Cliff Taylor was born on August 11, 1924, the only son of Archie and Violet (nee Putland) Taylor and brother to Audrey (Bridgewater, currently of Edmonton, AB) and Iris (Aichelle, currently of Saltcoats, SK). He was born on the family homestead and resided there until failing health required him to move into Bredenbury in 2007. In 1946, he met the love of his life, Ruth Hicks. They were married on June 28, 1947 and made their home on the family farm alongside his parents. After his father, Archie retired, Cliff continued to carry on the farming legacy with his sons, Don and Scott. Cliff was the secretary of the United Grain Growers for 49 years, until the elevator closed, and also served on several other rural boards. He was involved with some curling - primarily the Farmer's Bonspiel, winning a few trophies over the years. For many years, Cliff was involved in trap shooting, and served in various positions with the Churchbridge Gun Club. He was very proud of his trophy collection, just ask anyone who stopped by for a visit! His love and passion for life was contagious. Cliff was very competitive, regardless of the age of his opponent. It didn't matter if you were 7 or 70 - you had to win fair and square. Cliff took great pride in passing on his love of caroms, trap shooting, pool and shuffle board to his children and grandchildren. Cliff gave his life to the Lord in the fall of 1946. He was a faithful member of the Saltcoats Nazarene Church, serving on the board for several years. For 20 years he and Ruth attended Rio Honda Baptist Church every winter while they were down south and Cliff was worshipping at Parkland Community Church in Yorkton until his passing. He lived his life as a true example of Christ's love. His philosophy was "lead by example" and not to tell others how he thought life should be lived. Ruth and Cliff spent 21 years as "Winter Texans" in Weslaco, Texas and then due to health problems, decided to go to Victoria for several winters. Cliff began to be plagued by a multitude of health problems that eventually robbed him of his mobility and independence. He made the most of even this tough situation, and loved to race around Bredenbury on his scooter and feel the wind in his face. His infectious laugh, sense of humour, love of animals - especially his pets - and his gentle spirit will live on forever in the memories his family and friends hold so dear. Cliff passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 5, 2012 at St. Anthony's Hospital in Esterhazy, SK. He was predeceased by his parents, Archie and Violet and his son-in-law, Oscar Wingrove. Cliff leaves to mourn his passing and celebrate his life, his loving and beloved wife of 65 years, Ruth of Bredenbury, SK; his children, Don (Joan) Taylor of Bredenbury, SK and their children, Devin (Carol) and Holly (Dennis); Bev Wingrove of Zelma, SK and her children, Dan (Lesley), Lori (Kurtis) and Mike (Denise); Linda (Harold) Metzler of Bredenbury, SK, and their children, Tammy, Kim and Jeff; Patricia Taylor of Bredenbury; and Scott (Violet) Taylor of Bredenbury, SK and their children, Cora, Tim (Ashley), Jennifer (Tim), Mathew, Lisa (Victor), Sarah (Dan) and Nathan as well as his 22 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Audrey Bridgewater and Iris Aichelle and their families and many other relatives and friends. A Private Family Funeral Service was held on Saturday, August 11, 2012 from the Parkland Community Church in Yorkton, SK with Mr. Fred Nicholson officiating. The organist, Alice Peters, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Jesus, I Come", "What A Friend We Have In Jesus", "What A Day That Will Be", "Jesus Loves Me". Cliff was remembered in tribute and eulogy by his sons, Don and Scott Taylor. The Interment Service followed in the Bredenbury Town Cemetery with Cliff's grandsons, Dan Leonhardt, Devin Taylor, Tim Taylor, Mike Wingrove, Jeff Metzler, Matt Taylor and Nathan Laxdal serving as casket bearers. The Honourary Pallbearers were his granddaughters, Lori Hope, Cora Sully, Tammy Metzler, Kim Metzler, Holly Molden, Jennifer Wasyliw, Lisa Loeppky and Sarah Stumph. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
