March 1, 1953 – May 23, 2010
William Edward Neil TAYLOR (57 years old) of Port Hardy, B.C. died suddenly on May 23rd, 2010. Neil was born on March 1st, 1953 in Richmond, B.C. to loving parents, Dorothea Taylor (nee Neil) and Mervin Taylor. At age five, he moved with this family back to their farm in Cobden, Ont. Neil married the love of his life, Shelley Ann Taylor (nee Warren) on August 4th, 1979. Their family grew when they welcomed their children, Ian Taylor (1982), Siobhan Taylor (1983) and Ashley Taylor (1985). Neil’s family will continue to grow as Ian is set to wed fiancé, Marleny Sarita and the first grandchild is already on the way. Neil was also survived by his sister, Susan, her husband Michael Rougier and their son, Christopher of Pembroke, Ontario. Neil received his undergraduate degree in social work from McMaster University in 1976 and Masters in Social Work at UBC in 1989. In 1985, he received the Order of St. John for the creation of the first ambulance service north of the Arctic Circle in Inuvik, NWT. This prestigious award was presented to him at Rideau Hall by the then Governor General, Jeanne Sauvé. Neil and his family lived in many communities including, Inuvik NWT, Terrace, Abbotsford, Victoria and Port Hardy, BC. Neil dedicated his life to helping those less fortune than he who suffered from mental health and addictions illnesses. Neil learned and shared with various First Nations Communities to improve their quality of life as well as his. This dedication will carry on in the lives of his children. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to the North Island Salvation Army.
Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 2 p.m. at St Columba’s United-Anglican Church, 9190 Granville St, Port Hardy, B.C. The service will be followed by a pot luck at his family’s home at 5865 Carlton St., Port Hardy, B.C. (Stories Beach).
All are welcome to attend and share their stories of Neil’s life.