Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your Father.
WILLIAM TAYLOR,
2021
It is with heavy hearts and a lifetime of memories that we share in the passing of our much loved father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend to so many. Bill passed away peacefully on Monday September 1st, 2008 in his 84th year at the Kirkland District Hospital with his children at his side. Bill was predeceased by the love of his life, Mary Ann in 2001 and by his parents Frank and Aileen Taylor of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Bill is survived by his cherished children, Aileen (Steve) Taylor, New Liskeard, Heather Taylor Sandrin, Jo Ann (Tony) Lelievre, and Rob (Nancy) Taylor, all of Kirkland Lake; his precious grandchildren, Barb (Warren) Cannon, Ucluelet, BC, Ryan (Elizabeth) Taylor, Squamish, BC, Jessica Jean and Cole William Taylor and Emma Mary Ann Lelievre all of Kirkland Lake. He was also a proud great grandfather to Mason Campbell Canon and Rhys William Gray Cannon of Ucluelet BC. He is survived by his brother Ron (Jean) Taylor of Winnipeg and brother-in-law Murdo (and the late Dorothy) Campbell of Toronto and many cousins, nieces and nephews; all who adored him. Bill was born on September 25th 1924 and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In the year 1942, Bill joined the Royal Canadian Navy, taking his initial training at Winnipeg at HMCS Chippewa. Later, he was sent to the Maritimes and stationed at Cornwallis, Nova Scotia. His obvious leadership abilities were quickly recognized and he was promoted to the RCN instructor and ultimately attained the rank of “Leading Seamen”. His service extended until his discharge in 1945. While in the Navy, Bill kept his goaltending abilities sharp by playing on military hockey teams. After discharge, he attended a Chicago Black Hawks training camp at Regina. At the time, the NHL only consisted of six teams, thus a rookie had to be darn good to crack the line-up. His athletic abilities were well noticed and he was offered a position on a Black Hawk farm team. This became a turning point of the 21-year-old’s life as he turned down this professional hockey opportunity and, instead, set his sights in another direction. His decision to give up a professional career in hockey was influenced by a woman in his life: Mary Ann Campbell. Bill married the love of his life in 1946 and joined the Ontario Lands and Forests. This job took the newlyweds to Red Lake, Ontario. In 1955, the family moved to Minaki, Ontario, in the Kenora Forest District where Bill, at the age of 30, became the youngest Chief Ranger in the province. He was transferred to Port Arthur, Ontario in 1958 followed by a promotion to Forest Protection Supervisor in Gogama, Ontario in 1963. After 5 years in Gogama, Bill was transferred to the Swastika Forest District and took up residence in Kirkland Lake in 1967. It would be here in this historic mining town that the Taylor family would propagate their strong and influential social roots. Throughout Dad’s life time, he was committed to every community he lived in and took nothing less than an active and lead role. In the KL community, Bill coached the Legion 87’s hockey team, was president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 87 for 5 years and for years was a member of their executive. Bill served on town council for over two decades and, without doubt, was the longest serving councillor in town, ever. He served on the Kirkland Lake Police Services Board for many years and continued to be active. Bill made many acquaintances and long lasting friendships in the communities where he had lived and worked. Dad’s daily routine continued to involve a daily visit to the Branch in the early afternoon to see his buddies to chat, have a beer and a game of cards. Dad was an exceptional man he lived a life based on honesty, dependability, kindness and compassion. He was an exceptional father and we are so blessed that he was ours. The Taylor family invites you to join in the celebration of Bill’s life and will welcome friends at the Monette & French Funeral Home (450 Government Road West, Kirkland Lake, ON., P2N 3L1) on Thursday from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm with a Legion Memorial Service at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held in the “Teck-Hughes” Chapel of the Monette and French Funeral Home on Friday September 5th 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Internment will follow at the Kirkland Lake Cemetery. In memoriam, contributions to the Branch 87 Royal Canadian Legion Foundation, Kirkland District Hospital Foundation, and the Temiskaming District Hospital Foundation would be greatly acknowledged.Offer Condolence for the family of William Taylor
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