Aged 83, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. Don was born in Port Colborne, Ontario, on October 16,1940 to Dorothy (nee Ashby) and Harold Taylor. Owing to the tragic death of his father months before he was born, his grandfather George Taylor figured prominently in his early years. Don attended Steele Street Public School, was active with No 79 Lynton Davies Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron and enjoyed many sports including swimming and ice hockey. He worked at Cherry Hill Golf Course in Ridgeville in summers where he developed a love for the game that continued throughout his life. In 1965 he moved to Welland from Port Colborne with his young family and started employment at General Motors, where he worked in various roles in the St Catharines foundry including tow motor operator and oiler until his retirement in 2001. Don loved the outdoors especially fishing and was an avid bowler in the Welland Leagues for many seasons. Don was also a faithful brother to his congregation at Heritage Reformed Church in Jordan Station. Don was always a pleasure to spend time with and enjoyed many evenings with a cigar by the fire with family and friends reminiscing and diving into the latest news of the day. Strong of mind and heart to the end, he soldiered on against the many health issues in his final years. Don was a deeply devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend who was kind and gentle and touched many hearts. His love and care for his family and faith in the Lord was unwavering and inspiring.
He was preceded by his daughter, Lynne Marie, in 1984, first wife Lola Rosemary (nee Dagenais) in 1986, brother, Robert, in 1996, grandson, Matthew, in 2002 and granddaughter, Katherine, in 2010. He is survived by his wife, Margaret (nee Van der Heide), their son, Daniel, and wife, Stephanie, of Halifax. His children from Lola: Sherry Taylor and husband Jeffery of Elliot Lake, Brian Taylor and wife Melanie of Perth, Christopher and wife Pamela of Kanata and Clifford and wife Michelle also of Kanata.
Loving Papa Don to fourteen grandchildren including Justin and wife, Jaydean, of Edmonton and Samantha, Harrison, Hayden, Elise, Rachel, Lynne, Amy, Andrew, Patrick, Gwenna, and Emma and great-grandson, Dorian.
In honouring Don’s wishes, interment will take place at Doan’s Ridge Cemetery, 785 Ridge Road, Welland on Monday, February 05 at 11:00 am followed by a service at 2:00 pm at Heritage Reformed Church, 4171 Fifteenth Street, Jordan Station. The worship and memorial service will be live streamed at sermonaudio.com Memorial donations can be made to the Jordan Christian School Capital Construction Project via the School’s Facebook page.
Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca