WILLIAM CHARLES TAYLOR

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WILLIAM CHARLES TAYLOR William Charles Taylor, 90, died peacefully on February 20, 2004 at the Lions Prairie Manor, Portage la Prairie with wife Joan at his side. Bill was born January 4, 1914 to Jean and George Taylor at Portage la Prairie and lived his entire life, save for the war years, in Portage. He attended the University of Manitoba and started his teaching career with the Portage School Division at Burnside (Rat Creek) at the age of 18. In 1935 he left Burnside to teach at Victoria School. In 1940 he moved to the Portage Collegiate, but not for long as the Second World War took five years of his life. He joined the 21st Field Regiment as a 2nd Lieutenant, training in Gordon Head, BC and Brandon before going overseas in March 1942. In June 1942 he joined the 8th Field Regiment and headed for Italy. When the War ended in 1945 he was sent to London as Personnel Selection Officer where he remained until the winter of 1946. Returning to PCI, he taught Latin and Grades 10 to 12 Math. He remained in the local militia after the war, and was Chief Instructor of Cadets from 1952 to 1959. He became Principal of PCI after the fire of May 26, 1954 that destroyed the old Collegiate, and remained in that position until his retirement in 1974. Bill served on the Parks Board and was treasurer of St. Marys Anglican Church, the Portage Country Club, and the Margaret Webster Scholarship Fund for many years. He was a charter member and first President of the Portage Lions Club in 1938, and was very proud of his life membership in the club. Bill kept himself busy in retirement with golf, gardening, hunting in the fall with Cart Thomas, and winter trips with Joan. Left to cherish the many memories of his life are Joan, his loving wife of 56 years, and son Andrew. Cremation has taken place. The memorial service will be announced at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Bills memory to the Lions Prairie Manor Foundation Inc., 24 9th St. SE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3V4 or to a charity of choice. McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel are entrusted with the arrangements. 857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 23, 2004