Skip to content

June 5, 1940 - March 28, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gerald on Saturday, March 28th in N.R.G.H Palliative Care after a long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma.
Gerald was born on June 5, 1940 in Wainwright, Alberta. He was the only child of F/O Gerald McLaughlin Taylor and Euphemia Ross Callas. He received his Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta in 1965 and earned his Masters in Music Education from the University of Victoria in 1990. Gerald taught school band in Calgary and Edmonton before moving to Nanaimo in 1969. He initially taught the Kodaly method of music education under the leadership of Isabel and Alastair Highet and was an itinerant band teacher in many district elementary schools. He moved onto Wellington Secondary School as band director where he taught all aspects of concert and jazz band for 16 years. He taught along with some of the great music educators and musicians, Bryan Stovell, Norm Porter and the late Dave Strong, Ken Ryall and Marv Worden. He retired in 1996 and handed over the baton to his very capable successor, Carmella Luvisotto.
In retirement he continued playing the alto saxophone in the Nanaimo Concert Band which he was in for 41 years, the Nanaimo Musicians Association Stage Band which he played with for 35 years and many smaller band ensembles.
Throughout his working career in Nanaimo and into retirement he enjoyed his love of sailing and boating. He was a member of the Nanaimo Yacht Club for 46 years. Gerald, Jean and their children spent many wonderful summers cruising the waters of Desolation Sound in their 27ft. Paceship sailboat, SHAROS. He had a great love of the ocean and nature. Gerald and Jean's final boat after 40 years of sailing was a 25 ft. Ranger Tug, FINALE.
Gerald is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years Jean, and their children, Shawn (Erika), Karen (Allan), and Ross (Christine), and 4 grandchildren, Finna, Nathan, Silas and Cole. He also leaves behind his loving sister, Geraldine (Brant), brother, Jim (Tracy), and brother-in-law, Jon (Paula) as well as a niece, nephews, uncle and many cousins. He was well loved and will be missed by many friends, extended family, colleagues, boaters and past students.
A special thank you to Dr. Nick Janssen for all of his care and kindness over the years as well as oncologist, Dr. N. MacPherson of the Victoria Cancer Clinic. We also want to express our deepest appreciation to the wonderful nurses and staff at the Nanaimo Palliative Care Unit for their warmth and compassion during Gerald's final days.
Private family burial at Cedar Memorial Gardens. A celebration of life to be held at the Nanaimo Yacht Club at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerald's memory can be made to myelomacanada.ca and would be greatly appreciated.
And now abide Faith, Hope and Love, these three; But The Greatest of These is Love.
1 Corinthians 13:13



Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.