the Ontario District's newsletter, The Trillium, issue 61-02, April - June, 2007 , Waldo Redekop, editor.]

Douglas Young

1933 — 2007

By Helen Young

E. Douglas Young, a 27-year member of the Simcoe Barbershoppers Gentlemen of Harmony, passed away April 30, 2007, after a brief illness at the age of 73. Doug joined the barbershop chorus on the urging of his 16-year old son, Bruce, who thought that maybe his Dad may come with him to an open night.

Doug never read music but learned to sing lead and took a very active part in the chorus. Eventually he became president of the chapter and was chosen twice as Barbershopper of the Year in 1988 and again in 1992 and several times acted as show chairman. He was chorus manager, booking the chorus sing-outs, and looked after outfitting new members with uniforms.

Along with tenor Nestor Rosa, baritone Norm Walpole and bass Mac Gordon, they formed the Friendship Four quartet, and enjoyed singing at local nursing homes and other venues. He was thrilled to sing with, and also under, the direction of his son Bruce and was later joined by his grandson Nathan.

He chose not to pay his membership in the past year, as his health was deteriorating and he found it difficult to stand on the risers. We will miss him!         k