Donald M. TAYLOR

DONALD M. TAYLOR The man, the myth, the legend... Donald M. Taylor AKA Papa Don passed away peacefully on October 24, 2021. Family was important to him, with two wonderful sisters Norah and Susan and two larger than life parents Moby and Billy. His early years were focused on football and picking at his guitar and playing in the band 'The New Lost Rambling Four.' He attended Western University where his focus was the football team, but during this time he shifted his energy from star athlete to his true passion, Psychology. This was his calling; he flourished and went on to earn his PHD in Psychology in 1969. He then became Professor of Social Psychology at McGill University. He never missed a class in 47 years of lecturing over 30,000 undergrads, numerous honours and graduate students. His work on everything from stereotyping and intergroup relationships, to social identity and bilingualism had an enormous impact around the world. He wrote countless articles and many books which made its mark on the world of Social Psychology. His illustrious career included The Gold Medal from the Canadian Psychological Association and the McGill Medal for Exceptional Academic Achievement and many other awards. He had a family with Andrée; a son, Scott and a daughter, Danita. He was very active in their day to day lives, from coaching Scott's football and hockey to practicing cheerleader routines with Danita. His overarching mantra when doing anything with his kids was to instill the values that you have to earn everything and do it with hard work and respect. His family grew when Ali and Maryam became an integral part of the Taylor clan and shared in all the great adventures. His family grew again when he met Donna. Donna's sons Clayton and Craig joined Don's fan club and spent over 30 years learning about life in travels with Don. Clayton had many cycling adventures with Don from the South of England to Scotland, along the Danube River and Route 66 to name a few. Donna's life with Don was full of adventures including cycling from Montreal to Newfoundland, around the coast of Ireland and across the desert from Vegas to the Grand Canyon to name a few. Their 350 km kayak trip from Orillia to Trenton had many challenges with fabulous memories. Clayton's two children, Isla and Devon adored their Papa Don. Angela and Scott had his first grandchild Liam, which is when the name Papa Don was created. Donald was a mentor to Liam and spent many weekends at a hockey rink or football field cheering him on, or on weekend adventures running 10K races together. As is the circle of life, Liam is following in Papa Don's footsteps with his own football scholarship at Western. Donald had many mentors in his life and in true fashion, he paid it forward by being a mentor to family members, countless colleagues, friends, and students. The man, the myth, the legend lived life to its fullest with a wardrobe to match. You couldn't miss him coming with his trench coat, crocodile Dundee hat, the funkiest ties and orange slippers. There is not one point in his life where he was not doing what he wanted. On his terms to the end and epic all the way. Love you Donald AKA Papa Don. For Donation information please go to http://www.evergreencremationcentre.com/obituary/Donald-TAYLOR