TAYLOR, Nigel Cunninghame
Born in Kelowna, July 13, 1920, died in Kelowna, Oct. 18, 2011.

Nigel is survived by Margaret (Lee) Taylor, his loving wife of 68 years, and four children: David (Andrea), Stephanie Geis, Gordon (Joanne), and Barbara; daughter-in-law Janet, his sister Belinda Duyvewaardt, grand-children and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by daughter Mary-Lou and sons Robin and Rodney.

Born in a bunkhouse on Bankhead Orchards, Nigel was the son of early fruit growers Claude and Madge Taylor, who had settled in Kelowna In 1912. With the exception of the war years and school, his whole life was spent in Kelowna. He was educated at Vernon Prep School (Mackie’s) and Shawnigan Lake. At the age of 19, he enlisted in the British Columbia Dragoons at the outbreak of WWII and rose through the ranks to Major. He was severely wounded in Italy while serving with the 5th Canadian Armoured Division. After the war, Nigel remained active with the BCD’s, serving as second-in-command of the Regiment. Before retiring from the militia, he was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration, and was made honorary life member of the BCD Whizzbang Association.

During the war, Nigel met and married Margaret Leonora Besford of Surbiton, England. He returned with Lee to the family orchard in South Kelowna where they raised their seven children. Nigel was very involved in the South-East Kelowna and greater Kelowna community. Among his contributions were people’s warden of St. Mary’s Church, member of the East Kelowna Boy Scouts Committee, trustee on the School Board, chair of the South and East Kelowna Centennial Committee, commissioner for the Memorial Arena, president of the Kelowna SPCA, and charter member of the Kelowna Kiwanis Club. Nigel served on many tree fruit and agricultural organizations. He was a life member of the BC Fruit Growers Association and served as President of the Canadian Horticulture Council. He loved to travel, and instilled in his children his love of nature and animals, of hunting and fishing.

The family would like to thank Dr. Griswold and the staffs at Cottonwoods and Sutherland Hills for their kind care of Nigel.

Should family and friends so desire, memorial donations may be made in his name to the bursary fund of the Whizzbang Veterans’ Association of the British Columbia Dragoons.

A private family service will be held.

• Mrs. Taylor, Stephanie and Gordon and families,
  
  We were saddened to hear of the loss of Nigel.
  I know you will all have great memories of times together.
  
  Lynda and Chris Oct 21, 2011
• Dave and Andrea,
  
  Sorry to hear about your Dad.
  
  Our thoughts are with you.
  
  Judy and Arnie Oct 22, 2011
• Gord and Joanne,
  
  My thoughts are with you at this time. Treasure your memories.
  
  Marilyn Guidi Oct 25, 2011
• To the Taylor family:
  
  Our thoughts are with you. Nigel did many things for the community. He was very helpful bringing our family to Canada and helping my parents begin a new and prosperous life here in Kelowna. We all thank him for that.
  
  Frits and Laurie Oct 26, 2011
• Deepest condolences,
  
  WO Miller B.C. Dragoons, serving in Afghanistan.
  QUANSEM ILEP Oct 28, 2011

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