Dr. Jason Richard Young
1978 – 2021
Dr. Jason Richard Young was born a crotchety old man on February 2, 1978. He was baptized against his will and died, also against his will, on December 8, 2021. He was 43 years Young.
He was a lifelong academic and keeper of degrees including a Ph.D. in Geography and many lesser degrees of unworthy mention. Jason prided himself on consuming the hopes and dreams of millions, while actually fostering the hopes and dreams of his students, who he cared the world for. He was an advocate of academic and intellectual freedom, and passionate about the pursuit of knowledge.
Jason is survived by his beloved (but short) faux-spring Kyle and James, a posse of sisters, (also short), and the love/nemesis of his life: Elinor (shortest). He is also survived by his aunt Elese, uncle Rob and their many, many offspring. It is worth mentioning that Elese held a special place in his cold caffeinated heart for forcing love upon him until that tiny heart grew and grew and grew, making space for a future filled with family, friends, and so much love. Those who knew him share an eternal gratitude to Elinor who tolerated his obnoxious ways and nourished the best in him. She made him a better man.
Let it be known also (if it isn’t already) that Jason loved to drive fast and far in tiny cars with the top off and music loud; just how he fit we’ll never understand. Perhaps that’s why he was a collector of various scotches, that even the hardiest of Scotsman wouldn’t touch – we’ll never know. He carried a lifelong nostalgia for having jumped out of planes that were in perfectly good flying condition. Jason also loved and loathed his network of friends, both real and imaginary. Some of our dearest memories will forever be shrouded in the haze of all-night socials that lead to early morning moments of insight and humanity, I mean, insanity. But, it must be said, that he will forever have the last laugh for dying first and therefore winning all open arguments.
Our family is particularly grateful for the compassionate care provided by the medical community of Royal Columbia Hospital. They ignored visiting hours and held space for us to share the last days together as a family – we will be forever grateful.
In lieu of flowers or cards, we request that generous donations be made in Jason’s name (Great Evil Overlord) to support students in need: https://give.ubc.ca/memorial/jason-young/
To help support Jason’s family with the costs of bringing his life to a close, please visit GoFundMe.com/f/jason-young-
#VivaLaFrance!
7 Comments
Mariane
We lost a beautiful soul. Sending all the love to the family and friends.
Christopher
Jason had the biggest heart in the world and was a better friend than I ever deserved. I miss him terribly and hope that he has found peace.
Thien
I knew Jason for a very brief time but he is absolutely unforgettable. He would have loved the humor, sarcasm, and honesty for which this obituary was written.
Sarah Lauren
You are loved and missed my friend, and this obit is 100% you. Llamas!
Mary Goldie
Jason was brilliant . I remember him, out of all the many students I have taught, as uniquely combining a great mind, a nurturing spirit, and a wicked sense of humour . It was a privilege to know him. I send heartfelt condolences to all who miss him so terribly . He was unique and definitely made the world a better place .
Jonathan Hughes
Gone too Young for sure. Thank you for sharing your heart in his obituary. Sending healing wishes for those close to him.
David Edgington
I am so sorry to hear that Jason is no longer with us. My sincere condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
I first met Jason when I returned from a sabbatical in Japan in 2005. Jason was completing his Masters degree, was becoming interested in human geography, and he was a research assistant to the Centre for Japanese Research (CJR) at UBC. I became the Centre Director.
Over the following couple of years, before he took off to McGill geography to do his PhD, Jason was my close buddy and `aide-de-camp’ as I set up a number of major workshops and conferences. Jason was a wizard with the (then) new power point technology at presentations – I was not. I still don’t have a smart phone. Jason was invariably late. But he would drive in by motorbike in those years and, of course, save the day!
The first photo of him from my collection was taken in spring 2007 at a CJR workshop held at the downtown UBC campus. I remember we had an array of international speakers and Jason organized a post-conference field trip to Whistler, which was gearing up to the 2010 Winter Olympics. It rained the entire visit.
Later in the evening we all dined out at a Granville Street Italian restaurant (it is no longer there) and that is where the second photo was taken.
We had many adventures in those years, mainly sorting out the technical problems in the presentations of visiting CJR speakers, getting taxis for after talk restaurant events, and then getting people back to the campus to their accommodation. My late-wife, Barbara, got to know Jason at various social events, and his quirky nature.
When Jason returned from McGill I was glad that he was hired at SFU Geography to teach economic geography. I used to meet him at the Koerners pub at UBC to catch up on each others’ news. The last time was in 2018.
Farewell, dear friend!
David Edgington, Professor Emeritus Geography, UBC.