Veteran WWII - A heart of gold stopped beating July 31st , 2018. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sir Frank Taylor at his home at the age of 96. Frank was the beloved son of Jenny (1972) and Herbert (1985) Taylor of Guelph. He is predeceased by his siblings James, Walter, Henry, Florie and Ethel. He will be fondly remembered by his soul mate and true love Gerry Stephenson and by his adopted family Hugh and Lubelia O’Neill, their children Ayden and Danny and by his special friends Joe and Liz Tersigni and Moe and Jackie Ferris.
During the War, Frank served with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corp, Second Canadian Corps Transport Company, Canadian Army Overseas. He worked as a Motor Vehicle Electrician maintaining the American Diesel and the Canadian Gas fueled trucks all through France, Belgium and Germany from 1942 to 1945. He was a long-time member of the Col. John McCrae Royal Canadian Legion in Guelph and rarely missed the Veteran’s Friday Morning Coffee Hour. Frank was awarded the FRENCH NATIONAL ORDER OF THE LEGION OF HONOUR - the highest National Order of France at the Guelph Legion in February, 2017. He received this award in recognition of his involvement in the Liberation of France during the War. Frank loved the Army sing-song nights. His favourite war-time song was by Vera Lynn, titled “Wish Me Luck”. His favourite verse went like this:
“Though I’m going on my way, don’t be sad at heart,
Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye, with a cheer, not a tear…
‘Till we meet once again you and I,
Cheerio, here I go on my way”
The world has lost an amazing man who never refused to give a helping hand to anyone in need. Cheerio Frank…We wish you luck!
A memorial service to honour Frank’s life will be held at a later date, his ashes interred at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Arrangements entrusted to GILCHRIST CHAPEL – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph. As expressions of sympathy, donations made to the McKeogh-Taylor Fund or a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated.