Gary was born on September 6, 1931, in Powell River, BC, and passed away peacefully on December 20, 2023 at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Blanche, and daughter, Susan. He is survived by his beloved wife, Margot; daughter, Alison (Rob); son, Graham (Erika), and grandchildren, Grant, Lynden, and Heath. After a brief stay in hospital, Dad left us peacefully with his family by his side. He had been surrounded by family in his final days and he knew how very loved, valued and respected he was. We are all so proud of our Dad and grateful for the care he received.
Dad grew up in Powell River and treasured memories of living on the Sunshine Coast, exploring many areas, including his beloved Savary Island. Savary summers included fishing and family time with Bill, Al, Stewart, Jack, Ann, Bert, Kay, Lillian, Gail, and many friends. Dad travelled back to Savary each year, well into his 80’s. As a teenager he spent several summers as a lifeguard on the beaches of the Sunshine Coast and enjoyed swimming, fishing and playing several sports. Dad excelled at school and athletics, winning numerous awards along the way to the University of British Columbia, where he shined as both a scholar and athlete. He played varsity football and basketball at the University of BC, and often mentioned his football coach Don Coryell, who later became the head coach of the San Diego Chargers. He enjoyed all that university life had to offer, including meeting Margot, who together celebrated 67 years of marriage this year. While at UBC he made lifelong friends to whom he remained connected and looked forward to seeing frequently. He cherished friendships with Kay and Ian Mair, Ken MacKay and Sally, Evan and Yvonne Oakley, Dave Jones, Jack and Nancy Shipley, George and Yvonne Bolt, Bill and Gloria Garner, Ron and Sonia McLeod, George and Marion Andrews, Don and Jill Horwood and so many others. Dad also enjoyed many years of golf at Uplands Golf Club with great friends. The annual schooly-plumber golf tournament was full of chirping, some good golf and many laughs.
After university Gary found his calling as an educator, school administrator, coach, and community builder. He started teaching at Oak Bay Secondary in 1956. He was a great advocate for students and knew how important educators are in supporting youth to achieve their goals. He coached the Oak Bay basketball team in the 1960s and his teams won 6 Island Championships and 2 provincial titles in 1965 and 1968. He cherished the relationships he had with his players. Gary was incredibly grateful when the Oak Bay basketball court was named in his honour in 2015. He also coached championship track and field and swimming teams at Oak Bay. Gary became the vice principal at Lansdowne in 1970, principal of Cedar Hill in 1976, and retired as principal of Lambrick Park in 1990. Gary’s friendship with Roy Henry Vickers resulted in a First Nations Art Display at Cedar Hill Secondary, one of the first school art displays of its kind. Gary realized the importance of sports, music, and the arts in supporting youth and connecting cultures. His incredible impact on his students, teachers, and community lasted for 35 years.
Gary’s volunteering stretched far and wide. He was vice-Chair of the 1994 Victoria Commonwealth Games. In 1970 the University of Victoria asked him to volunteer coach the Varsity basketball team. After 5 winning seasons and a Canada West title, Gary knew the University required paid coaches if their athletic program was to compete across Canada. Gary successfully advocated the University administration to formalize the athletics program by having paid varsity coaching positions. His achievement paved the way for the Vikes’ national championship success that has occurred over the past 50 years. Gary was inducted into the Oak Bay Secondary Hall of Fame, Victoria Sports Hall of Fame and the BC Basketball Hall of Fame.
Dad lived an active and full life. Despite vision complications in his later years, he remained sharp minded and continued to enjoy a quality of life that many could not, including many hours cultivating his beautiful flower gardens. We will miss our Dad immensely but are grateful for the example he set for us in living a life with purpose, dignity and humour. The world is a far better place because of him and the impact he had on his family and community will continue to be felt for generations.
A Celebration of Gary’s Life will be held at Uplands Golf Club, 3300 Cadboro Bay Road, on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, from 2:00-4:00 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
41 Responses
I am so sorry to hear this news. I always aspired to be just like Gary. He was my hero and remains my hero to this day.
I went to Lambrick Park because he was Principal there. His reputation for being involved, engaged and caring was well deserved. I’ve often wondered how he went after retirement and am glad to hear he had a good life. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Margot, Graham and Alison. So many great memories of a Wonderful gentleman who inspired all of us to be the best we could. A mentor, always smiling; and a coach with a great sense of humor. I will never forget his kindness and encouragement as my track coach at Oak Bay. Sincere condolences to all of you.
Janice (Hall) Hemming, Class of 66.
I have very fond memories of Mr Taylor while I was in school. He was always smiling and upbeat with the students. One of a kind for sure! My condolences to the family.
An inspirational uncle and coach, his enthusiasm helped shape key aspects of my life. What a life he lived, inspiring so many to reach new achievements in their lives. My deepest condolences to Margot, Alison and Graham.
He was an amazing principal at Lambrick Park. Such an inspiration, lead by example and always had time for you. One of a kind.
Mr. Taylor was the principal when I was at Cedar Hill, I still remember that he always kind, had a positive attitude, a big smile on his face and would sing as he walked through the halls. Some of us students didn’t always appreciate it especially early in the morning but he is the only principal that I still remember and he was my favourite principal. My condolences and prayers to his family and friends. Rest in Peace Mr. Taylor.
They don’t make great teachers and coaches like this anymore . To say nothing of a great person that he was . He never had a bad word to say about anyone . RIP Mr.{T} . You will be greatly missed .
Very fond memories of Mr. Taylor in the halls at Cedar Hill Junior High. He was watering the plants and making amazing connections with students. What a rich and full life!!! Condolences to the family.
My condolences to Margot and family. Gary was a long time friend going back to his Powell River days, then at UBC, and as a basketball and Track and Field coach. What a wonderful example Gary was to so many student athletes over the years. He touched and influenced so many young people. Rest in Peace my friend.