Clarence George Taylor

Clarence died at Muskoka Shores in Gravenhurst on August 14, 2024. He was born in Bracebridge on January 11, 1937, the eldest son of Walter and Edith Taylor (nee Barrett). He was predeceased by his sister Anne in 1970. He leaves to remember and celebrate his 87 years his brother Bill Taylor, sister-in-law Grace, nephew Joel Taylor (Dana Reed) and niece Leah Taylor (Suzanne VanBakel.) Clarence lived with his parents on Spadina Street in “The Hollow” and enjoyed lifelong friendship with neighbours and school friends from Monck P.S, and Bracebridge High School. He was always available to help others. He started work when he was six carrying wood and water for the Maudsley sisters and continued to work wherever needed. His first full time job was at Lorne’s Marketeria, then he worked at Maher Shoe Store. That led to a lifelong obsession with shoes, any style, any colour and always something new.

In 1962 Clarence was approached to come and work at the Bracebridge Hospital as an Orderly. He worked there for twenty-five years and was fondly remembered by many former patients. He always had candy, butter tarts or Waite’s donuts for the nurses and liked the camaraderie of the staff.

When he retired Clarence had time to pursue his many interests. He took on more of the household chores as his parents aged and maintained their large garden. Everyone loved to see the Hollyhocks in bloom, and he gave away currants and vegetables by the basket. He was a faithful blood donor and was proud of his record of laps swum at the Centennial pool. He joined the Order of Oddfellows and helped with their lending library of medical devices.

 His greatest love was a Schnauzer named Silver and then a rascal named Nellie. Clarence figured his dog could do no wrong and happily paraded it around the neighbourhood. Clarence loved music and kept up with the changing technology from the gramophone to his large collection of records, cassettes, VCRs and DVDs. He was an avid snowmobiler and always had to have a new car. He particularly liked to find an unloved Cadillac and have it fixed up to perfection.

The basis for every part of his life was his Christianity. He lived his faith in every action. He joined the Salvation Army as a youth and remained a member throughout his life. He was well known for delivering the War Cry magazine to businesses and the hospital. He was proud to wear his uniform and acted as Welcome Seargent faithfully. He started driving folks to Sunday School when he got his license and continued to provide a lift to parishioners for sixty years. He took under his wing anyone who was alone and needed help and quietly assisted anyone who needed money, time or company.

 Clarence adored his niece and nephew. He always managed to find the most exciting gifts for them, often topping Santa’s choice! He welcomed Suzanne into the family as one more person to care about. He felt blessed to have the care and comfort that Leah provided in his last years. He appreciated her help as he transitioned to James Street Residence and later to Muskoka Shores. The family would like to thank the staff at James Street, for almost eight years Rosalind Marshall made James Street a perfect home for him and always had time to listen. Muskoka Shores made Clarence welcome, and he liked how everyone knew his name.

The family will receive friends at Reynold’s Funeral Home in Bracebridge on Monday, August 19 from 6 to 8 pm. The service will be held at the Salvation Army church on Tuesday August 20 at 1 pm at 456 Manitoba Street in Bracebridge. A reception at the church will be followed by interment at St. Thomas Anglican Cemetery.