Donald Byron Taylor

Donald Byron Taylor passed away on December 17, 2018, one week after his 84th birthday which he celebrated in hospital with his three children and grandson. He requested a dilly bar for his gift and ate it with delight! He said it was the best one he ever tasted! He told us he felt and lived like a 65 year old up until 3 months ago when cancer was diagnosed and progressed quickly.
Don was born in Newcastle, New Brunswick and grew up in a close-knit family with his parents, Byron and Margaret Taylor and beloved siblings, Bob, Margaret and Lynda. As a boy, he loved baseball, all things outdoors and had many friends with whom he would reconnect in his golden years. Don attended the University of New Brunswick and, often told in a favourite family story, got a degree in playing Bridge his first year! A year of hard physical work on the railroad convinced him to return to UNB for to complete his BSC in Geology. He was hired by Chevron Canada Resources immediately upon graduation and headed west, settled in Calgary, and married Gerda (Sue) Schluenzen in 1959 and together they raised their three children; Sandra, Brian and Glen. Don spent countless hours coaching minor hockey for the Glenmore Community Association and provided mentorship and friendship to many boys and their families over the years. Don and his family vacationed in Twin Echo, Idaho for many summers where many more close friendships were made. Don worked for Chevron Canada Resources for 35 years; he was a respected senior manager and took great pride in treating those he managed with respect and care. Don and Sue traveled to their much-loved Maui, Hawaii 13 times in the winter months after Don retired. They celebrated 45 years of marriage just before Sue’s passing in 2004. In the last years of his life, Don found companionship with Elizabeth Crocket. They lived in Langford, British Columbia for the last five years. Don was predeceased in death by his parents, his wife Sue and brother Bob. Don is survived by his children: Sandra (Thien), Brian and Glen (Gayle); his grandchildren: Adam, Danielle, Will, Allie, Gerrit and Quinn; his sisters: Margaret and Lynda (Pat) and Elizabeth. One of Dad’s favourite sayings was: When you come to a fork in the road, take it (Yogi Berra). Dad – we know this last fork in the road will lead to everlasting peace and you will be reunited with Grammy, Gramps and Mom. We all love you.
Many thanks to the staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria; Dad received exceptional care from all.
At Dad’s request there will be no funeral service but rather a private family celebration of his his life and legacy. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

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