YOUNG, Daniel “Dan” Joseph

May 16, 1994 – March 18, 2022

In Loving Memory of Daniel Joseph Young

We are heartbroken to share the unimaginable loss of Daniel Joseph Young, Dan to everyone who knew him. He was a kind and generous soul, taken far too young; a wonderful, beloved son, and an amazingly fun-spirited brother.

Dan was born in Elk Point, Alberta to Diane and Wendell Young on May 16th, 1994, a birthday he shares with his dad.  He passed peacefully in the Foothills Medical Center in Calgary with his family by his side on Friday, March 18th, 2022, at age 27. He is survived by his mom and dad, his brother Aaron, sisters Julie and Alison, nephews Gabriel, Sam, Elijah and Jamie, his nieces, Abby, Hope, and Caitlin, and by his grandparents Allen and Delphine Young and Cecile Kotowich.  He is also survived by the numerous animals on the farm that he shared a love for, especially his comfort cats, Buddy, and Freya, his faithful dog Lexi, and by the chickens and turkeys which Dan spared by granting them diplomatic immunity. Dan was predeceased by his maternal grandpa, Walter Kotowich.

Dan enjoyed nothing more than having an adventure, whether that be traveling the world, cutting down trees in his backyard or jumping out of an airplane to the horror and pride of his watching family. As a child, Dan was either currently in mischief or actively plotting it.  A lover of both nature and animals, Dan was a dedicated member of the Scouts for over 15 years, he loved hiking and camping and spending any time out in the fresh air. He attended Olds College and graduated with his Heavy Equipment Operator certification.  His many other interests included skateboarding and parkour with his friends, sport shooting, video gaming, flying his drone, travelling, and taking care of his animals. A foodie at heart, one of Dan’s passions was making, eating, and photographing, delicious foods.  He loved good food, and he was always ready for something new. His favorites were chicken tendies (for which he had a complex sliding grading scale to judge their quality), seafood, especially lobster and crab legs – always guaranteed to bring a smile to his face!

Dan was happiest surrounded by family and friends and snuggling his giant orange cat, Buddy. Dan never let the effects from the cancer dampen his life. He was always ready to go and experience anything that the day had to offer. Dan was generous, selfless, and kind-hearted, although he tried to exude a tough guy persona. Anyone who met him and spoke with him realized how true the idiom was that you should never judge a book by its cover. His kindness and quirky personality shone through with every word and his smile was beautiful and true. There are not enough words to express just how much he was loved and how much he will be missed by all who knew him. Dan will be remembered as he lived with his heart of gold and his indomitable spirit.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone that took such good care of Dan at the Tom Baker Cancer Center and a special thank you to Dr. Omar Khan, Dr. Jan Henning, Dr. Chris Wilkes, Dr. Stosky. Dr. Midha, Dr. Puloski, and the palliative care team.

Dan’s family will have a celebration of Dan’s life in the summertime in Elk Point.

In lieu of flowers, PLEASE consider a donation in Dan’s name to the Alberta Cancer Foundation at https://www.albertacancer.ca/donate/ to support continued research into cancer treatments including the cancer that Dan was afflicted with. It was Dan’s ardent hope that some day, no child or young adult would ever have to endure what he so bravely fought. 

Arrangements entrusted to Florence (Flo) Simpson, Funeral Director

Cochrane Country Funeral Home – cochrane@piersons.ca – 403-932-1039

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  1. On March 21, 2022 at 4:10 pm Coleen Hall Said:

    I am so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to Dianne and Wendell and family.

  2. On March 21, 2022 at 4:38 pm Faye & Kenzie MacLeod Leod Said:

    We are so sorry to read of your loss. Sincere sympathy for your family in this sad time. Faye & Kenzie MacLeod

  3. On March 21, 2022 at 4:45 pm Evelyn Tucker Said:

    Diane,Wendell,Allie,Julie, Aaron and your families, our heartfelt condolences and love to all of you during this difficult time. To know Dan was to love Dan. Each and every time I had the honor of spending time with him was always a joy a memory to be treasured and will be treasured. All our love to you. The Tuckers

  4. On March 21, 2022 at 4:52 pm John & Glenda Argue Said:

    So sorry to hear of your loss it is a terrible thing to endure Sincere condolences to you and your family

  5. On March 21, 2022 at 5:25 pm Margaret Ellenbroek Said:

    So sorry for your loss Diane and family. Dan and your family will be in our prayers.

  6. On March 21, 2022 at 7:06 pm Sharon Green Said:

    I’m so sorry Diane.

  7. On March 21, 2022 at 7:15 pm Dennis Mohyluk Said:

    Condolences Wendell and Diane on your loss!

  8. On March 21, 2022 at 7:20 pm Anna Marie and Ed Klassen Said:

    Diane and Wendell, our deepest condolences to you and the kids. Words cannot express the pain we feel in our hearts for you and your family.

  9. On March 21, 2022 at 8:55 pm Taylor M Said:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. He was an amazing friend to my spouse Joshua and accepted me as a friend as well. Constantly up for a good joke and always willing to tell the truth (even if you didn’t want him to). He is truly missed

  10. On March 21, 2022 at 11:04 pm Bettie Yanota Said:

    I am very sorry for your huge loss.

  11. On March 22, 2022 at 3:19 pm Cam & Shelley Zarowny Said:

    Wendell and Diane, our sincere deepest condolences. I cant imagine what you have gone through, I know Dan was everything to you guys, it isn’t suppose be this way. Thinking and praying for you.

  12. On March 22, 2022 at 4:34 pm Darryl & Sherrie Delwo Said:

    Wendell and Diane, our hearts and prayers go to you and your family for a deeply sorrowful journey. May you cherish Dan’s bright light, know that his spirit will forever shower you all with love that you can carry in your hearts forever!

  13. On March 22, 2022 at 7:23 pm Paul & Ashley Bertsch Said:

    Wendell & Diane, we are saddened to hear of your loss and offer our deepest condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

  14. On March 22, 2022 at 7:57 pm Corey & Brandy Hegseth Said:

    Wendell and Diane, we are so sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.

  15. On March 24, 2022 at 8:24 am Judy MacKenzie Said:

    no loss in the world is greater than the loss of a child. There are no adequate words, just know that many people are thinking of you and yours..

  16. On March 24, 2022 at 1:57 pm Pauline McGregor Said:

    We are so very sorry to hear of your great loss. No words can express the sadness of losing a child. Our sincere sympathy. Pauline & Chris McGregor.

  17. On March 28, 2022 at 11:37 am Manon and Larry Joice Said:

    Dear Diane, Wendell and family, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of Daniel. Our memories of Daniel are that of a cheerful, curious and brave little boy. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Manon and Larry Joice

  18. On April 5, 2022 at 10:24 pm Heinz & Marilyn Unger, Benchlands Said:

    Dear Diane and family, we learned only now of your son’s death and we’re so sad to hear what an amazing young man has been lost to your family and the world. Although we never met Daniel, we feel we know him well from the story and the pictures you posted on this site. We’re thinking of you in the this difficult time.