The founder of a publication that’s become a cultural staple for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians at home and abroad has passed away.
Ron Young, originally from Twillingate, passed away at the Agnes Pratt Long Term Care home on Friday. He was 80 years old.
Young, a former Metro Toronto Police officer, channelled his homesickness by founding what was then known as the Downhomer Newspaper in 1988.
The paper proved such a hit that it was transformed into the Downhome Magazine, a monthly publication with readers across the country and throughout the U.S.
With a small group of employees and volunteers, all homesick expats, Young grew the magazine and the corresponding mail order and retail business.
He spent his summer vacations touring the province, taking pictures and meeting people to write about in every new issue. When he retired he made his dream come true, moving home and bringing the Downhomer with him.
Under his stewardship, and with his son, Grant, by his side, Downhome became a true family-run success story, morphing into an internationally renowned publication and lifestyle brand that has influenced generations for over 35 years and counting.
Known for his quick wit and razor-sharp humour, Ron entertained readers for decades through his puzzles, prose, poetry and song, penning numerous works “that beat with the heart of what it means to be a Newfoundlander and Labradorian.”
His fierce love and loyalty to his home province was unwavering, according to Young’s obituary, as was his affection for NL’s tiniest outports to its thriving towns and cities. “He was a collector of friends and a connector of people. His door was always open and his phone was always on.”
“For his friendship, his leadership, and his contribution to the preservation and celebration of Newfoundland and Labrador culture, Ron Young will be fondly remembered.”
Young returned to his beloved Newfoundland after retirement and expanded the business with the popular Downhome Shoppe on Water Street in St. John’s.
Cremation has taken place, with a memorial service to be held at a later date.
