Christopher Young

It is with great sadness that the family of Christopher Thomas Young, 77, announce his death after a short illness. Chris was a highly regarded journalist and much loved partner to Linda and father to Jessamy, Trystan, Tamara and Alex. 

He was born in Plymouth in 1947 to parents Peter and Marjorie Young. His father was a local vicar and later became Archdeacon of Cornwall. His mother was a teacher. Chris grew up with a strong sense of social justice, an attribute that his children inherited and his friends revered. His younger brother Tim died of Cystic Fibrosis when he was a teenager and Chris was a supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Chris began his career as a journalist on the Daily Mirror training scheme and worked on various papers in South Devon and Torbay. Later he became a highly regarded reporter at Anglia TV and a familiar face on regional news bulletins. In 1987 he moved to Cornwall with his family and worked at the West Briton newspaper and then BBC Radio Cornwall. He was a well-known voice on the station for many years. Chris inspired a generation of young journalists as he guided them through the early years of their careers. 

Chris was a dedicated football fan and life-long supporter of Norwich City Football Club. He would regularly travel from Cornwall to Norfolk to see his team, the Canaries. He was proud of his team, even when their fortunes were down. 

He was a very keen runner and completed many marathons in his lifetime. His most recent half-marathon was completed on his 75th birthday in Plymouth, his childhood home.

In retirement Chris was a volunteer for the Samaritans and Truro Food Bank and dedicated much of his time working shifts for both organisations. His dedication to these important charities was a source of great pride to his family and a testament to his character.

His integrity, wisdom and compassion were an inspiration to his friends, family and colleagues. His passing has left a gap in so many people’s lives. His family miss him so much but take comfort from the many people whose lives he touched. 

A celebration of his life will take place at Truro Cathedral on Monday 16 December at 2pm The family ask that instead of flowers, donations be made to the Samaritans and Truro Food Bank and can be giving by retiring collection at the service, or by using the link below.