November 15, 2021
George William Taylor, age 80, passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on November 15, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer.
George was born in Vancouver, but spent much of his childhood living in Sointula and Alert Bay, B.C., where he enjoyed the ocean, helped in the restaurant operated by his mother Eleanor, and delivered bread to customers by boat.
His early dream was to become a commercial fisherman, and during the 1950s, he worked in both logging and fishing. George ultimately moved back to Vancouver, where he met and married Karen Round who gave birth to their daughter Cheryl.
George attended SFU, graduating with a BA in psychology, and briefly took a teaching position in Port Alberni. In 1970, he began teaching science at Mission Secondary, and married Susan Stone. George and Susan enjoyed travel, including to Europe and Japan, and had two sons, Jeremy and Michael.
For many years, he taught science and outdoor education at Hatzic Secondary, instilling a love for nature and outdoor activity, and a sense of responsibility for the planet in many of his students.
In the 1990s, George returned to university, completing a BSc. degree in Environmental Toxicology. He spent the remainder of his working years implementing environmentally sustainable pest controls, tutoring students, and building his second house on an acreage in Mission.
George had an adventurous spirit, and enjoyed many outdoor activities, including sailing on the B.C. coast, canoeing, hiking, skiing and camping, He had a special passion for boats, acquiring many during his life - several of which he built.
In recent years, George spent much of his time with his beloved friend Betty Geisinger, took up dancing, and traveled with Betty in the U.S., Britain, Scandinavia, Europe and Southeast Asia.
A committed advocate for a peaceful planet and the harmony of humanity, George spent several years as an active member of the peace and nuclear disarmament movements. More recently, he pledged ongoing financial support to a school in Uganda, sparking both the considerable success of students at the school, and sustained international funding.
A friend to many (especially those who needed one), honest to a fault, and generous to all, George was a model of great character and integrity to his children, grandchildren and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
George is survived by Betty, his children Cheryl, Jeremy, and Michael, his grandchildren Dwayne, Cherise, Chenoa, Sarah and William, his great-grandchildren DJ, Christopher, Jacob, Dahlia, Ocean, and Clyde, and his three siblings, Margaret, Leonard, and David.
A celebration of George's life will be scheduled for early 2022. If you would like to be added to an e-mail list for updates on timing and location of the celebration, please send an e-mail to rememberinggwt@gmail.com