Neil Edward Taylor – 86, Belmont,
passed away on Saturday, February 6, 2021, with his family by his
side, following a brief illness. Born in Economy, he was a
son of the late Archie and Jean (Morrison) Taylor.
Neil wore many hats in his lifetime and was a wealth of
knowledge that will be missed. His patience and ability to
teach young people how to create things occupied the majority of his
career as an Industrial Arts teacher at Brookfield Junior High.
Whether it was a silk screen t-shirt, a wooden piggy-bank or something
from the metal shop, he made sure students learned the necessary
skills with patience and perseverance. Neil’s instruction
continued at home with Greg and Lisa, helping them build everything
from balsa wood or remote control airplanes to cedar strip canoes or
even rebuilding cars. Neil had many other hobbies that included
twirling Aldene around on the square-dance floor, silk-screening
posters or making bubble-gum measuring devices for the church picnic,
bicycling « around the loop », tying flies and fishing trips
with Harold or hunting trips with his brother-in-law, Burrell. Neil
was an avid photographer, and a tough opponent around the kitchen
table in Belmont, whether he was playing dominoes or
Crib.
He was a member of Lower Onslow United Church where he served
on various committees as well as helping out with Sunday school
picnics, the apple pie fundraisers and the establishment and
maintenance of the Lower Onslow Clarke Cemetery.
When Neil was finished building bigger projects he kept his
hands busy with carving wooden birds, fishing men in canoes, skiing
grandchildren and Christmas decorations. His family and friends were
fortunate to receive many of these wonderful creations over the
years.
Neil lived in an amazing community and will be greatly missed
by lifelong neighbours and friends, Paul and Nancy Sulis, Harold and
Sheila Stewart and Sheila Sabine.
Neil is survived by his son, Greg (Tena) Taylor, West Porters
Lake; daughter, Lisa Norrie, Upper Sackville; grandchildren, Matthew
Taylor, Jarrett Norrie, Zachary Taylor, Shawn Norrie, Lindsay Norrie;
sisters, Barbara (Bernard) Gill, Ontario; Elizabeth Downing, Economy;
several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, Neil was
predeceased by the love of his life, Aldene; brother, Douglas
(Letitia) Taylor; brother-in-law, Burrell Downing; foster uncle,
Robert Abbott.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner
Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where the funeral service will
be held 10 a.m., Friday, September 17, 2021, Reverend Glenn MacLean
officiating. (Face coverings must be worn while inside the funeral
home; webcasting of the funeral service will begin at 9:55 a.m.,
Friday, September 17, 2021, and will remain on this site for some
time.) Private interment in Lower Onslow Clarke Cemetery, Lower
Onslow. If so desired, donations in Neil’s memory to Trinity United
Church or Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation are welcomed. Private
messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing
Neil’s obituary on-line and selecting « Send A
Condolence » at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com