Norman Vincent Youngman, always known as Vin, was born in 1911 in Tanunda, South Australia, the eldest of three boys. He was educated at St Peter's College, Adelaide, and in 1929 enrolled in medicine at Melbourne University, entering Trinity College. He graduated MBBS in 1934 and MD in 1940, also qualifying for membership of the Royal College of Physicians at that time.

He had trained in psychiatry at the Maudsley Institute in London in 1939 and in 1940 took up the position of Junior, and later Senior, Psychiatrist at the then Brisbane General Hospital. In 1964 he moved to Princess Alexandra Hospital as Senior Psychiatrist, serving there until 1971. From 1947 until 1964, Dr Youngman was also Special Lecturer in Psychology and part-time Lecturer in Psychiatry at the University of Queensland, thus teaching an entire generation of medical students.

Vin was one of the 67 Foundation Members of the Australasian Association of Psychiatrists (AAP), founded in 1946 which subsequently became the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. In 1962, he was the AAP's last President and was instrumental in transforming it from an Association into a College.

Vin was also involved in the wider political arena through the Queensland Branch of the AMA. He served on the Branch Council for a total of nine years, was Branch President in 1962-63, and was a member of the Federal Council of the AMA from 1964-68. He was also Chairman of Trustees for the Medical and Allied Professionals Superannuation Fund from 1970-83.

He married Vonda, also a doctor, in 1946. They established the family home in Toowong where their three children were born. Vin was a passionate supporter of Aussie Rules and a keen tennis player.

In 1956 the family moved to Tamborine Mountain, but it was not a retirement since Vin continued to commute to Brisbane, and Vonda became the local general practitioner. Gardening became his passion and he served as a selector for the Open Garden Scheme.

He was also a business entrepreneur. While there were many successful ventures - including the Belmont Private Hospital, and cattle and macadamia nut properties in the Tamborine district - others did not succeed. Vin Youngman was a man of indefatigable energy, with clear ideas and definite opinions. He spoke his mind and was prepared to argue forcefully, enjoying debate and reportedly admiring good adversaries. A large and imposing figure, he appeared a formidable opponent, yet was also known for his gentle understanding and encouragement.

Dr Vonda Youngman died in 1988. Subsequently, Vin married Laurel Anderson and was survived by her and his three children - John, Leisha and Julie - nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.