Obituary of Ted Alfred Edward Taylor

Alfred Edward “Ted” Taylor
March 31, 1941- March 15, 2025

Ted passed away on March 15th, 2025 in Winter Haven, Florida. Born in Montreal, Quebec, Ted was raised in North Gower, Ontario, where his mother was a high school teacher and his father was involved in local business, politics and athletics. Ted graduated from South Carleton High School in 1959.

Ted is survived by his daughters Cheryl Taylor (Russell Newall), Lynn Pyke (Kym), Cathy Collins (former son-in-law Brian) and Lori Hernandez (Jason); grandchildren Ben and Connor Newall, Jayden and Tayla Pyke, Ava and Sophie Hernandez and Logan Collins; sister Barbara Lewis; sister-in-law Faye Shail; and many nieces and nephews. Ted is predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Betty Taylor (nee Shail); his parents Alfred and Madeline Taylor; his father and mother-in-law Victor and Mary Shail; his sister Joan Melancon and brother Craig Taylor, his brothers-in-law Rene Melancon and Daryl Lewis; and his sisters-in-law Joyce Ireland and Carol McGregor.

Ted was an avid sportsman, coach and sports fan throughout his life. Ted was still actively playing on local softball teams, he played hockey up until a few years ago and he had also participated in golf, tennis, football, rugby, cricket, lawn bowling, and basketball. He instilled his love of sports in his daughters and grandchildren through hours of patient practice and training, and he was always their number one fan. Many people in the community benefited from his decades of organizing and coaching local teams.

Ted had a distinguished 39-year career with the Bank of Nova Scotia across many significant roles including President of Scotia Mortgage. Ted's career took the family to many locations, including Ottawa, Jamaica, Pickering and Calgary, until they settled permanently in Markham, Ontario in 1980.

Ted and Betty loved to travel, and Ted was known for his epic road trips with most North American destinations accessible to him by car. Outgoing, welcoming and friendly, Ted made lifelong friends wherever he went. In retirement, Ted and Betty split their time between two wonderful retirement communities Swan Lake in Markham and Lake Ashton in Winter Haven, Florida.

Ted was generous and kind, he never said or would allow an unkind word about anyone. He was an eternal optimist and a practical joker; always teasing his sons-in-law and grandchildren. Ted greeted every day and everyone with a big, happy smile. Family was always the most important thing to Ted. He was a devoted husband and father and a loving and proud Baba to his 7 grandchildren.

Visitations will be held on Friday March 28th from 2 to 4pm and 6:30 to 8:30pm at Dixon Garland Funeral Home in Markham. A funeral service will be held Saturday March 29th at 1pm at St. Philip's On-the-Hill in Unionville, with a reception to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, or the charity of your choice.