It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Austin Richard Taylor on April 6 2022 at Groves Memorial Hospital with his two favourite girls at his side, his wife Sandra and daughter Rebecca. Richard was the most beautiful man imaginable and put up a hard fight until the very end. To know Richard is to have experienced his huge generosity and respect for everyone. Friends were family and he loved to socialize… no-one would ever go hungry in his presence. One thing for certain is that he had immense love and was loved. He had the biggest heart. Born on January 20, 1955 in Croydon, UK to the late Philip Austin Taylor (1968) and Edith Irene Taylor (nèe Robinson). As a young man, Richard travelled extensively throughout Europe, south-east Asia, south-central Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands before discovering Canada. He settled in Fergus where he owned and operated Richlyn Nursery and Garden Centre. Richard was a true philanthropist and hosted numerous antique shows at Richlyn with proceeds going to the Groves Hospital and Theatre on the Grand as well he hosted Canada World Youth at his home. In 2001 Richard was named Centre Wellington Citizen of the Year. He was actively involved in the Groves Hospital Volunteer Association and was instrumental in building the ‘New to You Thrift Shop’ with proceeds supporting the Groves Hospital. Within hours of Richard’s passing, his mum Edith Irene Taylor joined him. We take comfort in knowing that they are together and expect that they have received a warm welcome from his father Philip and will be enjoying the likes of a Gin and Tonic before dinner. Left to mourn the loss of both Richard and mum is Richard’s brother David, David’s wife Julie and Richard’s nieces Jessica (Adam) and Sophie (Harry). Richard was the proud ‘Gruncle’ to Jess and Sophie’s children Olivia, Iona, Imogen, Lyla & Reuben. He will be deeply missed by his Canadian family, Mary Gummerson, Rae Kelly, Luke Kelly, Kelly Belanger and Sweet Baby James. A celebration of life for Richard will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Grand River Regional Cancer Centre and St. Mary’s General Hospital.
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