Chet Young, a traveler, not a tourist

Although we share a last name, we don't share our DNA but I consider him a brother. I remember that first invitation, "how about Cindy and you join Coleen and I in Jamaica this October". Hell, from what i knew, it was just an island in the Caribbean but I had heard all of the stories dating back to the 70's from this master storyteller and wordsmith and we wanted a piece of the action. What a trip it was! We met Rob and Lisa, Dennis at Whoopies (God rest his soul), and the wonderful things they call patties made by this Rasta guy named Niah. The Mariposa was their normal hangout, not overly popular but a quiet and welcoming. Chet & Coleen took us on our first trip up into the hills to the Askenish Basic School which he had found a few years before while cutting his way to the top with one of his Jamaican friends after hurricane Ivan left everything twisted and broken. He tore a chainsaw into about 15 pieces and smuggled it into the country in a golf bag because he knew there wouldn't be any on the island when he got there. He was a teacher to us in the ways of Jamaica but as Chet says, "Jamaica, she can be a fickle bit-ch". Yes she can be, but I love her just the same. Then there was the Shaggy concert up at Escape where we had VIP treatment as Chet was nursing a bum leg. And running out of gas out in the middle of nowhere in the van and coasting to the bottom of the mountain as far as we could and pulling into a gas station on fumes all because someone (Chet) left a bag of sweeties on the dash in front of the gas gauge. Since that first year, Cindy and I were hooked and now working on our 14th visit to The Rock this year thanks to Chet & Coleen. So many stories and not much time. We lost Chet last night after a gallant fight to get well again. He was a friend to Cindy and I, a loving husband to Coleen and a loving father and grandfather and also a friend to many Jamaicans and Ja-mericans living there. As I close this out with tears in my eyes, and with a very heavy heart, hug you kids, hug you wife and family because life is indeed short and you never know what can happen next. Try to take nothing for granted and cherish the memories that we have. If you never met Chet, trust me, I wish you would have. He had a heart of gold and friends that will attest to that. I truly believe that Dennis has already made and shared a Appleton's and fresh squeezed orange juice for Chet in heaven. Please pray for Coleen and family as they will need all the help they can get to get through this. I miss you already brother!

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What a beautiful tribute. You were lucky to have known him....and he was lucky to have had you as a friend. Our prayers to his wife and family. RIP

Wonderful tribute!

VVHT

I remember all the stories he used to tell on this board. Thoughts and positive vibes to his entire family.

Thoughts and prayers to the family and to all who knew him!

I don’t get choked up much, but just did reading this. Chet sounds like he was a great guy. I’ll say a prayer for him and his family, and raise a toast of Appleton and fresh OJ in his honor. May he Rest In Peace.

Prayers for Coleen, family, & friends... R.I.P. Chet

If you ever had the privilege of meeting Chet & Coleen...you knew you were witnessing a love story.
Coleen, his Family and Jamaica were part of Chet's passions and Rob and I were lucky enough to witness and we're heartbroken to lose.
When Rob first got the message yesterday morning that we had lost this amazing man and friend...these are the words that first came to mind and describes Chet so eloquently...
Beautiful words...Written by Chet many years ago...

"I have won many awards in a lifetime of competition and service. But the highest was offered without plaque or fanfare on a hilltop in post Ivan Jamaica. A true Rasta and a dear friend observed "Chet you are like a father of men, you see need and fulfill that need without being asked". Let us be travelers and not tourist."

Much love and condolences to Coleen, family and friends. Thank you Phil for the incredible tribute to Chet.

Rob & Lisa

I wish we could have met him. Rest in Peace Chet.

I only knew Chet from his posts have missed him ever since he stopped being a regular commenter here.

You are a wise and beautiful man, Chet. RIP mi Breddren.

Prayers to the family and friends.

Prayers for all family and friends R.I.P. Chet

Aww, I'm so sorry to read this! My sincere condolences to Colleen, their family and those who loved him. I remember Chet and Colleen well from all their posts over the years on Negril.com. May Heaven be a lot like Jamaica.

Sorry to hear of the passing of Chet, to his family our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Rob and Lisa...if either of you see Vivian from Mariposa or Fidel, Chet's Rasta friend from the craft market can you please let them know of Chet's passing? We've not been able to get in touch with either of them.

B-rockett...we'll do our best to find and let them know.

I just read this now :( We met Chet & Colleen many years ago at a 4 night stay at Seastar & they were so nice. It was only our 2nd or 3rd trip to JA & they were so concerned we were having a good time & asked us how we enjoyed each of the tours when we got back. They were in the room above us & always waved & talked to us when we walked by. A very friendly couple & I'm so saddened to hear of his passing. I never forgot them.

great tribute . wished i had met Chet. best wishes to family

Sorry to hear that. Have met Chet and always admired his love for the people of Jamaica.Losing all the old-timers from the board sucks.

R.I.P. Chet. You're right Biggs is does suck.