PERRY TAYLOR

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PERRY TAYLOR

There is so much that can be said about a man who lived such a full life. Perry was born in Winnipeg in 1945 to parents Phyllis and Archie Taylor. As a child and teen, Perry's exuberant imagination filled his life with friendships. He shared a lifelong bond with his younger brother Blake, and his much younger sister Susan admired him as a sweet and rather God-like creature, their relationship built on affection and a special connection through discussions of literature, film and art.
Perry's student years at the University of Winnipeg were followed by early careers as a movie theatre assistant manager, and as a connoisseur and seller of fine cigars and pipes. Numerous cherished relationships from Winnipeg days endured. Moving to Vancouver, Perry taught for many years at Vancouver Community College, where he left a legacy of grateful students and lifelong friends and colleagues. In Vancouver Perry met his wife, artist Jane Gibney, with whom he shared a unique bond for 39 years.
Eventually they moved to their beloved Magic Lake house on Pender Island. Sadly, Jane passed away in 2021. It hit Perry very hard, but he continued teaching in Simon Fraser University's Continuing Studies Program, and had Jane's cherished dog Oscar. Perry became ill in July 2024, and his many friends stepped up to help and support him as he tried to complete a new course.
Perry passed away peacefully, with family and friends at his side, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, on Friday, February 14, 2025.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 27, 2025