Dean Allan Taylor

Dean Taylor was born into his father’s hands at the entrance to the Saskatoon hospital in the early minutes of January 1, 1956 and so being the life of the party was his birthright. At the age of one, he toddled into the neighbour’s doghouse where the large dog then bared his teeth and growled at all who came to “rescue” Dean. And so Dean’s life went; story upon story. He lived life on his own terms with a zest for life that knew no bounds while simultaneously driving to distraction everyone who loved and cared about him.

His best stories often included an element of either madcap risk with hilarious results or an astounding encounter with an animal. Raised in Edmonton and then set loose upon the Okanagan for his adult years.

In awe of life in its myriad forms and with a strong sense of compassion for others’ struggles, Christianity spoke to Dean’s spiritual side. He embraced Jesus Christ as his Lord & Savior.

Dean passed away peacefully in his sleep of cancer on 28 November 2022, aged 66.

Predeceased by his parents, Dr. Jack Dean Taylor and Joyce Alma Taylor. Left to mourn are his sisters Diana Taylor (George Waters) of Ottawa; Dorothy McGillis of Edmonton; and Holly Lodto (Jamyang Lodto) of Victoria; as well as Michael Waters (Rohana Hossain), Ben Waters (Vy Nguyen), and Joshua McGillis (Jennifer McGillis and their children). Dean also leaves innumerable friends, old and new. Some have shared adventures with him for decades. These companions were loved by him as his second hand-picked family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood as Dean did regularly throughout his life. And share those stories! A memorial service will take place this summer in Kelowna when a tree will be planted in his honour.