Big send-off for Rev Chunky

Thousands gathered at the St Columba’s Presbyterian Church in Parkview to pay their last respects to Reverend Chunky Young.

On 8 April, both young and old descended on the church to bid farewell to the reverend who is said to have been loved by all. Evident as a celebration of a legend’s life, the memorial service was well attended. The church and church hall were not big enough to accommodate thousands of mourners, so a marquee tent was set up in the park outside the church and mourners watched the service on a big screen which provided a live feed.

Young passed away on 6 April after he suffered a stroke while delivering a wedding sermon.

Those in attendance described him as having been a pillar of strength in the Parkview community for many years. It is also said that he supported those in need, guided those in times of pain, heartache and trouble, as well as blessing countless weddings, baptisms, confirmations and touching families’ lives in all ways possible.

Young was also known as a priest who supported same-sex marriages, and some people described him as a priest who had time for all, even non-believers.

His friend and colleague Hansie Wolmarans described him as a person who stood up for what was right – even when the majority was against it. Wolmarans also mentioned that Young fought apartheid in his early years.

Many of those at the memorial service shared how he had supported them through their own challenges, and how he shared the good and bad times with them. “He married me and my husband 19 years ago and he also christened our children,” said a distraught mourner, Mary Botha.

Another mourner, Sheryl de Klerk said Young was there for her when she lost her mother and husband, “He was my family’s pillar of strength and guided us through that tough and painful period.”