It is with saddened hearts we announce the sudden passing of our father, Vernon Taylor of Calgary on Saturday, November 2, 2013.
Vern is survived by his children: daughter Kristie [Mike] of Airdrie, AB and son Rod of Loon Lake, SK. Dad will be greatly missed by his ‘BESTEST’ friend Judi of Calgary, brother Brian of Brooks and Sister Connie (Don) Bernier of Marsh Lake. Grandpa Taylor will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, Alyssa Taylor and Ben and Karlee Wood, along with many nieces and nephews and ALL The extended family he gained along his journey.
Vern was born in Calgary October 25, 1946 to Alvin and Dorothy [Hughes]. He grew up in Parkland/Stavely area, and attended Nanton High School. In the early 60’s his family moved to Brooks and shortly after Vern moved to Prince George, BC. After a brief stint working at the mill he returned to his roots and family. In 1967 Vern married Judy Slade. They resided in Calgary for 20+ years raising 2 children. Dad’s best family memories were times spent at the family cabin in Invermere, BC.
In 1967 Vern worked for Goodyear Tire as Senior Service manager. He then worked for Dunlop Tire Canada. The final tire shop he worked for was Bowness Tire where he increased their two Bay operations into a five Bay operation. With successes he left the tire service industry and headed into the oil patch. Starting with Jo-Max Drilling; then joining up with Whitco Drilling and finally becoming an Independent Drilling Contractor, until he retired, working under the corporate name of GAWD Holdings. We all knew Dad was the boss! During a Calgary teachers’ strike, keeping his family priority, he took Rod and his buddy to ‘the rig site’ where the updated job responsibility for the whole crew was to keep these two “hooligans” safe and alive?!? Oil patch crew members liked working with Dad because he was loyal, involved and a fair boss. If there was a job to get done or a deadline to meet they would find a way to make it happen. Dad was a professor of following the rules! With his favorite ‘bucket of KFC’ on the front seat of his blue Chevy, Dad regularly left town to work throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan and Montana. During this period of his life Vern’s network of acquaintances expanded with some staying on as long-time friends. One in particular, Barney Neufer, became a 24/7 friend and always held a special place with Dad. Driven by his personal goal to retire at age 40 he ‘left the patch’ in 1988 at the age of 42.
In the late 80’s Dad was handed the reins to oversee the final stages of raising the kids. He learned to cook one pot meals large enough to last a week or as we kids and many of our friends remember…they lasted at least a month! We all learned about potato salad that needed 2 days to prepare to be good! Dad searched for good “coupons” and often sent Rod and all his friends into the store when “1 per customer limit” was in effect. His father /daughter bonding highlights were spending time together at “Pick Ur Part” or playing the horses down at Stampede Park when the thoroughbreds were in town. Dad loved learning and expected all around him to ‘get educated’. In contradiction…he stubbornly refused to modernize to the internet or a cell phone!
Upon selling the house in Vista Heights, Dad relocated to Brooks for a short period to care for his mother until her passing. He returned to Calgary and gained employment with Money’s Mushrooms and Rubbermaid Canada Ltd. from where he officially retired.
Dad is fondly remembered by his mischievous infectious smile towards everyone he met. Although he was a private and very shy person, he was extremely personable and well-liked. Dad had incredible wit and a most memorable sense of humor. He enjoyed playing practical jokes on those around him!
Infamous for wearing his Blue jean cut-offs 365 days a year to every occasion possible along with T-shirts WITH a pocket and accented with his high-top runners. His fashion sense was questionable, but ‘he cleaned up well’ when it was necessary! He enjoyed cooking both in the kitchen and over the BBQ. Without question Dad will be missed by many for his renowned poached eggs!
He thrived on the History and Discovery channels. Dad had a deep and ongoing compassion and respect for war veterans. Dad was very patriotic and often shared his opinion about being a Canadian.
His favorite pastime was movies: War Stories and Westerns…reruns and more reruns…. Once questioned why he was again watching Battle of Little Bighorn his reply was he “didn’t like the ending and wanted to see if they changed it!”
His favorite music was country! Anything with a twang and performed by ‘the old boys’ especially Hank Williams, Marty Robbins and Faron Young.
Favorite Rock n Roll artist was Elvis followed close by the song “Sea Cruise” [by Frankie Ford]. As his technical ability updated to learning how to record CD’s, he recorded Sea Cruise 11 times on the same CD –not only because he really liked this song, but he didn’t have to keep hitting the repeat button. As he mellowed he became a fan of Daniel O’Donnell.
He had a lifelong love for baseball…not softball and NOT slow-pitch. He was especially glad to see the American League Red Sox win this year. Dad was a die-hard Winnipeg Blue Bombers fan with fashion items to prove it. But, most importantly, a fan of “ABC” hockey and football teams “Anyone But Calgary.”
Preferring a rather simple lifestyle Dad found pleasure in celebrating most calendar occasions. At Eastertime he anticipated the Egg Hunt especially at Invermere, where he taught Rod to toss the eggs back up the hill and then laugh to see kids scramble for eggs they had missed.
At Halloween he enjoyed pulling pranks, creating costumes and handing out goodies to all who came by…even the BIG KIDS who knelt on the doorstep to look short enough to get lots of treats.
Christmas was a time for gifts for everyone under HIS white tree with blue decorations. Dad adamantly scheduled his part in Christmas baking. Nothing fancy or elaborate just butter tarts and cookies, cookies and more cookies! To everyone’s benefit he did not like to eat them—just give them away especially to seniors groups and family. This year it will be sad to find the cookie tin empty.
Special thanks to Dr. B. Bliass and his Team of professionals at the Foothills Hospital for their determination and compassionate support.
IN THE END…WHAT MATTERS MOST is…
How well did you live?
How well did you love?
And how well did you learn to let go?
In keeping with Dad’s wishes there was no service and a cremation has taken place. A celebration of Dad’s life will be held at a later date. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at mariewood508@yahoo.com
For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to The Lung Association – OSA [Obstructive Sleep Apnea] P.O. Box 4500, Station South, Edmonton, AB. T6E 6K2.
