Dr. John R. Taylor MB, ChB, MRCPEd, FRCPC

MB, CH B, MRCPED, FRCPC

With deep sadness we announce the passing of Dr. John Taylor, at home peacefully on 27th of October, surrounded by his family.

John was born on the 26th of July, 1932 in Bradford, Yorkshire, England.

The loving husband of Margaret, beloved father of Alison (Andrew), Jenny (Greg) and Sara, and an exceptional (eccentric!) grandfather to Tracy (Jens), Steven and Kevin Taylor and Ryan, David and Laura McGinn. He was thrilled by the recent birth of his great grandson, Kai. John also leaves behind his devoted dog, Daisy, who never left his side.

John is also survived by three brothers and their families in England, and his sister’s family in Australia.

He was predeceased by his precious youngest daughter, Sara in September 1980, his parents and his dear sister Judith.

John spent his school days in the city of York, England at Archbishop Holgate’s Grammar School. In his last year of school he met Margaret, at the bus stop outside York station in 1950, which was the beginning of a life time together.

In 1956, John qualified in medicine at the University of Birmingham Medical School, England followed by junior hospital positions in Birmingham, Sheffield and Liverpool, culminating in his acceptance as a member of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh in 1962 and his decision to specialize in Pathology.

Always interested in a new experience John accepted a position as a Pathologist at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria in 1963, supported by the British Overseas Development Corporation. The combination of hospital duties, research and teaching occupied much of John’s time but the introduction to West African sculpture ignited a passion that equaled his devotion to medicine. His study and love of Yoruba sculpture was undiminished over forty years, leading to an understanding of the artistic value, ethnic variety and expertise of the Yoruba carvers that was phenomenal.

When John was offered a position as Pathologist at the Medical Research Laboratory, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya in 1967, he accepted a new challenge and an opportunity to experience East Africa. He took his family camping in game parks, boating up the Nile, driving into Ngongoro crater and exploring Olduvai gorge.

John’s special contribution in Kenya was his medical treatment of hemophilia. He was the only doctor at the time making cryoprecipitate that would halt the bleeding episodes in his young patients. The effect was so stunning the nurses referred to it as “ Dr. Taylor’s magic stuff”.

There always comes a time to dig roots and in 1969 the Taylor family emigrated to Canada.

John spent 27 years at the HSC as a forensic pathologist, teacher and researcher and was an Associate Professor of Pathology at the University of Manitoba. His heart research, which included a special interest in the development of the human heart from embryo to adult, was published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology.

However, the research that gave John international recognition was the work he did to support a growing opposition to routine infant circumcision. His publication in the British Journal of Urology was a courageous and creative effort to secure the genital integrity of infant boys born today and in the future.

Dr. John Taylor was the ultimate scientist, always meticulously thorough in his work. His interests were many and varied. He found joy in music, art, antiques, photography, history, all a result of an instinctive curiosity.

Since his retirement in 1996, John has enjoyed summers at the cottage on the Pinawa Channel, gardening, boating, building and relaxing with dear friends and neighbours.

In his life John put his family above all things. His love and pride in his children, grandchildren and great grandson was profound.

He loved the simple things in life: walking his dog, a cold beer on the cottage balcony and long talks with Margaret. He lived a good life, full of honesty and integrity, always upholding the Hippocratic oath he signed more than 50 years ago, “First do no harm”.

He will be sorely missed by all who knew, loved and respected him. In the words from Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

“Now cracks a noble heart,

Goodnight, sweet prince.

And flights of angels sing thee

to thy rest”

The family would like to express their profound gratitude to the doctors and staff of St. Boniface Hospital, CancerCare Manitoba, Palliative Care and especially all the Home Care workers who enabled us to grant John’s wish to come home. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

In lieu of flowers a donation to CancerCare, Manitoba or the Winnipeg Humane Society would be appreciated.

A memorial service to celebrate John`s life will be held at Thomson “In the Park”, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. at 2 p.m. Tuesday November 2nd.