Barry James Young
Was born in Redhill General Hospital on 31st May 1948 and attended St. John’s Infants & Junior School, and then Earlswood Secondary School.
He left school at 16 and did his mechanical engineering apprenticeship at Kinney Engineering at Pear Tree Hill, then began working at the Monotype in Salfords. As an avid motorcyclist he also trained as an RAC Motorcycle Instructor a role he held from 1966-1971.
He trained regularly and travelled abroad as part of the Kin Ryu Judo Club where he met his future wife Susanne. Together they were also active members of the Horley-Vimy Twinning Association from 1990-1994 when the link was first established.
Having been indoors in a factory environment he then left the Monotype in 1994 and started his own business exploring his passion for gardening and the outdoors and providing Security services. Here he also worked with Lion Security.
From Kin Ryu Judo at the Old Gasworks he founded and ran Horley Judo Club at Keys Youth and Community Centre in Court Lodge Estate teaching children from 8 through to adults ‘the gentle way’ in his spare time. He qualified as a referee for international competitions and a Senior Examiner for Gradings across the South East. Also held titles as the British Kata Champion in multiple disciplines for numerous years.
Barry then became a regular face at the Keys Youth and Community Centre within the Facilities maintenance department; this was when he continued to invest even more time in supporting the Youth of the area.
He joined the Civilian Committee of 135 (Redhill) Squadron of the Air Training Corps and helped to raise the profile of the Air Cadets and money to support the activities encouraging and inspiring 12-21 year olds to grow and develop as productive citizens. As the Chair of the Committee he was able to steer the fundraising efforts and maintain momentum of the unit.
He also supported the Army Cadets based at Oakwood Secondary School by becoming a Civilian Assistant as part of Surrey Army Cadet Force, helping to run the tuck shop and repair and maintain stores and equipment.
With the continued commitment to military themed Youth Organisations Barry became a member of the Royal British Legion and supporting his local detachment to raise thousands of pounds towards the Poppy Appeal.
For the last few years he could often be seen in the lobby of Tesco Extra, Gatwick in November collecting on behalf of the Royal British Legion Branch for the Poppy Appeal.
After recovering from a stroke he retired enjoying spending his time pottering in the garden, visiting Wakehurst Place, practising Tai Chi and painting. He enjoyed his 70th Birthday with family on the 31st May and passed away four days later at home.
His wife Susanne Young-Hotz and children Tara and Rolph ask that instead of flowers, donations are made to this just giving page where they will be used to purchase a bench to be positioned at Wakehurst Place, Ardingly for all to visit, additional donations will be split between Age UK and the Royal British Legion.