Flight Lieutenant – RAF
Captain – RCAF
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Morrison Taylor. Survived by his beloved Elizabeth, wife of 62 years, his three daughters Karen, Nicky & Carolyn, sons-in-law John and Craig, his wonderful grandchildren Jessica (Jordon), Nicholas (Shelby), Chris and Olwyn, great granddaughter Callie-Rose and sister Jean. John was a rock in so many peoples’ lives, a much-loved uncle, father, husband, brother, friend.
Born in Muthill, Scotland, John grew up in a busy household. John was a competitive swimmer, he played the bagpipes, tolerated school, and always had his eye on the skies. To nobody’s surprise, he joined the RAF as soon as he could and with great pride received his wings in 1952. John flew with both the RAF and RCAF before trying his hand in the family business. Farming equipment did not have the same allure for John, and so he returned to the RCAF and moved permanently to Canada in 1967. John was highly respected for his skills and was honored to be invited to join the RCAF’s Red Knight aerobatic program – however he put family first due to the intense travel schedule demanded and declined the offer. After 8 further years of service, John left the RCAF in 1975 and joined the BC Government Air Services, first as a pilot, then Chief Pilot and finally as Director before retiring in 1994. Through the years, John flew a myriad of aircraft – Meteor, Vampire, Valiant, Tutor, Argus, Citation, Challenger to name a few, and just last year, with a huge smile on his face, a Cessna 182 with a group of his pilot friends. John enjoyed mentoring and training young pilots throughout his career. Always calm and positive – good traits when training young fighter pilots in close formation flying.
In 1962, handsome RAF pilot John met gorgeous London stage actress Elizabeth Davidson. They were smitten from the start, and in no time were married in London – the “Jet Set” marriage of the day. With daughters Karen and Nicky, they moved to Moose Jaw in 1967 where Carolyn was born, and then the family moved to Comox in 1971 and finally to Victoria in 1975. John was a great support to Liz in her stage performances and music career in Victoria – reading lines, learning music, and keeping the family fed during busy rehearsal time. John enjoyed his family life, so many wonderful adventures. John enjoyed sailing, golf, reading, squash and even enjoyed a little horseback riding when coaxed into the saddle by his daughters. He had a passion for fast cars and could always be relied on to have strong opinions about who deserved to win the next F1 race.
Always a loving, kind, and calm gentleman – he will be remembered dearly by many. Look up, you might see him there, banking hard, riding the clouds.
Special thanks to the team at Gorge Road Hospital, Bridgeview Ward who took such good care of John and the family during his last days.
A Celebration of John’s Life was held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at 2:30pm.
If desired, in lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice in John’s memory.
To view the service, please click on the video below:
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Marcia and Derek Egan
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Avril Oldridge My deepest condolences to all of you. John was a lovely man, an incredible father & loving husband.
May you cherish all the beautiful memories & blessings he bestowed into your lives & the lives of others. Know he has gone to the most beautiful place where one day you will all reunite.
Rest in peace John!
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Lisa FARRELL Dear Elizabeth, Nicky, Karen and family. This was such sad news to hear and I’m so very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed John and our conversations so much. We talked a lot about golf among many other things. I will really miss his “visits”
Lisa (Dr. Handley’s office)
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Dinah Guthrie I am so sorry about the loss of such a kind and warm man. All that knew John loved him and will miss his presence immensely. My condolences go out to his family.
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Margo Zaharko Brody John was devoted to his family and my mum called him a Prince who found his princess with Liz. They set the bar high for the rest of us. With their three amazing children they had a wonderful life, loved by so many.
It was an honour to know John, he was steadfast and exemplified all that is good: Kind; gentle; incredibly intelligent; humble and loving. The world was a better place because of John and all who had the good fortune to know him. Liz and family, always here for you. Love to all. Margo Brody
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Ken Culham My acquaintance with John and Liz was recent and relatively brief, but with several mutual interests and friends I quickly developed a fondness and respect for the man. My sincere condolences to Liz and the family.
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Carol Woloszczak My heartfelt sympathy to you. I am honored to have met such an amazing man.
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Julia Holien Elizabeth, Karen, Nicky and Carolyn,
My heart goes out to you all. May the warm memories you have help you get through this most difficult time. Know that he is looking down on you all with love ❤
Julia and Daryl Holien
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Marlene Madsen I met John Taylor through his daughter Karen. I always enjoyed visits to the Taylor household, a bubbling household with lots of laughs and shenanigans. John’s amazing presence, charm and boyish smile, made me feel welcome. The love he had for his family was immediately apparent and they, in turn, adored him. My heartfelt condolences to the family, who I know, will miss him terribly.
Marlene Madsen
We met John through our daughter’s voice lessons with the wonderful Elizabeth. He was a very special man who was so supportive of Elizabeth’s students. John was a true gentleman and I always enjoyed my conversations with him.
Our sympathy goes out to Elizabeth and the entire family. This is truly a most difficult loss.
Bless you all!