In Memoriam – Karen Ann Young (1955 – 2013)
In Memoriam - Karen Ann Young, 1955 - 2013
It is with more sadness that I can possibly express in words that I must inform the cruising community that my faithful, first-rate, first-mate Karen Ann Williams Young passed away in my arms this morning (Saturday, October 12, 2013) at 6:45 am, after a five year, courageous battle with never smoker’s lung cancer.
Karen will be mourned and missed by her loving family and many friends, as well as many members of the cruising community. There is now a hole in our hearts which will never be filled, and her like will not be seen on this earth again!
In her battle with lung cancer, Karen set the bar incredibly high for the rest of us. She endured over sixty chemotherapy treatments, including three clinical trials, two rounds of radiation therapy and three brain radio-surgeries. Through all of this, she kept her spirits high, and always tried to live her life one day at a time, and get the most out of every day possible! She never forgot her family and friends, and always thought of their needs first.
Karen was devoted to all her animals, including Tiger, George and Martha Washington, Annie, Lucky and Shadow, Sonny, Midnight and Snowball. She was an ardent supporter of the Alamance County Humane Society, the American Humane Society and volunteered at the Burlington Animal Adoption Center.
Karen loved life and loved to travel, and was always ready for a new adventure. She loved to cruise with me, and was the best first-rate, first-mate and navigator that could possibly be imagined. She helped me explore almost every nook and cranny of the Southeastern coastline during the last thirty years.
Karen was an avid gardener, and loved working in her garden. Her heart showed in everything she grew!
There have been so many members of the cruising community who have sent us words and notes of sympathy and understanding during this long battle. I cannot thank each of you individually, but please know that every word, every thought and every prayer will be remembered always.
I am going to need some time to get myself back together again, and to say goodbye to the dearest partner that any man has ever been lucky enough to have by his side. Senior Editor, Captain Larry Dorminy, will be running the SSECN ship for awhile, but I will return. Karen and I discussed this frequently before she passed away, and she made me promise to keep the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net dream alive!!! I will honor that promise, but, right now, I just need a little time and space.
And so passes the dearest love of my life, and one of most wonderful people who ever walked this green earth. Goodbye Karen! You will never be forgotten!
Note:
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Hospice of Alamance ‘“ Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215
Comments from Cruisers (44)
So sorry to hear about your wife’s passing. Though we never met your wife I still remember how you spoke so fondly of her when we sailed together.
Our condolences.
Rob and Dee Dubin
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I just heard and am so sorry to have missed giving you condolences in person. I remember meeting Karen when you were first a couple engaged, going to your first house together, visiting her basket creation store, seeing her at the bank. Every time I ever saw Karen I have always thought what a lovely and kind person she was. I know how close you both were and I know how you must be grieving for your soul mate. You have so many wonderful memories together. I pray that they bring you peace and healing.
Cathy DeWitt
I am so sorry for your loss Claibourne. She sounds like she was a very special lady.
Debbie Hogan
Our sincere heartfelt condolences. I hope the love of all your friends will help you navigate through.
Mike and Jan Ahart
Our hearts and our sympathies go out to you at this difficult time. Thanks goodness you had those thirty years of cruising together. Hopefully those wonderful memories will help to sustain you.
We thank you both for all that you have done for the cruisng community.
D and Don Wogaman of SV SOUTHERN CROSS
What a beautiful memorial. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Bill and Mary Dixon
Claiborne:
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Karen. Our paths do not cross often, but when they do I always speak about my friend Claiborne. Please call on me if you should need anything. With sympathy,
Mark Podolle
So sorry for your loss Claiborne, what a brave woman.
Chase
We join with the cruising community in sharing your grief.
Howard and Jackie
We were sorry to hear about Karen’s passing. We did not know her, but she certainly made many friends during her short life. Please take care of yourself and we look forward to reading all your observations in the future.
Rick and Donna Cass
Clairborne,
We are so sorry about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
You and your wife had been an inspiration to us since we started cruising. May all your memories always keep her close and help comfort you at this time.
Greg and Donna
Lady in Red
My deepest sympathies to you and your family, Claiborne. My mother passed on Oct. 12, 2002, with my husband and me by her side. As hard as it was for me as a daughter, the pain of losing a spouse must be indescribable. May God hold you in His arms, as the cruising community holds you in their hearts. Karen will be with you always, and as you heal, you will see her signs.
Carolyn Frazier
Double Dragon
Claiborne, Ginger and I were so saddened by the news of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we will continue to follow the Cruisers Net as we prepare to head south on Ginger’s Mercedes again.
Jake Smith
Clairborne: It is with heartfelt sadness we read about the loss of Karen. She fought a good fight during her illness.
Having you at her side through it all was the greatest support she could receive. Our sincere condolences at this time and heartfelt prayers.
Bob & Helen M/Y ALLEZ!
Marie and I send our condolences to Claiborne. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We only had a chance to meet you and Karen once, but though of you each time we read your columns and Salty Southeast.
Regards, Bob and Marie Austin
Claiborne, Our prayers and sympathies are with you. May you find comfort in knowing that you are in the hearts of many who care.
Bob and Susan Parker
I know your pain Claiborne. No words will help but my prayers are sent to comfort you. God bless.
Elaine Reib
Co-founder, Skipper Bob publications
Our sincere sympathy, may God Bless you during this sad time. You and Karen have inspired us to follow our cruising dreams. Peace be with you.
Pat & Gail s/v Cynthia Gale
Please accept our most sincere condolences.
Larry & Brenda M/V Abreojos
Prayers outbound to you and your family… God’s love and mercy during this time of mourning.
Gunny
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.
Sharon&Jack Witt
S/v Misty’
The cruising and general boating community grieve at your side.
Dear Claiborne our hearts are heavy with sadness for your loss. May Karen rest peacefully.
We are very sorry for your loss.
Wind Rider
The sun will continue to rise, and you will move forward but always remember many sunrises that the two of you shared in quiet anchorages.
John and Georgie Jackson
May your heart find peace and comfort, Claiborne.
Claiborne, we are so sad to hear about your loss. Having just lost our son to cancer, we can feel your pain. I’m told that the pain will diminish with time; while hopefully the memories of all the happy times will remain. We will say a prayer for both of you.
Dear Claiborne: Although we have only met a couple of times at SSCA Gams, I wanted to write and send our condolences and prayers with the loss of your wife and dear partner, Karen. Peace to you! Ginny and Jacques Filiatrault
Claiborne, we are so sorry for your loss. Sitting here at Cabbage Cay, one of your favorite sites in Western Florida, we will be thinking of you. Richard & Karen Williams
We are so very sorry to hear your news, Claiborne. Such a huge hole will never be filled. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Claiborne,
As you have guided so many of us through difficult and, sometimes, uncharted waters may you have the hand of the Lord to ease your journey.
Bill
Claiborne – Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers now and the days ahead. God bless you and all who Karen touched in her life. Paula Sue and Todd
Claiborne,
Rick and I send all our sympathies and support. Happily, those we love stay with us forever in spirit.
I too lost my wife to cancer ten years ago, so I know what you are going through. I miss her every day. All my prayers to you and your family at this very sad time.
Jack
Claiborne, You have our heartfelt condolences, also our prayers for the coming days.
Ken&Tammy Palmer
LoKi
Our prayers are with you at your time of sorrow, Karen is in a better place, we will be watching for your return.
On behalf of the Cruiseheimers Net we send our heart felt condolences to you and your dear family. We are truly saddened by your loss.
Claiborne, what a flotilla is greeting Karen now beyond our horizon! You know how boaters love to celebrate when someone we know and love comes into our anchorage. You are in the thoughts and prayers of so many friends, many of whom you’ve never met, but all of whom treasure the work that you and Karen have done. Call on this great community of friends for support; we’ll be there for you.
Julie Stocksdale
Claiborne, I’m am so sorry for your loss! This is very sad news indeed! God bless you!
Bob Barnes
Ann and Bob are so sad of your loss! Your site has been our guardian during our coastal cruising. We offer our sincere condolences and hope that Providence will give you the strength. Our prayers are with you and your family!
Ann and Bob s/v Jule III
Claiborne, our sympathies and prayers are with you. You take all the time you need. Remember she is still with you in spirit and in the many memories you shared with her.
Susan & Elden
From me and all of your friends at tbe Seven Seas Cruising Association I offer heartfelt condolences. May her memory always be for a blessing.
Judi Mkam
Oh my. How sad and tragic this news is to me Clairborne. Her pain is gone now and yours is acute but will recede to a dull ache over time with someone so loved missing from your life. You’ve written a lovely memorial to all she meant to you and others and those memories will comfort you in the days and years ahead. Take all the time you need…then come back to the community that will miss you while you are gone. May Karen rest in peace.
George Barr
What can we say Claiborne. We are so sorry to hear this. We can only hope and pray that she is in a better place and will not have to suffer any longer. Chuck and Susan