Captain(N) Richard Keith Taylor passed away, much too soon, on June 19th, 2006 at 7:31pm from his 34 month battle with brain cancer. He was four and half hours shy of his 52nd birthday. Family gathered at his bedside as he left this world with a joyous smile upon his face. His passing was without pain or discomfort and was peaceful in every sense of the word. It has been an amazing journey over these last several years. There were moments of shed tears and immense pain, but his determination and will to survive was nothing less than inspirational.
Richard never wavered in his fight against cancer. He fought his battle like any astounding Naval Officer, with dignity and perseverance. Hope for a cure motivated Richard’s struggle to survive. Richard devoted 32 years of his life to the Canadian Forces and he was very proud to wear the Navy uniform. He was a loving and charismatic husband, father, son, brother, friend and human being. His sense of humor and spirit lives on in the memories of the people who knew and loved him.
You do not have to fight anymore dad. We all love you and miss you…till we see you again.
Richard is predeceased by: his mother, Margaret Taylor (1999), father-in-law, John Tapp (2000), and his sister-in-law, Ruby Tapp (1998). He is survived by: his father, Ronald (Fud), sister, Wendy (Naggy), brother, David, loving and devoted wife, Patricia, sons Ronald (26) and Robert (22) daughter, Melanie (24), mother-in-law, Josephine Tapp, sisters-in-law: Shirley, Caroline (Paul), Linda, Eileen (Gordon) and Judy.
A special thank you to family and friends, Dr. Ross and staff at CDU1, Dr. Atwell, Dr. Pai, Dr. Sun, Dr. Yam, Wanda, Yvonne, Donna, Maggie, Richard, Ian, Dave, Peter, Hospice Staff, WeCare Nurses, Community Home Care Nurses, family and dear friends. All of you have made this journey for Richard and his family a little less painful. You have all honored his wishes and his integrity.
An open casket viewing will take place June 23rd, 2006 2-6pm. Please call Sands Funeral Home (Victoria) for further information - #388-5155, 1803 Quadra St.
A Full Military Funeral will be held at CFB Esquimalt, drill hall, on June 24th, 2006 at 10:00am followed by interment at Veteran's Cemetery (God’s Acre). A reception will be then held at the Wardroom. An invitation is extended to all those who wish to say farewell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brain Cancer Research Foundation.
We imagine you cancer free, running through fields of golden yellow.
We can imagine you cancer free, dancing on a sandy beach and you are a lucky fellow.