Well done, Anthony ‘TY’ Young
FAMILY, FRIENDS, politicians, and members of the media fraternity gathered at the Good Tidings Mennonite Church in St Andrew yesterday for the thanksgiving service for the life of journalist Anthony O’Neil Young.
Popularly called ‘TY’, he was described as hard working, a family man, a genuine friend, a gentle soul, and a phenomenal broadcaster.
From JBC Radio to Roots-FM to his stint at KLAS-FM, in a career that spanned over 35 years, Young was known for his soothing voice, whether reporting on sports, traffic, entertainment, or lifestyle. He was also hailed for his radio management and operation skills.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Pearnel Charles, who also represented Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, described Young as an awesome human being.
“Tony Young was a nice guy. I have never heard anybody say anything bad about him. I have never seen him not smiling, not laughing. We learn to appreciate each other and we appreciate this man,” said Charles.
Also paying tribute was long-time friend and media colleague Clyde McKenzie, who took the audience down memory lane to the early days of TY’s career. He noted that TY was thankful in the final stage of his life – “he was always at peace with himself”.
GOOD WORK ETHICS
Executive Director of The Broadcasting Commission Cordel Green said as a long-time friend and co-worker, Young’s work ethics were worthy of emulation: “Everything he did was well done”.
“I can say without fear of contradiction that his record as a broadcaster was unblemished. Out of an abundance of caution, I checked the records at the Broadcasting Commission and there is not one complaint about Tony Young,” said Green.
The management and staff of KLAS said TY left an indelible mark on the media landscape all while doing what he loved best.
Marline Stephenson Dalley delivered the eulogy, while musician Bongo Herman performed Fly Away Home.
Tony Young died on August 3 at the age of 60 years after battling complications associated with diabetes. Young is survived by his wife, Marlene, and son, Ramon.