National Tribute Auction

“Proud to Be Canadian” was created by Perley Health Resident and 92-year-old Royal Canadian Air Force Veteran Pilot David Younger. Artist Statement Proud to Be Canadian celebrates Canada’s natural beauty, heritage, and enduring spirit. The helmet features a picturesque landscape of majestic mountains and tall Canadian pines, complemented by Canadian flags, vibrant poppies, and Canada geese in flight. Together, these elements create a distinctly Canadian scene that reflects a deep sense of pride, remembrance, and connection to the country. Artist Bio At 92, David Younger carries a remarkable family and military legacy. He is the son of George Younger, a distinguished veteran who served with the Canadian Army during the First World War and with both the British and Canadian Armies during the Second World War. David graduated from Royal Roads Military College in 1953 and went on to serve as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force. His promising military career was cut short by an injury, leading him to pursue a new path in Chemical Engineering at McGill University. In 1960, David married his best friend, Penny. His career as a chemical engineer took the couple to Quebec City, Sarnia, and Montreal before they eventually settled in Ottawa, where they raised their three children. In the early 1980s, David founded his own consulting company, JDY Consulting. He retired from his professional career in the 1990s, but his passion for creativity and making continued to be an important part of his life. David’s love of art began in childhood, inspired by his mother, Piercy, a professional artist who was part of Canada’s vibrant artistic community and whose circle included renowned Canadian artists such as Clarence Gagnon and members of the Group of Seven. David has continued to paint throughout his life. Today, he nurtures his creativity at the Perley Health Art Studios, where he enjoys exploring a variety of mediums, including clay, wood, and paint. His Proud to Be Canadian helmet brings together many of the things that have shaped his life: his connection to the Canadian Armed Forces, his family’s proud military history, his appreciation of Canada’s landscape, and his lifelong passion for art.