In memory of our beloved Chunky - St Columba`s Presbyterian Church

Transcription

ST COLUMBA’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
THE WEEKLY MESSAGE
A Congregation of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa
St. Columba’s is a community where the best of Presbyterian tradition courageously embraces
inclusivity, innovation and open-minded conversation in Christian service.
Letter from Rev Dr Martin (Chunky) Young
In memory of our beloved Chunky
Banking Details:
Standard Bank
Rosebank
Branch 004305
Account: 001948776
St. Columba's Presbyterian Church
St Columba’s Presbyterian Church
45 Lurgan Road
Parkview
Johannesburg 2193
Tel: (011) 646-5420/1/2
Fax: (011) 646-0253
www.stcolumbaschurch.co.za
admin@stcolumbas.org.za
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Dear Friends.
We really appreciate all the messages, anecdotes, memories and photographs that you are sharing about Chunky Young.
Would you please also email them to chunkymessage@gmail.com for the family and church to collate and create a keepsake
for us to cherish.
Dear members and friends of St.
Columba's. The news of Chunky's death
has left us in complete shock. Please receive our sincere condolences on the loss
of one, who to such a wide number was
considered a friend, a guide, an ambassador of relief and hope, a man of compassion. It is with a particular depth of sadness that we remember Elvina, Garreth,
Matthew and their families and trust that in
one another and through this congregation,
they too will find comfort and strength.
Chunky and I held high hopes for a vital
and life-giving colleagueship, I regret
deeply that this is now not to be. Once
again the words of the Apostle Paul seem
so poignant: "For I am sure that neither
death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor
things present nor things to come, nor
powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything
else in all creation, will be able to separate
us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our
Lord.". God bless you. God bless Chunky.
With love and respect, Alistair and Joanne
I cannot bring myself to understand that
this is the last message -and such a vital
one - from my dear friend Chunky Young.
I have been privileged to know him since
1999 and to have had the opportunity of
spending time at his home. His preaching
was excellent; his Doctorate from Princeton was proof of his high academic standing, though none was needed, his selflessness in attending to the needs of others
has contributed to today's tragedy. He
was a faithful Minister of the Gospel
which he lived daily. He was a true friend
showing his concern even this morning
when we were burgled and my car stolen.
So saddened to hear that this beautiful man, Chunky
Young completed his journey here on Earth yesterday.
Not only did he marry us 11 years ago but he was a
true friend. His wise words about marriage and so
many other things to do with our new family still ring
in my ears. May his soul soar with the angels. He
touched so many lives and we are all truly grateful to
have known him. — with Chunky Young and Stephen
Cole.
Over the years we discussed many matters of individual and mutual concern and
I welcomed his wisdom. His role as husband and father was his pride. His devoted love for and care of Wendy was exemplary. His pride in Garreth and Matthew
and his delight in officiating at their weddings to Kerry-Anne and Tina shone
through. His love of Elvina and the happiness of their marriage was delightful.
Thus to those who loved him most Darrin
and I send our deepest sympathy. May he
rest in peace and rise in Glory in the
knowledge that he will be acknowledged
as having been an outstanding Christian
whose stand for the right and his caring
tolerance will inspire all of us who knew
and love him.
Bert Kerrigan
RIP Chunky Young, so saddened by this news. Thank you for all that you were to my family throughout the years of my life,
and the many years before. We love you so much and will miss you dearly.
You baptised my two boys with such love, as if they were the
most precious children in the world and we the most precious
family. I'm very grateful you were part of our lives and will
miss you deeply. Louise Buckle
Dearest Chunky Young, I have no words to describe
what you meant to my family. Your ministry, love, dedication, support and friendship has touched more people than can be counted. I said a few years ago you
should be Sainted and I stand by that. You made everyone feel like you were there just for them and have
shared in the most intimate moments with so many.
To Elvina, Gareth, Matthew and family, our hearts
and prayers are with you.
There will be no other like you. Rest well my Friend,
and say hi to mum. Claire Grundy
Last week we met up for coffee and we were talking
about things that were going to happen a year from now
and now you are gone. That is heartbreaking, and I am
still hoping that this turns out to not be true.
I have learned things from you that I have not learned
from any other. You taught me patience, kindness,
strength, compassion, friendship,… Erin Horwood.
We will all miss you terribly. Karl Eddison
Chunky Young this will forever be
one of my memories - blessed you
baptized my little
miracle — with
Chunky Young.
Dearest Chunky
It is with much sadness
that we hear of the untimely death of Chunky
Young. A wonderful
man who will be dearly
missed by many. Sending much love to his
family and friends.
Helen Boyd Gardiner
Thank you for guiding
us through marriage
and parenthood with
wisdom, compassion
and love.
There is a gaping hole
in our hearts and the
space you so lovingly
occupied in our, and so
many others', lives.
Thank you for your
counsel and for caring.
We love you dearly.
We send our love and wishes to your family and hope
that the many messages showing how very much
appreciated and loved you were will give them some
comfort during such a heartbreaking time.
We will miss you so very much.
Love Joff, Traci, Callum and Finlay
To Chunks,
A man of great wisdom and stature
A man of sincerity
A man who exuded compassion and kindness
A comforter
A true rebel in his beliefs – ready to fight a good fight
A great colleague and friend
I am going to miss making your tea
My family is going to miss you dearly
All in all, I am going to miss the man you stood out to be – YOU!!
Cornelia
Words absolutely fail me.....I had lunch with you 2
weeks ago.....you are the reason I have survived
my son's passing. ...who do I call now? Who do I
phone when I'm having a bad day....I just don't
understand. ....RIP. Chunky Young my beautiful
friend and saviour. My heart is torn into a thousand pieces again. May God guide your family
through this terrible time. You are an angel.
Warren Jennings
Dear Hansie, Ernie, ExCo and Session,
I should have written earlier and so I do apologise. It has taken a great tragedy for me to do
so and I simply don’t have words. I cannot believe it is real. I assume this is what Dr. Maker
means when he says that the longest journey is from the head to the heart…
I want to give each of you my deepest condolences. While we have all lost a friend, confidant,
and minister, you have the added burden of leading St. Columba’s through this unstable and
painful time. Many will be looking to you for leadership, kindness, and support, and so you
have grief multiplied buy the burden of service under stressful circumstances. I know that you
will be extremely busy with arrangements for the service in just two short days. Knowing your
hearts, you will be deeply concerned to honour Chunky and his enormous contribution, you
will be wanting to do your best for the care of Elvina, Garreth, Matthew and their families,
and you will be wanting to honour the heritage that is St. Columba’s. Please may I encourage
you in all of that!
Honouring Chunky will not be difficult. Painful, yes; but not difficult - his legacy is so rich
that it will be told and re-told in a hundred-thousand different conversations. The heritage, of
which Chunky has been such a huge contributor, likewise will be carried forward by the sheer
momentum that he, you and so many others over the years have lent it. The care of Elvina, his
family, and the congregation will be a beautiful thing, because that is just who you and the
congregation are in Christ.
I believe that all of us will realise a strange irony: that Chunky and Jesus prepared us, even
for this. His beautiful preaching, the hours of counselling and conversations, his magnificent
research in post-trauma counselling, the legacy of the Counselling centre and outreach work,
his wonderful friendship and so much more, has been a gift that has nourished, strengthened,
and even equipped you for this season. I know that instead of shrinking back from the challenge, St. Columba’s will embrace it and, once again, the Good thing will be done beautifully.
I know that because Chunky was and is a beautiful person; I know that because each of you is
beautiful, and our God is constantly giving "beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for morning, the
garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness”.
I so wish I could be with you to mourn and give thanks on Friday, but it is not possible. I will
witness and weep with you through the telecast. For today, and Friday, and every day that
follows, I pray the grace, peace and Love of the God we serve.
Much love, Stephen
When our dearest friend Chunky died in the early hours of
Sunday morning, a light went out in the world. I have never met
a more loving, caring, and selfless person than Chunky. He put
his heart and soul into anything he was involved in. We knew he
had touched many, many lives, but are only beginning to realise
now, just how many. He was with people at their happiest
moments, baptising their children or marrying them. He was with
people in their darkest hours, sitting at a bedside waiting for a
loved one to die, counselling people in distress, walking the
painful journey with them. We will never forget how he helped
us on our desperately sad journey when we lost our beloved Sarah. We are going to miss him so very much and break our hearts
for Elvina, Garreth, Kerry, Matthew, Tina, Craig, Sue, Leigh,
Rob, Robyn, Guy, Caitlyn, Matthew and Hayley.
RIP our beloved friend. Tony and Ann
Klemptner
My heart is sore tonight. Chunky Young, a
legend, a mentor, a great friend telling the angels
how it's done good and proper now.
An inspirational man. Kevin Kraak
For the best part of 40 years, I still
remember Chunky and Wendy dating
and then they bought their
engagement ring from me. Chunky
has been a friend and colleague to me
for all these years. I will miss the
daily conversations we had and I am
missing him terribly already.
Ernie Blom.
Chunky, I remember the day Ernie and I
go married and I asked you to dress up,
because the cassock was too plain for an
Afrikaans girl like me ….!
Chunks was kind, wise and a special
person. He always had time to listen.
Our children will miss him to. We had
so many fun functions and dinners
together. I will miss you in our lives.
Elna Blom
Dearest Elvina, who gave my friend so much
happiness and love and received the same.
I cannot stop thinking about the tough cards
you've been dealt.
We love you and feel with you but not at the
level you have to bear.
We have no knowledge of that and we know you
would not want us to.
The sadness and devastation is the greatest I
have ever experienced.
Sending all the love in the world.
Graham Hamilton
What a difficult today in the office without our dearest Rev. Dr. Chunky
Young...Our hearts are heavy and aching. We will cling to the wonderful
memories we have of you forever, you were the sunshine in our lives and
without you it will never ever be the same. But we will ensure that we
continue your vision, love and tolerance of everyone. You were always so
unbiased and by far the most knowledgeable, gentle man I have ever met.
Matthew 25.23: Well done good and faithful servant...Farewell Chunky
until we meet again. Bronwyn Wheelan
Chunks, when I heard the news yesterday my world stopped.
They couldn't have been talking about you, how could this
happen? My life plan does not have a version where you aren't
part of it, I can't remember you ever not being. From the moment you started at St Columbas you melted into so many lives
and become so much to so many people. Yes, you were my
minister, yes, for a while you were my boss, but I was amongst
the privileged in this world. I got to call you my friend. No
matter what life threw my way or how bad things seemed you
could make things better. My go to guy, my confidante, my hero, my protector and fierce and loyal supporter, my true and
trustworthy friend. What am I going to do in a world without
you? I feel like I have been thrown overboard in a sea of frenzied sharks and God is standing there laughing saying, "What
are you going to do now?". I want to throw things and smash
things and scream and hate God or even just stop believing in
anything good because how can there be good if you can be
taken like this, what's the point? And then I remember what
you've always said, and I try to understand what possible reason
there can be for this because you always taught about a God of
mercy and grace. I don't understand and I don't even know if I
want to. I just want someone to wake me up and tell me this is a
nightmare or that it's a really warped late April Fool's joke. I
won't even punch the person who started it if it means that you
are still here. But you're not. Damn it, Chunky, what do I do
with that? I love you and I need you and I don't know how to get
through this world without you at my back. I already feel the
gaping emptiness. I want to phone you and tell you that I am
sad, that my world has shattered in an instant, but this time I
can't, you won't answer. You never will again. I miss you and I
will never forget your kindness and love you showed even when
as was at my most
unlovely. Kerry Horwood
Feel so lucky that we got to call you family.
Rob and Leigh Otto
Still feeling so so sad about the loss of my
old friend. I've known him for more than 40
years and, as many have said, he was always
available and his character was unchangeable, so much so that it's almost impossible to
imagine that he's not going to be at the other
end of a phone call when I need his wisdom
and love. He's helped and supported me
through so many difficult circumstances in
my life - from a state of panic before my
matric history exam to many difficult times
of conflict with my Mom. The family counselling he did with us in the late 90s was
instrumental in helping to heal our relationship and I've always been so grateful for
how God worked through Chunks. Last
year, when my Mom was dying he popped
in to see and pray with her at Sandton Clinic. I'm so sad to lose you so prematurely
Chunks but also so proud of how much you
were loved and everything that God
achieved through you! My deepest sympathies to your wife and children! Rest in
peace and rise in glory. Danielle Smith
A good leader is someone who stands up for what is right, even when the majority is
against it.
Chunky was such a person.
In his early ministry, he fought Apartheid.
More recently, he refused to pay e-tolls.
Last year, he and I were in the dock for doing same-sex marriages.
This year he would have been my co-accused on charges of heresy.
Now I face it alone.
Issues of social justice motivated his ministry.
I remember him for his compassion for the downtrodden, his inclusion of the
marginalized, and open-minded theology (=heresy for some!).
Chunky, you fought the good fight, you ran the good race. Your legacy lives on.
Hansie Wolmarans
Colleague, fellow-conspirator, and co-heretic
I have learned so much from this giant of a man... This was his last
posting on Facebook, earlier today... Absolutely gutted. All we can
do now is to pick up where Chunky Young of St. Columba's Presbyterian Church left off, as best we can. With the deepest love, respect and gratitude. This is all too unreal... Carl Ballot
Dear Chunky, as I come to terms with your
sudden death, I have found it difficult to
find the words. I have been in admiration of
your caring heart, and have been touched
by all the wonderful messages posted to
you. Although words cannot express how I
feel, I think this picture will be an apt description of you; because of your caring you
have gathered so many! My condolences to
Elvina, Matthew, Garreth and the congregation of St. Columbas. Wayne Van
Heerden
Chunks you have left a really big hole in our world. There
are so many things that can be written and so many things
that can be said and so many questions that can be
asked .... In taking your advice I will not over analyse and
just say Thank You for blessing of having had you in our
world and for all you gave to us.
I will always fondly remember your firm handshakes and
pats on the back that I sometimes wondered if I was going
to face plant into the floor ......
Thank you for everything and all you taught me so unselfishly. How privelaged we are to have had you take us
through the journeys you did and for the honour of marrying us in way that only you could do.
Thank You Chunks .....Robin Rowe
R.I.P Chunky Young you were part of the start of our incredibly special family moments. Our wedding, and the baptisms of
both our daughters. You were one of a kind, and there will
always be a very special place in our hearts and family for
you. Carry on being the amazing man you are from Heaven We miss you xxxx Cate D’Oliveira
Rest in peace dear friend - Rob and Sarah Taylor
Words fail me. My heart is so so sore. You
were such an amazing man. Thank you for
everything you did for me and for being a
pillar of strength to me many times. Thank
you for always making me laugh, for your
amazing bear hugs and for all the love and
support. The world has lost the biggest
piece of sunshine. Rest in peace, Chunky
Young. Klair White-Shelver
My Matric photo showing Martin "Chunky"Chunky YoungYoung taken in
1972. Alas we have lost both David Amos many years ago and now dear
Chunky. Carole White
Just so heartbroken – I hope Chunky has found our dear
Joshua and now he is his guardian. Kara Jennings.
I'm reminded of Ralph Waldo Emerson's words, tweaked a bit
here, to say that Chunky Young's actions were so loud that one
couldn't hear what he was saying. His preaching was first and
foremost through what he did, not said. His wisdom, empathy,
depth of understanding, compassion, love were boundless. Even
in the face of the greatest adversity, he consistently and publicly
promoted inclusivity. He treasured Alan Maker's legacy and continued to fight the good fight, wherever this lead him and at whatever cost to him personally. The things that troubled him resulted
in practical action, outspoken commentary, constructive challenge, inspired giving, and so much more. His reach was way
beyond the congregation of St. Columba's Presbyterian Church.
He leaves an enormous gap. We all have a responsibility to take
this forward, in love, kindness and grace. Dale De Klerk
Words cannot express the sadness that I feel.
The world has lost a wonderful man and minister. My life was
richer for having known you and I will miss you very much. Rest in
peace dear friend. My deepest love to Elvina and to all your family.
Xxx Beth and Barry Forbes
Thank you for your mail, although it is with great sadness that
we received it.
Our deepest condolences to Elvina and family with the loss of
a wonderful husband, father
and Shepard of our flock, he will be dearly missed by each
and every one of us!
We have lost such a beautiful, kind and caring man. It seems so unreal. Chunky Young
you have always been there for me and my family, and were our rock. I can't believe I
won't be bringing you tea in the office tomorrow morning and hearing that wonderful
contagious laugh. Catching up in prayers every morning. We will never hear you sing
down the corridor, or laugh at your crazy jokes. It is so unreal. The world will be a
different place without you here. Rest in peace Rev Dr Martin (Chunky) Young .
Pauline Shelver
Rest in peace Chunky. Praying for your family that
Heavenly Father will bless them and comfort them..
Felicity Winstanley Stevenson
Dear Pauline
We were overwhelmed to hear the sad news
about Chunky and would like to express our
sympathy and condolences to his wife and family and to Alan who will conduct the service.
We are in England visiting family and therefore unable to attend the service which we
would undoubtedly have done. We would appreciate it if you could pass on this message to
Alan.
Thank you.
Sincerely
Jean and Raymond Louw.
On behalf of the Tomaselli family may I offer
our condolences to Chunky’s family and the
congregation. He was loved by all of us. His
passing is indeed an untimely and sad loss.
I will represent the family at his funeral on
Friday.
Sincerely Keyan Tomasellli
I was so shocked and saddened to read the message about Chunky. Such a tragic loss for
his family and for all the Church members. He will be sorely missed. His family would
not know me, but please give them my very sincere and heartfelt
condolences.
Best regards, Margaret Gibbs
Chunky, my friend and minister. From our very first lunch meeting in Springs, before you
joined St Columba's we clicked. Our families grew to know each other through so much.
Sunday School, Confirmation, weddings and funerals of which there were many.
When I was retrenched from Lonmin (thank goodness) You offered me the admin post at
St C and was not out of work for one day.
We were a formidable team, you the front man and me the backroom guy .I have seen
you in times of great hurt and pain and times of joy and elation, but never giving up caring for all and sundry. You have been an example to us all and as I have heard so often
"We stand on the shoulders of giants" - well the next will have to climb mighty high to
get up on yours. Morning prayers will never be the same, the discussion and banter (not
to be mixed up with banting) will take on a very different tone.
The last time I saw you was after Tenebrae when no talking was permitted after service.
You looked at me with your smiling eyes and gave me the thumbs up. I understood that
you were pleased with the way the service went. You were always able to express your
emotions even without words. I will cherish that last look for ever.
When I spoke to you on Saturday after our holiday you were concerning yourself with
pastoral matters and a wedding. That was so typically you.
My heart goes out to Elvina, Garreth and Kerry-Anne, Matthew and Tina at this dreadful
time. Thank you for sharing Chunky with us all. We are all so grateful for the privilege of
being part of his and your lives. With so much love. Andy White
Thanks so much, Andy. Like
you we were terribly shocked as
Chunky was an important player
in our lives. He was a teacher at
Bryandale when Guy & Leanne
were there; he got married when
Guy was in his Std 3 class and
went off on honeymoon with
Wendy only to find Family
McGlashan were booked into
the same Drakensberg resort as
they were; then he went to
Rhodes to study to go into the
ministry and we were in touch
with him during that period too;
and, in more recent years
through you guys, we have kept
in touch through the boys being
born and growing into such fine
young men, the illness and tragic
death of Wendy and then his
new marriage so very recently. Also the family marriages
and funerals we attended where
he was the officiating minister
as well as those frequent occasions at your home when we
were your guests along with him
were other very important points
in our lives. We shall miss him
badly.
We don’t know who to contact
to send our condolences and
feelings of sadness but we
would appreciate it if you would
let them know on our behalf,
especially Gareth & Matthew
and their families and Chunky’s
wife as well as the church congregation itself. We mourn his
loss with all of you.
Take care and God
you. With our love,
Louise & Denzil.
bless
David and I traveled to South Africa last October, after Chunky had invited me to be last year’s St. Columba’s lecturer. In addition
to the lecture, I preached twice and, at Chunky’s invitation after we arrived, David preached once. Since Chunky’s death we have
gone over that trip in detail, recalling wonderful memories.
Chunky met us at the airport with his big smile, big hugs, and infectious laugh. When he drove us to his house, we were met by
Elvina’s grace and charm and enormously comforting welcome. We felt immediately at home. As with so many others, they made
us feel as if we had always been friends. Chunky and Elvina embodied the South African hospitality that others had told us about.
They weren’t alone in that. We marveled at the way people always greeted each other with hugs and kisses as if they hadn’t seen
each other for months instead of just the day before. We were invited into people’s homes for dinner, and more than one person
said we could stay with them if we ever returned.
It was the trip of a lifetime, and there were a number of things that were new to us:
• Bobotie, which we loved.
• Koeksisters, which we did not.
• Biltong, which I wouldn’t eat at first because,
naïve foreigner that I was, I thought it was bull
tongue.
• Braai.
• Driving on the opposite side of the road. (I have
often said that what made it most difficult for
David – was me! I was a nervous wreck.)
• Watching our first ever Rugby game. Chunky
tried to teach David the rules, and we learned
what ―scrum‖ means.
• Being within a few feet of wild animals – and
not being afraid.
• And the words we never, ever heard anyone say
in our whole lives: ―Be sure to put the food
away, so the monkeys don’t get it.‖
David loved the wine, and I couldn’t believe that
while visiting the wine capital of the world, I was on medication that didn’t allow me to drink! And David loved Chunky’s Scotch!
Numerous people cooked meals for us: Elvina and Susan Wand, Carl and Dale (I believe Dale’s mother actually cooked the main
dish), Pauline and Clive who invited us for braai, Ernie and Elna, who served bobotie, and Lyn and Andy who prepared a meal in
the bush. We shared a meal with Ann and Tony soon after we arrived, and we were thrilled to meet Arnold and Iris Fair; we will
be forever grateful that they allowed us to visit their beautiful game reserve in the bush. We stayed a week in Stellenbosch, meeting wonderful people at the University, and spent a day with our close friends, Wentzel and Hester, who recently retired to South
Africa after spending many years in Princeton. We marveled at the beauty of the country that lived up to everything Hester has
been telling us about SA for years!
St. Columba’s was the most vibrant church either of us have ever encountered. We love the United Methodist congregation David
serves in New Jersey, but we were envious of the number of people who allow their lives to revolve around St. Columba’s. And
we were amazed by the outreach programs that Chunky helped develop and that many, many volunteers help to support. Chunky’s
ministry can be held up as a model to all of us who seek to serve the church.
After we learned of Chunky’s death, David told me that he was going to surprise me on my 65th birthday in May by letting me
know of the plans he was making for us to return to South Africa next fall or January. He had shared those plans with Chunky,
who had his own idea about how to make that possible, and who promised to keep the plans a secret until my birthday. We still
intend to return, but it will be bitter sweet. When we think of returning, we imagine ourselves with Chunky and Elvina – in their
beautiful home, at church, in the bush, out to eat – but within a beat or two, we remember that Chunky won’t be there, and our
hearts break all over again.
David and I firmly believe in Easter hope. Our faith is not shaken, but we know that we will live in the shadow of Good Friday for
a very long time. Like so many others, ours is a grief that cannot be consoled. We will forever carry the sorrow of Chunky’s death,
but we will also forever be grateful for the privilege of getting to know him. And we will hold everyone (our friends and those
whom we do not know, but most especially Elvina and all the members of Chunky’s and Elvina’s family) in our prayers on Friday
and for a long time to come. I write in gratitude for Chunky’s life and with deep sorrow over his death. David isn’t on Facebook,
but he helped write this account. Together we send our love. David and Nancy Duff
REV DR MARTIN (CHUNKY) YOUNG
WE WILL MISS YOU DEARLY
THE MANY FACES OF CHUNKY.
This is the man we at St Columba's love .... a fine leader, a man of God with a vision for a new and
better world. Carl Ballot thank you so much for sharing these images. Geoff van Heerden

In memory of our beloved Chunky - St Columba`s Presbyterian Church

Transcription

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