Barry Young OAM took early retirement from a successful career as the Sales and Marketing Director of the Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria to pursue his passion to write. He soon forged a reputation as Australia's most prominent author of American western frontier novels and short stories. After moving to New South Wales, Barry was engaged by Funeral Parlours as a Celebrant to conduct funeral services – a move which he viewed as a calling. His creative writing skills saw him breathe new meaning into this solemn and heart wrenching occasion. The acclaimed books “The Funeral Celebrants Textbook” and its sequel “Saying Farewell To Those We love” are treasured by celebrants in many countries.
Barry was awarded an Order of Australia (OAM) for his meritorious community service through support for a range of youth and aged service organisations and grief counselling. He also received the 2013 New South Wales Government award of Albury Citizen of the Year and the 2015 Albury Australia Day honour of the Volunteer of the Year. Barry lives with his wife and family in the beautiful Thurgoona valley in NSW.
