We first met Francis "Jack" Young in 1995 when he watched his son Simon make his BPCC debut v Army at Imber Court.
He was accompanied by his wife Margaret.
They set up their chairs in the shade, under the trees to the left of the pavilion, and sat back to watch the days proceedings whilst enjoying a bottle (or two) of wine.
For the next 16 years they would become regular spectators at BP matches with Jack proudly wearing his BP floppy hat, cricket or polo shirts.
As a result of their dedication to support the team Simon would often incur fines "for bringing the family on tour". He was also fined for "not bringing the family on tour"when they didn't come to watch!!
They continued to support BP even after Simon retired from playing in 2011. They even attended the 40th Anniversary Dinner at Derbyshire CCC in 2013 - a memorable night it was.

For those that didn't really know him Jack was a tall man with great presence and a terrific and infectious sense of humour.
He was born North London on 1st August 1931 and was the eldest of three brothers. He outlived his two younger brothers Alan and Michael
He was educated at a Jesuit College in North London and when leaving at the age of eighteen said, ‘This was when I entered the real world’.

He started his career at the prestigious Cafe Royal on London’s Regent Street where he worked his way up from positions in the stores and cellar to the Restaurant and Banqueting suite. On leaving the Cafe Royal he went to work for the White Bear at Piccadilly Circus He gained further and full knowledge of the licencing Trade obtaining certificates and progressive qualifications.
From the White Bear he then went over to Paris where he worked for 2 years, learning every aspect of French cuisine. His time in Paris ended when his ex boss contacted him and asked him to return to the UK and take over the role of Night Manager at Heathrow Airport’s Central Restaurant. His career at the airport progressed to aircraft catering and moved on to work for Pan Am and TWA airlines. Recognising his skills and professionalism both airlines offered him jobs in the States but as he was now married to Margaret with young son, Simon, and decided against making the big move.
Jack moved on from his career at Heathrow to take up a Board appointed position with Barclays Bank until he retired.

Following Jack’s long and distinguished career, he was able to fully enjoy life and his retirement, spending over 20 years with Margaret visiting sixteen countries across the globe and enjoying nights out being entertained at many of London’s theatres.
Jack was a passionate sport enthusiast, particularly Football and Cricket. He was a life-long member of the MCC and an avid and passionate supporter of Tottenham Hotspur.
His love of football was endorsed by Simon who was a talented footballer. Simon was educated at Hampton School and played football for the school team and reached semi pro standard.
Jack was his biggest supporter and chauffeured Simon to matches across the country, standing on the touchline come rain or shine.
After leaving Hampton School Simon went on to study Biology at York University and played as a valued member of the university cricket team.
Simon’s excellent cricket skills went on to earn him a place on the Met Police and British Police teams which took him on foreign tours to South Africa and Australia.
Jack actually umpired three games in Australia and was nicknamed ‘Fingers Young’ and ‘Run em Up’. Australian’s are not known for the sportsmanship when losing.

Jack lead a very busy and interesting life and was clearly very good at many things but his grasp of technology wasn’t one of them!
In spite of repeated lessons in how to master his mobile phone he still found it easier to refer to his contact numbers via pieces of paper he stuck to his phone!

Someone who deserves a special mention in Jack's life is that of Simon’s partner Linda.
Jack and Linda forged a special close relationship over more than 10 years.
They both had a love of the classics and would go off to the Ballet to see Swan Lake or Coppelia at Richmond Theatre or The Nutcracker at Woking.
Linda even got them both tickets for Cirque de Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall.

Finally on behalf of BPCC I would like to pass on our deepest sympathies to Margaret, Simon and Linda.
You are all still a big part of the BP family and your support of the team has been much appreciated for what is now nearly 25 years

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