September 15, 1938 - November 4, 2018
It is with great sadness that the family of Stewart Taylor announce his passing at his home in Cranbrook on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Stew was born in Kimberley, BC to parents Edward and Margaret Taylor. He spent his early years growing up in Kimberley where he developed his love of the great outdoors, skiing, fishing, hunting, hiking and playing in the forest. He contributed to the early development of the first ski hill in Kimberley on Myrtle Mountain. Later he helped build the first T-Bar on the Kimberley Ski Hill. His adventurous spirit took him to higher peaks on the occasional Heli Ski trips in the Selkirk Mountains and the Golden Area. In 1967, while playing at a teachers dance at the "Bluebird Inn" he met a new teacher named Robin Hibberson. Soon after they married and settled in Cranbrook, where they raised their two daughters and recently celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary.
Music was not only a hobby for Stew, it was his whole life. He learned to play his first trombone in the Selkirk High School band, later he joined the Army Reserve Band in Cranbrook. For over sixty years Stewart played music with many different groups which included, "The Sounds of the Forties Jazz Band", "The Symphony of the Kootenays", "The Kimberley Community Band", "The Cranbrook Community Band", "Wham Go the Ducks", "Don Davie's Quartet", several pitt orchestras for community and high school musicals and with many other talented local musicians. In 1972 he opened "The Stewart House of Music" store, which became a gathering place for his fellow musical enthusiasts. He supported the whole music scene in the East Kootenays with his expertise, instruments, music supplies and piano tuning services. In retirement Stew enjoyed riding his bike, walking, picking huckleberries, fishing, coffee dates with his friends, and listening to Jazz. He was still playing his trombone up until the last week before his passing. He was a gentle and laid back person who enjoyed spending time with his family and fellow musicians. He loved gazing at sunsets, watching birds and whispering to animals (when no one was watching).
Stew will be greatly missed and leaves to mourn his daughters Kirsten, Laura Eimer (Patrick) and his grandson Desmond Eimer. He will also be missed by his brothers Irving (Rona), David, and sister Loretta Logan (Wayne), his extended family, mother-in-law Shirley Hibberson, brother-in-law John Hibberson (Bev), sister-in-law Elizabeth Finch (Allen) and sister-in-law Ruth Hibberson. He will also be remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Stew was predeceased by his parents Edward (1996) and Margaret Taylor (1998), his grandparents and numerous other relatives.
Those who wish to make a memorial contribution in memory of Stewart may do so to the BC SPCA East Kootenay Branch, or to the charity of their choice.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Stewart Edward Taylor on Sunday May 19th, 2019 at the Heritage Inn in Cranbrook from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at www.mcphersonfh.com.
Service Details
2:00 PM