JAMES FRANCIS TAYLOR

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JAMES FRANCIS TAYLOR After a brief struggle with cancer, on Saturday, January 10, 2004, James Francis Taylor (Jim) passed away at the Portage General Hospital. Jim was born on February 2, 1925, in Portage la Prairie, the eldest of nine children born to the late Frank and Janet Taylor. Jim received his education at Portage Creek School. He played on the Flee Island District mens baseball team. As a young man he worked on the family farm at High Bluff during the summer and in winter, operated a commercial fishing business from Delta on Lake Manitoba. During the Second World War, Jim served from 1944 - 1945 as an infantryman in the Canadian Army. Following his military service, he worked on heavy transmission towers that supplied the first hydro-electric power to the future city of Thompson, MB. After the death of his parents in 1965, Jim took over the operation of the family farm. As a third generation farmer since 1900; in 2000, Jim was the proud recipient of a Century Farm Award. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Janet Taylor; brother Jack Gavin Taylor and niece Lori Taylor. He is survived by sisters, Beth and Judy Taylor Essay (Vernon) Johnson; brothers, Tom (Penny), Bob (Lorraine), Les (Doris) and Bill. Nieces and nephews, Scott (Sharon) Taylor, Tara (Dave) Kitt, Dana (Ken) Templeton, Tim (Kathy) Taylor; step-niece Cindy Scarf and step-nephew Brian (Vivian) Ross as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to an active community life, Jim maintained a small bird sanctuary on the farm. He enjoyed greatly his long association with the Herman Prior Centre and the Prosvita Mens Club as a member and volunteer. He was also a member of the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans Association, Unit No. 13 and the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch No. 65. Cremation has taken place. A private interment service will be held at Hillside Cemetery. Friends are invited to a Memorial Reception at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, at the A.N. & A.F. Veterans Hall, 25, Third Street N.E., Portage la Prairie. If friends so desire, contributions to Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. East, Portage la Prairie, would be appreciated. Condolences may be sent by email to taylor@mts.net. Sincere appreciation to the medical staff on the seventh floor, south wing of St. Boniface General Hospital and the surgical ward staff of the Portage General Hospital. Arrangements are by: Ronald Moffit Memorial Service 856-3487

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 14, 2004