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WILLIAM ARTHUR TAYLOR Obituary pic

WILLIAM ARTHUR TAYLOR

Date of Passing: Aug 26, 2013

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WILLIAM ARTHUR TAYLOR (Bill - president of the AVR) President of the AVR It is with deepest sadness that we announce the tragic passing of our father, husband, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. On Monday, August 26, 2013, at approximately 1:46 a.m., after a very long and hard-fought battle, Bill passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord. He was surrounded, and held tenderly, by his wife of nearly 40 years, his two children, his best friend Dr. Len LaRue, and two ministers. Bill is the son of Dorothy Taylor and William (Bill) Taylor. Dad was born in an elevator in the Vancouver General Hospital on October 24, 1944, during the Second World War. He was the president and founder of the Assiniboine Valley Railway (AVR), the owner and CEO of W. A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Ltd., Clear Spring Ice, Sweden Freezer, and co-owner of Rodway Refrigeration. Bill was passionate about the AVR, and ran a dinner train every fall, as well as regular open houses and public runs. He was driven every year to put up a Christmas light display that was open to the public, and eventually contained well over 100, 000 lights and structures. The trains ran through the light display and lit up the faces and hearts of many of Winnipeg's citizens. Earlier he owned and operated a hobby shop in St. James, as well as a restaurant, Arthur's Table, in Charleswood. He served for many years as the chair of MOPIA. He contributed to the designing of the refrigeration course programs offered at Red River College. He was a very active member of The Winnipeg Model Railroad Club for much of his life. Bill acted as editor, president, and vise-president at different times for the Lantern magazine. My dad was an active member of St. Stephen's Broadway United Church, in earlier years, where he began ushering for services at age 12. He was an active member of Westminster United Church for close to 40 years, where he sang in the choir for nearly three decades, and served on various committees. Bill was the founding business manager of the Westminster Organ Series. He contributed to Habitat for Humanity. He also regularly donated blood and sponsored many children through Humanitarian organizations. Dad was an active leader in the Scouts Canada Movement, and specifically the 82nd troop for many years. Dad was one of the Queen's own Highlanders and graduated as a Cadet Captain. Co. of B Company and Master Cadet. He also graduated from Red River College at the top of his class. Bill attended St. John's Ravenscourt for the bulk of his early education, but also attended Chapman Elementary and one year at Charleswood High School. Our father served as active member, president, or vise-president of various other committees and organizations throughout his life. Most recently, my father was awarded the Queen's Jubilee for volunteerism. Bill Taylor is survived by: his loving and devoted wife, Mary-Lou Taylor (nee Whillans), of what would have been 40 years this September 7; his daughter, Lisa Taylor (Brent Maunder); his son, Paul Taylor (Jacqueline Foley); his grandchildren, Jessie Taylor, Quindora, Julian, and Miriam Taylor-Pirogov; his sons-in-law, Bradley Taylor-Pirogov and Jonathan Ball; his sister, Joan Bund; his brother, Dr. Russell Taylor; 11 nephews and nieces; and many great-nieces and nephews; as well as countless cousins and friends. Funeral arrangements have been made through Thompson on Broadway, and the service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church 61 Picardy Place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2013.Receptions at the church and family estate will follow. Interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. between receptions at Chapel Lawn Cemetery 4000 Portage Avenue. Dinner reception at the family estate will take place at 5:30 p.m. The family respectfully asks that the celebration of life reception, taking place at the Taylor Family Estate after the interment, be limited to those who knew Bill Taylor and/or members of the family personally. Donations can be made in Bill's memory to the Liver and Kidney Foundation, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Assiniboine Valley Railway, PLAN, or a charity of your choice. Special thanks are extended to all those who have helped to support Bill or the family in bodily care, spirit, or prayer.
Publish Date: Aug 31, 2013

WILLIAM ARTHUR TAYLOR (Bill - president of the AVR) On Monday, July 26, 2013, at approximately 1:46 a.m., after a very long and hard fight, Bill passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord. He was surrounded, and held tenderly, by his wife of nearly 40 years, his two children, his best friend, and two ministers. Funeral arrangements are underway, and will be held next Wednesday. Details, and longer obituary, to follow. We are all devastated by his loss. We love you, Dad!!
Publish Date: Aug 29, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 31, 2013

Condolences & Memories (26 entries)

  • I went for many a ride on his AVR, truely a grand setup, he even set up myself, my brother, and my dad with a private ride one day, kindness indeed, and a kind soul that will be missed for a long long time. - Posted by: Charles pearce (Patron of the AVR) on: Oct 07, 2016

  • I would always go on the Train ride at Christmas, I loved it, every year was always better than the last, a true inspiration to us all would have loved to hear him Say "welcome aboard" When i joined up, he will be missed by many riders of his trains, and by his friends and family. May is spirit live on through his legacy he leaves behind. - Posted by: Charles pearce ((passenger)) on: May 03, 2015

  • I pray the Lord holds you in his loving arms and eases the pain. It's not goodbye...just see you later. This is the comfort one has when you ask God into your heart and life. - Posted by: Paulette Wiebe () on: Dec 27, 2014

  • It was only recently that I learned of your loss and I know that you must be very saddened by it. I too lost my beloved wife of 41 years 2 short years ago and you have my deepest sympathy. - Posted by: Kenneth Hibbert () on: Jan 20, 2014

  • It was only recently I found out that you had lost this dear man Mary Lou, Lisa and Paul. My most sincere condolences on your loss. Such a gentle soul! - Posted by: Trudy Johnson (friend) on: Oct 29, 2013

  • To Paul and family my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family if you need anything I am here for you just give me a call love cindy - Posted by: cindy jacob (friend) on: Oct 26, 2013

  • Paul, so sorry to hear the news of your dad. I'll miss his big burly presence in the beautiful Taylor winter Christmas wonderland that I enjoyed year after year. My condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Heather Thomson (mom of a friend to Paul) on: Sep 08, 2013

  • To Paul and family, Our sincere condolences to you and your family-our prayers are with you during this difficult time. Bernice and Nicole Foley - Posted by: Bernice Foley (friend) on: Sep 03, 2013

  • I had the oppurtunity to learn from Bill both in scouting and in the church. Much of who I am, I attribute to the lessons taught by Bill (Akelah). My deepest condolences to his family. Bill will be greatly missed but forever in our hearts. - Posted by: Joseph Smith (Friend) on: Sep 03, 2013

  • Bill and I worked with Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from back in the early 80s. I think we complemented each other very well in our different styles of leadership. Bill gave the kids some wonderful moments riding on his trains, or campfires & camping on his land. Our group was indeed fortunate to have such a gem of a place to go and Bill's generosity allowed us all to generate some wonderful memories. We shall sorely miss Bill. On behalf of all the kids and leaders who enjoyed a roasted marshmallow or rode his trains I offer my sincere condolences to the family. - Posted by: Jim Palmquist (82nd Westminster beaver Leader and friend) on: Sep 03, 2013

  • Bill was a master modeler and train enthusiast, and an inspiration to achieve excellence. We shall deeply miss his annual visits to the St. Croix Railroad with his beautifully-scaled trains. May Almighty God take Bill into His loving arms, may He make a place for Bill among the angels and saints who have gone before, and may he rest in eternal peace. Tommy Cebulla - Posted by: Tommy Cebulla (Friend, from the St. Croix Railroad) on: Sep 03, 2013

  • Dear Lisa and family, We were so sorry to hear of your father's passing. He will greatly missed. Your neighbours, The Eastwoods - Posted by: The Eastwoods (neighbours) on: Sep 03, 2013

  • Condolences to Mary-Lou, family, and to his AVR buddies. John and Janine Pennington - Posted by: John Pennington (Friend with part-time RR interests) on: Sep 03, 2013

  • Tom and I send our sincere sympathy to Mary- Lou, and family, we had a lovely weekend with you both a few years back, when we drove up from Calgary with our fifth -wheel for the Dinner Ride. You both made us very welcome. It was a lovely weekend. Also when you visited us at Iron Horse Park, a couple of times. Always a pleasure. You will be missed Bill. - Posted by: Edith &Tom Gibbons. () on: Sep 02, 2013

  • I had the pleasure and blessing of knowing Bill for some 20 years and have always appreciated his insight, patience and his humble walk. Bill knew what was important and did not get persuaded by whims and was bold to share his own personal walk with Christ with me (and others) on various occasions. - Posted by: Mark Miller (Friend, employee) on: Sep 02, 2013

  • Bill sent me a tender email recently on the death of my husband Nick in July. Bill and Nick were involved together in several model railroading organizations. The memory I shall treasure is of Bill as president of the Winnipeg Model Railroad Club and Nick as editor of the newsletter, The Lantern, in our basement preparing the next newsletter for duplication on Gestetner wax stencils. That was a long time ago, probably 45 years. We have some wonderful photos of Bill selling raffle tickets by the "arm length" a sales pitch that Nick claimed he invented, and of Nick and Bill riding CN caboose 79346. My condolences to Mary-Lou and family, my thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Frances Andrusiak (Friend) on: Sep 01, 2013

  • In 1983 I started a small business with no money and no knowledge that required a walk-in and display cooler. This is when I met Mr. Taylor. He help me more than he ever realized, and to this day, when I'm driving down Wall St., with someone in my car, I tell them this story about how a complete stranger helped me get started. That was Mr. Taylor. It is unfortunate that I must thank you this way. God Bless you and your family, Aurele - Posted by: Aurele (customer) on: Aug 31, 2013

  • We have known our friend Bill for 40 years. We have loved and admired him for his many gifts and talents and contributions to the community. He was truly dedicated to his family and friends, and we will miss him. Our hearts are with Mary-Lou and Family, Lovingly Rachel and Joe Mazza - Posted by: Rachel and Joe Mazza (Friends) on: Aug 31, 2013

  • I meet Bill while working as Secretary at Westiminster United and singing in the Choir. I admired his passion for the Scouts and his dedication to the Church. When I learned about his railroad hobby I looked forward to taking my grandchildren for rides every Christmas. We wish your family peace and pray you will find comfort in the love and support of friends and family at this time. - Posted by: Monique Graboski (Acquaintance) on: Aug 31, 2013

  • he will be sadly missed, he was a father, a mentor to a lot of people - Posted by: Rob Gearns (Friend) on: Aug 30, 2013

  • Although I only had the opportunity to meet Bill on a couple of occasions, he openly shared his passion for trains and the love of his family. My parents, Paul and Violet Bissky, related the stories of the great times and laughter they had visiting Bill and Mary-Lou and their family at their home; enjoying the treks through the woods and shared meals. Bill has touched many lives and left his mark on many hearts. We will never be the same. My thoughts, love and prayers are with you. Love Donna Crozier - Posted by: Donna (Bissky ) Crozier (Mary-Lou's cousin) on: Aug 30, 2013

  • To: Mary-Lou and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathies. The Brady Bunch - Posted by: Janis Brady (Railroad club) on: Aug 30, 2013

  • Bill Taylor was a very giving and generous man who supported the Industry at all levels from the front line Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Service Technicians in RSES, to the Contractors in RACCA, to the Apprenticeship system and MOPIA. Bill was a mentor to many and served alongside my mother on the RACCA Board of Directors and she often spoke very highly of the manner in which he conducted business. Bill will be missed and Denise and I pass along our prayers and thoughts to the family and friends who knew him. - Posted by: D. Brian Baker (Friend and Industry colleague) on: Aug 30, 2013

  • A great neighbour, a great guy to talk with and so appreciated his work with the mini railway which has entertained young and old throughout the city. Rest in peace. - Posted by: William Dunbar (neighbour) on: Aug 29, 2013

  • God Bless you Bill---I've lived in Charleswood for the past 40 yrs. Everytime I drove down Roblin, I'd always take a glance down that awesome driveway of yours and enjoyed the train rides at Christmas. Thank you for that. My condolences to the Taylor family. God Bless Bill and his family. - Posted by: Karen Teague ("passenger") on: Aug 29, 2013

  • Bill was my mentor when I took over the role of Akela with the 82nd Westminster Cub pack. He taught me all sorts of Scouting things, including how to have a very loud voice and wrangle a big bunch of kids. He was a very dear man who always gave generously of whatever was asked of him. The kids and adults loved going to Scouter Bill's place for campfires and train rides. My family and I are going to miss him very much. Our condolences to his family. - Posted by: Susie Strachan (friend) on: Aug 29, 2013

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