Ross TAYLOR

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TAYLOR: Ross Charles Taylor passed away at the Rideau Park Personal Care Home in Brandon on Tuesday evening, November 3, 2009. Ross was born in Dauphin, Manitoba on October 5, 1922. His family moved to Virden, Manitoba shortly thereafter where they owned and operated Taylor Lumber Company which Ross and his brother joined as they became older. Ross was the second of four children born to Dorothy and Harold Taylor with an older sister Marjorie McLean (now deceased), a younger sister Dona McBain (who lives in Salmon Arm, British Columbia) and a younger brother Bruce Taylor who lives in Brandon with his wife Frieda. Ross joined the Regina Rifles Regiment and served with them in WWII, landing on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. It was during the war that he met his wife-to-be, Doris, in England and they married on June 9, 1945. Doris and Ross have one child, their daughter Penny, who was born very prematurely and therefore Ross was always fond of teasing that “Yes, we have only one child...we tried it once and didn’t like it!” Ross and Doris lived in the family home in Virden until 2007 and were active in community affairs. Ross belonged to the Lions Club for many years and participated in the Drama Club. Ross curled for many seasons with his brothers- in-law and brother and was also an avid golfer with two holes-in-one to his credit. Once Taylor Lumber was sold, Ross and Doris enjoyed over 30 winters of being “snow birds” in Pine to Palm Trailer Park in Weslaco, Texas. There Ross enjoyed golfing, swimming, biking, playing pool and was the Park Treasurer for many years. Ross has always been known for his sharp wit, funny remarks and for his playful teasing way with the kids. Daily completion of the crossword and cryptoquote in the newspaper were easily done. He spent hours doing latch hook rugs which Doris designed and, in fact, his nickname was “The Happy Hooker”! Watching sports was a favorite past time as well, be it on TV or watching his growing grandsons as they played their volleyball, basketball, baseball and soccer. Ross is survived by his wife of 64 years, Doris; one daughter, Penny Pratt; two grandsons, RJ Pratt (Julia), and Kevin Pratt; two great-granddaughters Sophia and Grace Pratt; one sister Dona McBain; one brother Bruce Taylor (Frieda). Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Ross’ life will be held at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined; instead please make contributions to a charity of your choice.

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 07, 2009