Footprints | Derrick young - A pillar of strength

It is by no means an exaggeration when the sentiment expressed that Derrick Young will be sorely missed in the community of Coleyville, Manchester. Born to Leanora Brown and Leonard Young on July 30, 1946, Derrick was the fourth child for his mother and the fifth for his father. He attended the then Bryce All- Age school in his community. As a youngster, he discovered he could sing, grew interested in music, and performed at many concerts. He was also influenced to explore agriculture since his father was into large scale farming and cattle rearing.

Upon completion of school, he focused on agriculture and music. He made the decision to be self-taught, but in 1976, he gained certification from the University of London in the Arts, Economics and Commerce. He later gained employment as a math instructor, but by his calculations, he concluded that 22 bags of Irish potato seedlings would yield more than a year's teaching salary and opted to pursue full-time farming instead.

Derrick was respected and enjoyed a healthy social relationship with community members. Though a disciplinarian, people enjoyed how giving he was and often mentioned how he gifted things that were valuable.

MODEL PARENT

He fathered two children, a son and daughter, and was held on a pedestal as a model parent since he did the unthinkable for his children on a daily basis. Another interesting trait about him was that he was never late when attending events. He was also known to brew his own roots drink which cured many illnesses and many Canadians and family members depended on the drink to enhance their livelihood. Individuals, will regret his absence, as he played a vital role in the development of the community.