Obituary
Service Details
Hebert « Bert » Anderson Taylor
It is with great sadness the family announce the passing of Bert Taylor on January 16, 2018 at the age of 88, survived by his sister, Dorothy Arychuk, brother, David Taylor; his children, Darlene McMullen of Olds, Bruce (Joy) of Drayton Valley, Bryon of Montreal, Debra Gust (Ronnie) of Wetaskiwin, Robert (Deena) of Whiterock BC, Richard (Elaine) of Calgary and David of Wetaskiwin; fourteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his wife, Helen, four sisters, two brothers, son-in-law, Herbert McMullen and daughter-in-law, Marcelle Croteau.
Bert Taylor was born on May 13, 1929 in Paynton, Saskatchewan. His editorial / newspaper career began in North Battleford in 1943. He then moved to the Camrose Canadian in 1950 where he worked for fourteen years. From there he went to Medicine Hat where he spent four years. In 1968 he was asked to fulfill the publisher’s job at the Wetaskiwin Times newspaper.
Bert was Publisher – Reporter – Photographer with the Wetaskiwin Times from 1968 to 1985. In 1985 he started Taylor Printing where he continued to work until he retired at the age of 80.
Bert felt that as the publisher of the Times he was the most logical person to attend all of the local games, take pictures of the action on the ice and write the stories for the next edition. Bert felt that as publisher he had an obligation to bring Colonels hockey through the newspaper to the community.
Bert was inducted into the Wetaskiwin Sports Hall of Fame where he was recognized for many contributions, but one in particular, in the sports history of the Colonels. The Wetaskiwin Times published a front page article with photo April 12, 1972, “COLONELS TAKE TWO TITLES”. The photo was that of Captain Jerry Greene hoisting the Newsome Trophy. The photo was taken after 11:00 pm on Tuesday. The photo and a written article appeared in the Times edition the very next morning (Wednesday). Now that is dedication! Due to the excellent coverage that he provided in the paper, he contributed to many scrapbooks and archive articles. This effort provides the ongoing history of sports in Wetaskiwin and community.
Bert not only covered the Colonels but he gave equal coverage to all other community groups such as 4H, Men’s and Minor fastball – league and provincial/national playoffs and championships. He covered pro fastball (Car Capitals), school sports, as well as other minor sports such as hockey.
Chairman of the North-Am Carnival, which at the time was a major sporting event in Wetaskiwin. Bert Taylor was also a member of the Kiwanis Club which provided him with the opportunity to give back to the community that he served and to appreciate the value that Service Clubs could provide a community.
Bert had a great passion for his job and a great passion for the community in which he lived.
Interment will take place on Sunday, May 13, 2018 at Wetaskiwin Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, in Bert’s memory, but in honour of Bert’s wife Helen, memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Alberta Diabetes Foundation, 1-020 Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Research Innovation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1.
Baker Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements. (780) 352-2501 or (888) 752-2501
Service Information
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Herbert Bert Anderson Taylor May 13 1929 January 16 2018 (age 88).source
Décès pour la Ville: Wetaskiwin, Province: Alberta
