Tribute

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Taylor on September 9^th at Laurel Place Hospice in Surrey, BC.  Michael, age 64, passed away peacefully surrounded by family after battling cancer for 20 years.

Michael was born on November 25, 1954 at St. Mary’s hospital in New Westminster and spent his younger years in the New Westminster community.

He met his childhood sweetheart, Shirley Godin, in grade seven at St. Michael’s in Burnaby. They started dating in grade 10 and married at St. Michael’s Parish on August 3^rd, 1974.

He went to school to become a Sheet Metal Mechanic and spent all his life mentoring others that got started in the trade, including his brother, son and son-in-law.

Both of Michael and Shirley’s kids were born and raised in New Westminster. Michael coached both kids in their sports and supported them in all the activities they pursued whether that was baseball, soccer, hockey, singing lessons and more.

Family was so important to him and he spent most of his time with his kids and grandkids, watching them in their sports or preforming. He especially loved water and found ways to be surrounded by it whether that was going out fishing on his boat, swimming in his pool or snorkeling at the beach when vacationing with family in Mexico.

He had countless friends, and everyone loved to spend time with him. He loved to play cards, spend time in Birch Bay and often could be found “fixing things” from people’s computers, shelving units for his kids’ homes or creating the ultimate man cave in his garage.  He was affectionately known as the “Toolman” or “Tinmaster” amongst other fond names.

Michael is survived by his wife, Shirley Taylor and his two children and their spouses: Denise (Tony) Nardi and Kevin (Cheriena) Taylor. He also leaves behind his 3 Grandchildren: Nicholas, Ashley and Tianna.

Michael is survived by his parents, Pat and Yvette Taylor and his three siblings: Linda (Nils) Lazich, Andrew (Maureen) Taylor and Brad (Lana) Taylor and many nieces and nephews.

We will be holding a funeral mass for Michael Taylor on Sunday, September 22^nd 4:00 PM at Immaculate Conception Parish in Vancouver, BC (3778 West 28^th Ave).  There will be a tea following the service in the gym at the parish hall.

* Parking is available in the Immaculate Conception School Parking Lot (entrance on West 27^th Ave).

We thank family and friends for messages of encouragement and support and appreciate all the fond memories of times you spent with him.

We would especially like to thank the staff at Surrey Laurel Place Hospice for their compassion and care for Michael and our family during his residence.