July 31, 1924 – November 14, 2022

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Edward Taylor of Kamloops, who passed away peacefully on November 14, 2022, at 98 years of age.

Born in Sedgewick, Alberta, Bob came to British Columbia in early 1935 with his grandparents in a covered wagon in his pre-teens, settling first in the Slocan Valley, Chase Creek, and then Malakwa, BC.

He enlisted in the Air Force, was stationed in Dartmouth where he met Nina.  They married on the family farm on PEI.  After WWII ended, Dad had money from his soldier’s settlement fund, and bought a small farm with Nina in Malawka, across the road from his grandparents.

Mom worked on the farm and dad worked at logging and driving trucks and a gravel crusher. Dad had many talents and later worked for Canford Lumber as a log scaler and with the job brought a move.

His daughter, Shirley, was born in Salmon Arm, BC in February 1947. Sandra followed shortly after and was born in Kamloops, BC in November 1948. Janice was born in Kamloops, BC in April 1950.

Kamloops was our home for twenty years. Dad and two partners briefly owned a small sawmill. Dad worked for H&K Lumber until the summer of 1956. From there, he worked selling sawmill and logging equipment for different companies, travelling throughout the interior of B.C.

In August of 1969, Dad went to work for Weyerhaeuser Canada in Vavenby, BC. During this time Dad also designed a sawmill and built one of the first log splitters.

Dad and mom moved to Clearwater and bought a house. While in Clearwater, Dad was very active in the curling club and with the community.

He “retired” in October of 1984. Soon following that, Dad became a parks maintenance contractor at Mahood Lake and Bridge Lake.

In 1986, Bob and Nina moved back to Kamloops where Dad continued to be very active in curling and slo-pitch well into his mid 80’s.

In July of 2006, our beloved Nina passed. Dad and Anne reconnected and as a couple, were able to travel and share a good life until Anne passed away in October of 2017.

Dad loved Kamloops and happily spent many hours at the cabin he built in 1962 at East Barriere Lake.

“Remember the hydro plane, dad”. Love you and miss you. There’s a huge hole in our hearts.

Bob is survived by his children Janice “Jan” Damini of Kamloops and Sandra “Sandy” Rayner of Chilliwack, his sister Marguerite Bennett of Hornby Island, seven grandchildren and their spouses, sixteen great grandchildren, one great great grandson, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by daughter Shirley Haywood, first wife Nina Taylor, second wife Anne Genier, mother Nellie Whitford, step father Bill Whitford, and his five siblings.

Viewing will take place at 12pm on Monday, November 28, 2022 in the Rosewood Room at Kamloops Funeral Home, 285 Fortune Drive. A Graveside Service will follow at 1pm in Hillside Cemetery, 750 Notre Dame, with Pastor Don Maione officiating. A Celebration of Bob’s Life will take place at 2pm in the Kamloops Curling Club, 700 Victoria Street.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to Gemstone Care Centre. Flowers gratefully declined.  If friends so desire, memorial donations in Bob’s name may be made to a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at Kamloops Funeral Home.

• Date : 2022-11-14
• Location : Kamloops