Collin "Francis " Young

Collin “Francis” Young

Sydney Mines, With deep sadness we announce the passing of Colin Francis Young (Francis, aka Poppy Young), beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother, at his home on June 2nd surrounded by his loving family. 

Born on March 16th, 1938, Francis grew up in Sydney Mines, the son of Archibald and Magdeline (Ronayne).

He was married for 39 years to his loving wife Naomi (MacIntyre) before he lost her on August 4th, 1999. He was a man who loved his family and friends fiercely, nothing made him happier than to be surrounded by those he adored in music, song, and laughter. An accomplished musician himself, he played guitar, and no one could match him on the “squeeze box”. We’re going to miss those tunes so much, but we will keep the music going and raise our glasses to the memories that we will now treasure. So many people remember his blue eyes and his brilliant yet mischievous smile. Friday nights you could usually find him at the Sydney Mines Branch 8 Legion with his good friend Billy Forrest. 

Francis was also well known on the Northside for being the owner/operator of “Young’s Painting”. Many houses in the area were painted on both the inside and outside by our Dad, and he took great pride in being a perfectionist. He continued doing the odd painting job until he was 82!!!!

Francis is survived by children Francine (Sheldon), Calgary, Colin (Anne), Regina, Joanne ( Ricky), and David (Janice), daughter-in-law Robyn Young, grandchildren, Lloyd Daniel, Chad, and Joanna Johnston, Justin Young, Jenna and Stephanie Young and Gavin Young, great-grandchildren Jase, Kylie, Jaxon, and Briella. He is also survived by his loving companion Mary Jane Donovan and her daughter Crystal, brother Dan Leo and sister Magdeline Anthony and many nieces and nephews. 

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Naomi, son Donnie, brothers Joe, Frank, Winston, Archie, Charley, and Alex, sister Anne Theresa in infancy, best friend and cousin Donnie Young, and nephews Wayne and Craig Young. 

The family would like to give thanks to his family doctor, Dr. Andrew Wawer, and staff, the Palliative Care team especially Dr. Burns, Dr. Poulos, and his favorite nurse, Julia Penney, Lynda Bork, and the staff of PharmaChoice, Sydney Mines, to the VON and Homecare workers who took special care of Dad at home. 

Words cannot express the love and gratitude we have for Mary Jane whose unwavering love and support allowed Dad to stay at home. We will never forget the beautiful gift you gave to him and in turn, to us. We will be forever grateful. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 7th from 2-4 with a memorial service immediately following at J.M. Jobes Funeral Home, 635 Main Street, Sydney Mines. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com  

Donations in Francis’ memory can be made to Cape Breton Regional Palliative Care. 

“Will the last voice I hear be an Angel …. Will I leave this world peacefully….Will the last voice I hear be an Angel, Lord , saying take my hand and walk with me …”

Into the arms of the angels and the arms of your beautiful wife Naomi and son Donnie …. Until we meet again Dad 

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