Obituary of Brian Gerald TAYLOR

March 16, 1950 – Montreal, Quebec

May 22, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness that the family of Brian Gerald Taylor of Calgary announce his passing on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at the age of 71.

Brian was born in Montreal, QC, in 1950 and moved with his family to St. Catharines, ON at the age of nine where he spent his remaining formative years. He graduated high school from Lakeport High in 1968. In June 1968, Brian married his high school sweetheart, Susan Whalen, the mother of his two children. After high school he attended Niagara College and studied journalism. Brian pursued his interests in various parts of Canada working in marketing, advertising, and the clothing industry until 1990, when he settled in Calgary for his remaining years. In that same year, he joined James and Dickson as a haberdasher and was there until the store closed and he retired, both at the end of 2019.  Brian loved fine arts and had a passion for music, writing, and reading. He played guitar and sang and performed in several bands during and after high school. Some of Brian’s best qualities were loyalty, integrity, and honesty as evident by his close relationships with his family, friends, and associates.

Brian is survived by his cherished children, Julie Quesada and Shane Olton; and adoring grandchildren, Christina, Alex, Victoria, Olivia, Jackson, Samuel, Andrew, and Shane Jr., all of Northern California. Brian also leaves to mourn his sister and best friend Joyce Watson Wallace (Lee) of Victoria, BC, and his dear brother, John Taylor (Lori) of Victoria, BC. Brian had a great relationship with all his nieces and nephews, Jeff Watson (Kiki), Heather Watson (Matt), Andrea Beaudry, Scott Hastings (Kelly), and Dani Taylor (Jeffrey). He is also survived by several great-nieces and nephews. Brian loved his brothers-in-law and they him, Jim Hastings, Bob Watson, and Lee Wallace are all grieving his loss at this time. Brian was predeceased by his proud father Leslie and his adored mother Beatrice Taylor (Nathan). He was also predeceased by his much-loved sister, Heather Hastings (Jim), and his beloved nephew Jeff Watson (Kiki). 

A Private Family Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 28, 2021 at 10:00 a.m MST.  Family and friends are invited to join Mr. Taylor’s service streamed live at (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.  If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca. The family would like to acknowledge and give special thanks to the friends who were able to support and care for him during his battle with cancer. 

In living memory of Brian Taylor, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.