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When Michael Young apparently ended his own life yesterday – it sent shockwaves across the society – partly because he was so well known, but also because so many thought a man of his bearing and means couldn’t have any problem so bad that it would force him to take such a drastic measure.  Today his friends commented on the initial shock, the realization and the reflection:…

Rodwell Williams - SC - Michael's Friend
"Profound shock, disbelief and grief; I would never had thought and even when I learn more I resisted the notion this could be true so I was profoundly shocked and broken by it."

Denys Barrow, S.C. - Michael's Colleague
"There was of course the immediate shock the obvious what - bwai but I quickly settled into a philosophical stance - I could only wonder what took place and why it took place. Recognise that there will be so many things unanswered and it is a source of comfort for me to think that Michael made a decision; one doesn't know what his emotional state was etc. but I am content in accepting that Michael made a massive contribution. He leaves a behind a lot of high regard; warmth and love and I think he lived a good and full life. And bwai I'm just happy that he was my friend and that gave so much to Belize and to Belizeans and I'm content to live with that memory."

Rodwell Williams - SC - Michael's Friend
"It's a void in terms of his absence will create a void in all levels. Quite obviously the context of his family, friends and in the context of the civic and political life of our country; the circumstances with regards to his transition, I am satisfied that it is consistent with the strength of his conviction and it's a hallmark of his depth and strength rather than to be treated as a weakness."

And his friends and colleagues say his greatest strength was his devotion to the law. Godfrey Smith says Young’s commitment was uncommon:..

Godfrey Smith, S.C. - Attorney
"A United States Supreme Court Justice once said that the law is a jealous mistress, and requires long and constant courtship. Michael Young was a consummate lawyer, a completely dedicated lawyer, who lavished homage on the law. Michael was proud to boast that he would work Saturday's, Sunday's, he did that throughout his career, a completely dedicated lawyer. I think if there was to be such a thing as a reincarnation, a second coming, Michael I would gamble would say he'd be a lawyer all over again, because, he loved it. That passion, that complete dedication, that complete devotion and homage quickly propelled him squarely into the upper echelons of trial advocacy, where you might have observed that he wasn't a fiery, explosive, aggressive, abrasive advocate, he was a gentleman's advocate, always courteous to colleagues, courteous to judges, calm and measured because he was sitting on top such a depth of experience and knowledge. He was a bright and gifted lawyer, but I don't think he ever felt the need to be showy about it, or to lord it over others."

Denys Barrow, S.C. - Michael's Colleague
I have received a number of messages emails from England from Jamaica the former justice Morrisson etc. Legal colleagues who practiced against him from the English bar so on and the universal regard for him as Nigel Pleming said he was a delightful man. Witty, humorous passionate, full of integrity and good, there was a goodness to Michael."

Godfrey Smith, S.C. - Attorney
The man had a deep social conscience which is easily missed, it's not something that is readily associated with lawyers, as you know, so perhaps that is, that in my view, might in retrospect, be viewed as his most defining trait, his social conscience."

Denys Barrow, S.C. - Michael's Colleague
"Michael believed in things, Michael believed in people, he believed in family, he believed in the tradition of the legal profession, he believed he could make a contribution to improving society and he was willing to make the effort."

Godfrey Smith, S.C. - Attorney
"My recollection is of a complete gentleman both in his private life and as a lawyer. And we will always miss him both in court and in social functions."

Rodwell Williams - SC - Michael's Friend
"I have found great comfort in recalling the life, the contribution, the very many ways in which my friend; Michael Clarence Edward Young has touched so many people."

Michael Young was the son of Horace Young, an exemplary and highly regarded Queen’s Council who died in 2010 at the age of 87.