TAYLOR, Donald Charles
79, entered into the presence of The Lord Jesus on February 11, 2013 with his loving family by his side at the North Shore Hospice. Don was born March 11, 1933 to Charles and Vera (Dawson) Taylor in Vancouver, BC. The eldest of two children, Don was dedicated to the Lord at 6th Ave Tabernacle at an early age, and attended and served the Lord at Broadway Church most of his life. Don attended Vancouver Technical School until 1948. In 1947, Don started his part time automotive career fixing and customizing cars at various service stations throughout Vancouver. In 1952, Don apprenticed at Fred Richmond Motors for two years, then went on to work at Duecks as a Journeyman Technician for another four years. Don married Diane (Smith) on February 11, 1955 and later designed and had their first house built in North Vancouver. In 1956, Don became President of the Kingsmen Car Club that grew to 65 Members. Divinely, on February 16, 1959 Don established Taylormotive Service Ltd. in North Vancouver. He asked his friends Barry Newton, Bob Crawford, and Hans Kretz to come work with him. From 1967 to 1968 Don, Diane and family relocated to Mara, BC with their friends, Jim and Ruth Metcalfe, and Cal and Jean Phoenix, to help build a motel and help operate Crystal Sands Resort. He later came back to North Vancouver, continuing with Taylormotive. In 1970, Don established Taylormotive Honda Motorcycle Dealership to become BC's largest Honda dealer until he closed its doors in 1977. Don continued to manage Taylormotive's family business for 53 years, until July 2012 when he took ill due to a brain tumor. Don took an interest in boating and toured extensively on our coastal waters. Don was able to travel throughout Europe, Japan, Italy, England, Scotland, Israel, the Caribbean, Mexico, and USA. In January 2000, Don became a member of International Coaches for Christ, then went on to become President of North West Coaches for Christ to start up chapters with rally's in the northwest. Don and Diane made many friends while travelling throughout Canada and the USA. Don enjoyed many times together with family and friends, especially spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, watching them grow and mature. Don and Diane also became adopted grandparents to Sarah, Ryly, Wesley and Carter. Don is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Diane, daughter Dawn-Marie (John), grandson John Jacob, son Charles (Melodie), granddaughter Nicole (Brian), great- granddaughter Jayde, granddaughter Candice (Simon), great-granddaughter Rachel, great- grandson Owen. Don was predeceased by his father, mother and son Rodney, survived by (Chantal) grandson Ethan, granddaughter Carmen, sister-in-law Elaine (Mel), niece Wendy and nephew Wayne, brother-in-law Jon (Jackie), nephew Jake, and Jordan, niece Erin, sister Maureen (Chuck) and family, brother Ray (Wanda), nephew Charles, niece Vera-Ann and family. A special thank you to Dr. Jenny Shaw and Dr. Jennifer Walker, and all the Doctors and caregivers at Lionsgate Hospital and the North Shore Hospice. Celebration of Life services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 18, 2013 at Broadway Church 2700 East Broadway, Vancouver BC V5M 1Y8 with Reverend Darin Latham officiating. Burial will also take place Monday at 10:00 a.m. at North Vancouver Cemetery, Lillooet Lane Heritage Site. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Club Freedom at Broadway Church and/or Villages of Hope Africa vohafrica.com. Those wishing to sign the guest book may do so online at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ vancouversun/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Charles Taylor.
31 Entries
June 6, 2013
Arnold McLellan
It has been a great number of years since my Vancouver days but I still have great memories of Don and Diane. From the days when he was softball coach at Broadway to the days he fixed my car transmission for a struggling minister. My heart was touched by all the appreciations (and remembering the people behind the names) of the contributors. We will meet again in a better place.
April 21, 2013
mike hardcastle
I'm sorry to hear of the great loss of Don. I worked for Don and taylomotive for 7 and a bit years. He gave me my paint apprentise ship and to this day provide for my family through this trade that Don helped with. Don is a great man and will be missed . Thank you for all that you have done.
February 19, 2013
Debra Philips-Sawatzky
Blessings to the family at this time, Don was a wonderful man, sorry to hear this.
February 18, 2013
Mike Lorch
Taylormotive was the first place I ever worked at and is still one of the best places I've ever worked at. Don was a super nice guy. Very sorry to hear about his passing.
February 18, 2013
Doug & Eileen Claydon
Dear Diane, Chuck and family:
We are truly saddened by the loss of Don. His Christianity was reflected in his face and all he did. May God be very near to you at this time and give you strength to face the future for He is near to the brokenhearted. Our love and prayers continue to be with you.
February 18, 2013
Nicole Robson
We are very sorry to learn of Don's passing. May God comfort you all during this difficult time. His compassion and commitment to help others less fortunate will always be remembered.
February 18, 2013
Phillips Family
May Gods peace be with the Taylor Family at this time , Don was a great guy !
February 18, 2013
Bob & Lucille Loose
Bob & I send our condolences to Diane & family at this time of saddness. Don was a real man of God and we glad to have known him. May God grant you His peace in the days to come...Don will be greatly missed...Love & Prayers Bob & Lucille Loose
February 18, 2013
Rudy & Claire Peters
Dear Diane.
Claire and I heard of Don's Graduation to Glory while we're in Southern CA. From our "young married years" we recall Don as a real Christian Gentleman. We wish God's Comfort for you and your family as you remember, and celebrate a Life well lived.
February 17, 2013
Our love and prayers to you, dear Diane, We can't imagine you without your dear Donnie. Our deepest condolences.
Jim & Jan Rusk
February 17, 2013
Diane and Family. We are not there in person but in spirit, and pray the Lord will give you peace and strength through this homegoing of Dons.All our love Stan and Shirley
February 17, 2013
Susan Gough
Dear Diane, Chuck and Dawn-Marie. My heart is with you all at this very difficult time. Don was an amazing boss and friend. He holds a profound place in my heart. There are many memories of Don that I will always treasure. An amazing family you are. Thank you for allowing me to hold the memories of your beloved Don. Many blessings to you.
February 17, 2013
Dear Diane and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at the passing of Don to our heavenly hope in Christ. We have memories of old of times together from Youth for Christ to Connaught Heights and current. Blessings of peace and His grace to sustain you at this time.
Armond and Doreen Forseth
February 17, 2013
Dear Diane and your family -
Don has gone home with a big smile as he always has had on his face. I am sure he didn't want to leave you but the Lord said it was time.
May you be blessed with memories and His love, which abounds.
Sincere sympathy and a big hug....
Brenda Dykstra
February 17, 2013
Dear Diane and Family Chris and I are in So. California and are so sad to hear of Don's passing and even sadder we won't be there to attend his memorial I am sure it will be a wonderful tribute to a good and godly man that's the way we saw him weekly at Broaday for 28 years both of you were a great inspiration to Chris and I. With prayers and much love, Gerry-lou & Chris Christianson
February 17, 2013
Grace McDuff
Dear Diane, I don't know if you remember, but it was in the 1ate 1940's that I met Don and you in "Teenagers" at Sixth Avenue and Broadway Tabernacles. I also know Elaine. My sincere condolences to you and your family as you go through this journey. I know the Lord will give you comfort and peace as he has given me, since Tommy passed. God Bless you. Grace Brooks McDuff.
February 16, 2013
Pat & Arthur Darlington
Dear Diane and Family
We have just read of Don's passing and want you to know that it was and is a pleasure in knowing you both.
Our heartfelt condolences to you Diane and the Family and may God help and guide you through this difficult time
Pat & Arthur Darlington
February 16, 2013
Rois Harder
Diane and family.. my condolences to all of your family. My last chat with Don outside his workplace about a year ago was so refreshing.. remembering and chatting about things dear to our hearts. We'll all miss that Smile!
February 16, 2013
Warren Ronquist
Diane
So sorry for your loss. Don will be missed by many. I have fond memories of earlier times and will never forget such a good friend.
Warren Ronquist
February 16, 2013
Dear Diane: We were so sorry to hear that Don has gone on ahead. He beat us into "The City of God." We send this from Rancho Betania in northern Mexico where we have been since Nov 1, 2012. We are sorry we can't be at the memorial service. We pray God's good Grace and Peace on you, Diane. Bob & Yvonne McDowell
February 15, 2013
To Don and Diane, Our very good friends, may god bless you, we loved you both so much
Jim and Jo Barach
Spokane, Washington and
Surprise, Az
February 15, 2013
Peter and Olga Harder
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to you, Diane and family in the loss of one so dear. Both you and Don were very special people to us even though we only new you such a short time. You were both so warm and friendly. God bless you and keep you close in the coming months.
Our love and prayers,
Peter and Olga
February 15, 2013
Virginia Finlayson
I am sad to learn of Don's passing. He was a good man. Thinking of you and your family Diane. Cares and prayers, Virginia Finlayson
February 15, 2013
Kelly Fisher
I had the pleasure of having Don Taylor as my employer as June 2012 at Taylormotive until his untimely passing. The Company he began in 1959 & I have the pleasure of working with is honestly the best Employer I have ever had the pleasure of working for. The Company, The Man & The Family exudes honesty and treating people with complete Respect. I am so thankful I was able to meet Don Taylor and I will miss his smile and the confidence he had in me will be forever treasured. My deepest sympathy are with his wonderful family and friends.
February 15, 2013
Dear Diane & Family,
All of us here at Consignment Canada were so saddened to hear of Don's passing. He was a truly special man, and will be missed by all of his business neighbours on Pemberton.
Angela, Jonny, Tina and Carly
February 15, 2013
Joanne & Greg Curry
Diane, praying for you and the rest of the family as you face the difficult days ahead....not just now but down the road. I now Gods strength and Love will be with you as you seek his guidence. Don was a wonderful man and a great witness in his community.
February 15, 2013
Don & Merla Goertz CFC
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 15, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 15, 2013
We send our deepest sympathy to you, Diane, and your family in the loss of Don, for whom we have many fond memories. Old friends from long ago, Ted & Doreen Protheroe
February 15, 2013
David Mah
Mr. Taylor was a man of God who enjoyed sharing his stories with everyone; it did not matter who they were, he would make them feel welcome. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
February 15, 2013
paula apostolidis
We are so sorry for your loss, he was a great man who was loved by so many.
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