Hugh Alexander Taylor

TAYLOR, Hugh Alexander January 22, 1920 September 11, 2005 Hugh died peacefully in his sleep at Central Care Home in the early hours. He was, to all who knew him always a kind, generous, peaceful, loving, forward-thinking, and brillaint gentleman. He leaves behind his wife, Daphne, of 46 years and his daughters Madeline and Ruth, his son-inlaws James and Gordon, and his grandchildren, Jesse, Luke and Rachel, who will sorely miss his wisdom and guidence. Mary, his other beloved daughter, predeceased him 4 years ago and we are happy that now they will be together again. Hugh served in communications during the Second World War, and was educated at both Oxford and Liverpool universities. He received his M.A. from Oxford in 1953. We came to Canada as a family in 1965 when Hugh founded the Provincial Archives of Alberta and later the Provincial Archives of New Bruswick. He was considered by his peers to be "one of the most important thinkers in the English-speaking world of archives ". He was awarded this country's highest civilian honour, the Order of Canada in 1991 for his work in the archives field. Retired in 1982, he never relinquished his desire as an archivist to pass on his knowledge. He taught at U.B.C. for 3 years, and published two books to ensure others would continue his legacy of imagining the future of archives. Apart from being devoted to Daphne and his family, Hugh had a passion for world peace and was one of the founders of the Veterans Against Nuclear War. He joined Daphne in her concern for the environment, loved working in the vegetable garden, and all through his life he was a faithful member of the Anglican Church. During the last part of his life, Hugh struggled with dementia which limited his thirst for reading, current events, and engaging in thought-provoking conversations. The family thanks the staff at Central Care Home for their loving care and respect for Hugh during his six months under their excellent care. They were all very fond of him. The Celebration of Hugh's Life will be held on Friday, September 16th, at 3:00 p.m. at St. George's Anglican Church, 3909 St. George's Lane, (opposite Maynard Park in Cadboro Bay), followed by a reception. Instead of flowers, we ask that a donation be given to Vision 2020, for the building of their new Church., c/o St George's Church, 3909 St. George's Lane, Victoria, B.C. V8N 4E3. 147312