Obituary of William George Taylor

TAYLOR: William "George" Taylor passed away peacefully with family by his side at his home in Valleyview Care Centre in Brandon, Manitoba on October 24, 2012 at the age of 92 years. George was born at Clearwater, Manitoba into the family of John and Bertha Taylor. There were 12 children in that family and he was the last surviving member. As a young man, he began work as a mechanic – working with his brother, Johnny, at a garage which they operated in Ninga. Unfortunately, that garage burned down and George continued for a while working at another garage in Ninga. It was while in Ninga that George married Doris Halliday on November 7, 1951. They were married at Fairfax, Manitoba. George and Doris shared nearly 60 years of married life. They moved to Boissevain where George continued working as a mechanic at Massey Ferguson dealership operated by John Sushelnitsky. After some time in Boissevain, they moved to Brandon where George did mechanical work for Mazers Group for several years, and then moved over to H.E. Wright Equipment for a number of years. Finally, George worked for Canadian Pacific Railroad in Brandon until his retirement. George and Doris enjoyed many years of camping, fishing, and many trips together. George will always be remembered for his phenomenal memory, his ability to know correctly, although blind, where he was on a drive, what was just ahead or around the corner – who lived there and whatever George's mechanical talents had been required at that farm. He loved to dance and sing and he sang the best rendition of "Waiting for a Train." He was a master shuffleboard player. George was predeceased by his wife Doris on January 13, 2011. His parents John and Bertha Taylor and his family Mary and Walter Saunders, Alex and Jean Taylor, Sadie and Earl Preston, Johnny Taylor, Inez and Bill Stuart, Margaret and Ralph Mickle, Jeannette and Sam Beavis, Mildred and Ian Collins, Madelaine and Clarence Hodgson, Pat and Charles Baker, Archie and Mabel Taylor, and foster brother Raymond Dennett. He was also predeceased by Doris' parents Bill and Stella Halliday, brothers-in-law Melvin Blanchard, Alvin Cruse, Alex Wilson and Russ Peterson. He is survived by sisters-in-law Elsie Taylor, of Barrie, ON, Madge Cruse of Boissevain, Phyllis Wilson Peterson of Gilbert, Arizona, Violet (Lloyd) Burton of Brandon, Edith Blanchard of Boissevain and brothers-in-law Bill (Pat) Halliday of Brandon and Jim (Patricia) Halliday of Boissevain. George is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their families. A memorial service was held at the Brockie Donovan on Friday, October 26, 2012 with Rev. Harvey Hurren officiating. Interment followed at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. The family wish to thank the very caring staff at Valleyview Care Centre. For those desiring, donations may be made in George's memory to the Canadian National Institute for The Blind, 354-10th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4G1.