Obituary of George Simpson Taylor

George Simpson Taylor (July 23, 1940 – January 9, 2019)Comforted by his wife and children, George peacefully succumbed to rapidly accelerating cancer at his Transvaal farm home on January 9th, having lived unstoppably and courageously with it for the last decade of his 78 years.As a young boy, he successfully matured through the foster care system to lead an extraordinary family-focused personal and professional life. Predeceased by his parents George and Elta Taylor and parents-in-law Benjamin and Laura Tremblay; sisters Edith Pavely and Marg (late Mel Mackenzie). Survived by dear sister Shirley Mendler. Forever loved by cherished wife of nearly 60 years Nancy (nee Tremblay) and proud children George, April (Paul Rietdyk), Barb (Mike Reid), and Cindy Taylor (Scott McLauchlan); adored “Papa” and “Grandpa” of grandchildren Kaitlyn (Jason McMannis), Jared (Amanda VanDeven), Evan (Emma Guyton), Laura, Ryan, Breanna, Nicole, Aidan, and two great grandchildren Eleanor and Maxon. Fondly remembered by brother-in-law Benny and many nieces and nephews.George began his professional accounting career at a small local accounting firm in Chatham, Ontario, before moving to John Labatt Limited and its subsidiaries where for over 30 years he distinguished himself performing vital Senior Executive duties in finance, administration and strategic planning prior to serving as President & Chief Executive Officer from 1992-1995. As a respected corporate and charitable Director, George contributed his uncompromised ethics, Certified Professional Accountant expertise and Harvard Business School acumen to nearly 20 Boards including the Toronto Blue Jays, Brookfield Asset Management, J.P. Robarts Research Institute, Stratford Festival Theatre, Art Council of Ontario, London Health Sciences Centre, Lawson Health Research and Victoria Hospital - where he served as Chair of Fundraising during its major facility expansion campaign. Additionally, he was a leader in establishing Women’s Community House in London. His legacy of anonymous philanthropy has positively impacted countless lives around the world. A gifted teacher, insatiable knowledge-seeker, avid gardener, and true farmer at heart, George most loved being with his wife (especially camping and sitting on their Florida lanai), travelling the world with their children and grandchildren, and working on DIY projects at home with his son.Visitation will occur at the Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home, 47 Wellington St. S. St. Marys (519-284-2820) on Friday, January11th from 2-4 pm & 7-9 p.m. and again at HOLY NAME OF MARY PARISH, Northeast corner of Widder St. E. and Peel St. N., St. Marys on Saturday, January 12th from 10 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 11 a.m. Cremation to follow.Donations in his memory to either the Canadian Cancer Society or the Stratford Festival Theatre would be most appreciated.