Page 29 - GreenMaster summer 2023

of Service:
a True Leader
served as their Association President. From 2002 to 2004, Brian served on both the BCGSA and CGSA Boards. Brian continues to serve on countless association committees.
In 2008, Brian was one of the founding members of a committee of Superintendents and industry colleagues that gathered to raise money for the MS Society of Canada. Through Brian’s leadership, this event became VIGSA’s Professional Devel- opment days. 15 years later this event has become BCGSA’s Annual Conference providing Super- intendents and their staff access to world-class education.
Through Brian’s leadership over $1.5 million has been raised to help people suffering with MS in Canada. In 2016, Brian was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Sovereign Medal Award for Volunteers. This Canadian medal is intended to honour volun- teers who have made a significant and continual contribution to their community either in Canada or abroad.
The Uplands Golf Club are very proud of their Master Superintendent. These comments from long time Uplands Manager, John Matthews, sum up Brian’s contributions best. “Brian has consistently delivered for his family, friends, peers and those in need. Brian’s contributions to the profession, society, community and charities is stellar. You can count on him implicitly.”
ThebarometerofBrian’scharacter lies with his dedication to family. Brian’s wife, Pam, and their daughters, Sara and Amanda, are the most important part of Brian’s life at home and at work.
Brian Youell and wife Pam Youell. Brian brought Pam on stage to share the award as her support was critical to his successes.
However, life has not always been easy for Brian Youell. In 2010, while helping a fellow Superintendent with a difficult irrigation repair, Brian was struck on the head with a golf ball from an errant tee shot. For three years, Brian suffered with the effects and symptoms of the brain trauma he was experiencing. Anxiety, depression, and difficulty with daily tasks were common.
After he recovered, Brian took this tragedy and shared his struggles with the world. Brian told his story in local high schools, colleges and with sports teams for people dealing with concussions and brain injuries. His article published in Golf Course Management titled, ‘Down but not Out’, shared the struggle and challenge of dealing with brain
trauma. This article garnered the Leo Feser Article of the Year Award and touched the lives of people in our industry throughout the world. This article also brought Brian on to the speaker platform as the keynote speaker at Conferences at Penn State, the Minnesota Superintendents Conference, and the Atlantic Turfgrass Conference.
In typical Brian Youell fashion, he turned a traumatic, life changing experience into an opportunity to help others. He has touched the hearts of many through his teaching, mentorship, association involvement and camaraderie with his peers. Congratulations to Brian on this well- deserved award and recognition. GM
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