Kerry Paul Taylor

Kerry Paul Taylor was a modest man, quiet and observant in his ways. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. He was realistic about life as he was always at the ready and prepared to take on responsibility.

     Commitment is a key word that can be used to describe the life of Kerry Paul Taylor. He was committed to living the life of a good man who was both practical and trustworthy. He was committed to the traditional values that he upheld his entire life. He committed himself to being a hard worker. Most of all, he was committed to those he knew and loved.

Kerry's parents were Gordon and Margaret Taylor. He was brought up to be self-confident and dependable. These were traits that would serve him well throughout his life. Kerry was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on August 9, 1950. His family moved to Vancouver when he was just 2. They lived in Burnaby where his father was a plumbing inspector. His mother was a housewife and when Kerry and his brother, Michael.were in high school, she went to UBC to earn her teaching degree. Margaret taught in Coquitlam and Kerry, after attending UBC, followed suit by becoming a teacher in Burnaby. Kerry taught at Maywood, Clinton and Westridge Elementary School during his 35 years with the district. He had inspired and brought out the best in many students.

In 1986, Kerry began dating Norma (Jang) who was also a Burnaby teacher. Two years later, on July 30, 1988 they were married at Richmond's Minoru Chapel. Their son, Curtis arrived November, 1990. As a family, they traveled, camped, hiked,

biked, fished, played tennis, hockey badminton and bowled. Kerry and Norma's time soon became consumed with driving and travelling to various locations to watch Curtis play baseball. Like his father, Curtis became a very good pitcher. Kerry was so proud of his son's baseball and academic achievements. However, in 2007 everything came to a grinding halt as Kerry was diagnosed with cancer. Kerry wanted life to continue as normal as possible. While Kerry was recovering from a stem cell transplant he insisted that Norma take Curtis down to Portland as he was on a BC Premier League Select Team. The next year, Curtis received a full scholarship to play for Marist College NCAA, DIV.I in New York. Just as Kerry wanted...life to continue as usual.

Since the diagnosis, Kerry and Norma spent quality time together travelling to San Francisco, or going on day trips here and there. They shared many happy memories with friends and family. Kerry kept everyone smiling with his jokes, playful wit despite his illness. He continued to inquire about former students asking colleagues how they were doing as he had a keen interest in their accomplishments. Kerry loved his dog, Kessie, dearly and although having the four-legged friend for only 2 years, it seemed as though they've been together forever. Kessie's "dog brother", Sunny preferred Kerry over any available cushion or lap.

Through it all Kerry remained optimistic and strong.

After nearly a seven year battle with multiple myeloma, Kerry passed away peacefully with Norma and Curtis by his side. Kerry's optimism, strength, courage, sense of humour and love for family and friends will remain forever in our hearts.