Duane Young (D.Y.)
(1947-2016)

It is with great sadness and much love that our family announces the sudden passing of Duane Young (DY) of Lac La Biche on January 20, 2016.  
Duane was born in Elk Point, Alberta on January 16,1947 to Jim and Melvina Young as the youngest of six children. From all accounts he was worshipped by his mother and adored by his sisters, whom ensured he never really had to do anything around the house himself (to the irritation of all the women who lived with him). He was raised in Lindbergh, Alberta playing sports and raising hell with his cousin Barry.
Duane started his adult life in Edmonton installing telephone cable all over Alberta and using company vehicles to drag race down Groat Road.  His love affair with hotels began in Elk Point when he and his brother Jim purchased the Elk Point Hotel and from there he set his sights on Lac La Biche.  Duane, with Linda by his side, built what was an old hotel and a tiny little 13 room motel into a legacy through hard work and always pushing to better. He was an entrepreneur in the full sense of the word.   It wasn’t a typical day at the Inn unless you saw DY in his signature sweater at Table 11 in the morning and Table 52 in the afternoon.  Duane was a vocal advocate of Lac La Biche and spent his entire life believing in the potential of the community. He loved to stir up controversy, whether it be a pow-wow float, a mad dog saloon t-shirt or telling everyone exactly what they should be doing. Duane loved a good fight; he fought for Lac La Biche, for the underdog, and for fun. But at the end of the day, he was always the first to lend a helping hand out to whoever needed it and he never asked for a thing in return.  He was the “go to guy”.
Everything Duane did, he did for family. When not building, designing, or planning the next big project, he was with his family.  He cherished big family get togethers and there could never be too much food.  He loved sports, whether it be playing, coaching or spectating.  Duane taught his girls to swim, ski, and just have fun.  He travelled the world with them trying new things including surfing and animal training. He had three rules for his children: never lie, cheat or steal, and that was it. And oh yeah, dream big, work hard.   
Later in life he found his love with Laurie and their life together. Through sickness and health they enjoyed time with family and friends. Travelling near and far, and most recently via, what he always referred to as, the “Winnebago”. 
Duane was forever grateful for the gift of a kidney given to him by his niece Karen Draper. He is survived and cherished by his best friend and love Laurie, his children, Lasha (Jason) and Adria (Trevor), Laurie’s children Kristen (Matthew), Robert, and Michael,  mother of his children, Linda,   grandchildren (Maryn, Calla, Grady, Redden, Arizona, and Mason), siblings Jean, Florence (Jim), Anne (Terry) and Jim. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Joyce and his daughter Leah.

Although he may not have got all the names right, his greatest joy was his grandchildren.  He started planning trips that included all the kids and just having them around brought joy. 
Duane hated getting old, he always said the body might be weak but the mind is strong.  He did not have time nor desire to sit and watch the world go by, he wanted to build it. 

A wake and viewing was held at the Jubilee Hall in Lac La Biche starting at 3:00 pm on Sunday, January 24th.

A Celebration of Life was held at the Bold Centre in Lac La Biche at 10:30 am on Monday, January 25th with Pastor Calvin Skriver officiating and cremation followed.

Pallbearers were Ray Davidson, Larry Draper, Trevor Johnstone, Jason Sheski, Michael Shewchuk, Robert Shewchuk, James Young. 

In lieu of flowers, if so desired, please send donations to Kidsport c/0 Box 1770 Lac La Biche, AB T0A 2C0 or the University Hospital Foundation, Northern Alberta Renal Program

 Service Information