Rick Young: 1973-2025
by Brandon Mayer
It is no surprise that when news broke of the passing of local Fire Captain Rick Young, an entire community was left in mourning. When someone leads a life as full and as meaningful as Rick’s, it also leaves a community proud and full of wholesome memories that will last a lifetime. I’m sure there are dozens of people in North Dundas and beyond who could tell stories of Rick, and describe what an incredible impact he had on their lives. I certainly didn’t know him as well as his friends and family, but he left a lasting impression on me nonetheless.
I met Rick 9 years ago, in my work as a local educator. Over the years, I got to know his family, and while it might be cliché to say that a person’s family “means everything to them”, this was a solid reality for Rick. Such love, compassion, and family values leave a lasting impression, and will live on as Rick’s legacy. From the day I met Rick’s family, it was plain to see the values he passed onto both his kids. I have considered myself lucky to work with them, and was also honoured to have them both join the ND Times team last fall to deliver one of the door-to-door routes during the Canada Post strike.
I learned some things in Rick’s obituary. I knew of his previous work as a special constable, but didn’t realize the seniority of his roles – Staff Sargeant at Carleton University, and later Transit Superintendent. I also didn’t know that his most recent position was such a cool one: Emergency Response Specialist with the Office of the Fire Marshal of Ontario. I didn’t realize that Rick trained other first responders, which is what he was on his way to do on his final day. Rick was obviously not much for bragging – he always remained humble and kind.
One role of Rick’s for which I could provide a story or two was his position as a Fire Captain with the Winchester Fire Station. This is because when our program kids have made the walk across the street to tour the Fire Station as a special activity, it has more often than not been Captain Young providing our tour, not just of the station, but of the trucks and equipment as well. Rick had one of the quickest wits of anyone I have ever known. Kids ask silly questions sometimes, of course, and Rick was always ready with a witty one-liner that would leave me in stitches, trying to remain professional and failing spectacularly.
Rick meant a lot to the kids that he toured through his station, perhaps far more than he realized. They will carry their positive memories of him throughout their lives. It doesn’t matter whether they all want to be firefighters when they grow up; he also taught them the value of kindness, knowledge, professionalism, confidence, and humour – as well as how to possess these traits humbly.
On July 5, North Dundas lost a hero. We share this pain as a community, just as generations to come will share the lasting positive impact that Rick made on all of us. May we all strive to uphold his values, and continue to see that North Dundas thrives as a friendly, family-oriented community in his name. Rest in peace, Captain.