Harvey Taylor
1917-2019
Harvey Wesley Taylor passed away peacefully on April 28, 2019 in his 102nd year. He was surrounded by his family and their love. Harvey was predeceased by his daughter Anne Marie, daughter-in-law Lynda Taylor, son-in-law Ned Chester, parents George and Ada Taylor and siblings Olga, Ewart, Clifton, Kenneth, and Cameron. Harvey continues to be much loved by his wife of 75 years Alice Marie (née Giasson); children Bryan (Elaine), Don (Maureen), Susan, Pam (Tyler), and Tim (Arlene); grandchildren Jason (Shelley), Shane (Lisa), Lisa (Mike), Greg (Tania), Wesley, Allison (Stuart), Dustin, Erin (Cody), Cody (Lindsay), Travis, Katie, Cameron, Kristopher, Benjamin, Rebecca, and Nolan; and 14 great grandchildren.
Harvey was an active youth. He was proud of winning first place in a swim competition that crossed Colpoy’s Bay (especially impressive as he was late to the start!). He performed gymnastics in town parades, sang in the church choir and played trumpet in the Wiarton Town Band. Harvey and his siblings were born and raised in the Wiarton area. The Taylor boys were well known for their sharp wit and practical jokes and were highly thought of in the business community.
Harvey had a long work history starting with delivering groceries by horse and buggy for his father’s grocery store, sailing the Great Lakes where he met his bride, and as a skillful plumber, owning and operating Taylor Plumbing and Heating, a fixture on the main street of Wiarton, for many years.
Harvey contributed significantly to his community. He was a devoted member of the Frank Street Baptist Church and actively involved in Rotary and the Bruce Peninsula Sportsmen’s Association. For more than 30 years, Harvey brought Christmas magic to countless children (and their parents) when they would “happen” to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus waving and carrying his pack across their lawns on Christmas Eve — signalling to every child that they had better get to bed!
Of Harvey’s pastimes, fishing was the most precious to him. He could often be seen trolling around Colpoy’s Bay, Gillies Lake and other premier fishing spots near and far (including Martin River at the age of 100). He loved taking grand- and great-grandchildren fishing every chance he got – they just needed to be old enough to hold a pole. Those who never had the chance to fish with Grampa will undoubtedly hear the fish tales (whoppers, really) generated over 10 decades of angling with a passion!
Harvey’s children settled across Canada, prompting him and Alice to drive their motor home from Ontario to British Columbia many times, often with a grandchild or two in tow. During their long life together, Harvey and Alice visited the Maritimes, were Florida Snowbirds and explored Alaska from both land and sea. They even ventured as far as Brazil.
Harvey’s children and grandchildren fondly remember the words of his favorite poem that he not only recited often, but also lived by:
WHAT is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare?
No time to stand beneath the boughs,
And stare as long as sheep and cows:
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass:
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night:
No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance:
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began?
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
– Leisure by WH Davies
Please join Harvey’s family for a celebration of his life on August 3, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Frank Street Baptist Church in Wiarton. Online condolences may be made at www.greybrucecremation.com.