Taylor, Charles Deanne

It is with profound sadness that the family of Charles Deanne Taylor, age 62 years, announce his passing at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hospice Unit on Saturday June 4, 2011, after soldiering a year long battle with cancer

Dean was born and raised in Thunder Bay (Current River) attending Claude Garton Elementary School and then Lakeview High School where he achieved his Grade 12 Diploma.

Following High School he entered Lakehead University whereby he completed his first year of a Business Administration Program. Deciding that the program was not a fix for him, he secured employment as a Labourer at the Provincial Paper Mill where he worked for a brief time when he was hired on a contract basis at the Municipal Assessment Office being trained as an Assessment Officer. The contract expired and he received employment with the Canadian Grain Commission (1972), first as a Lab Technician, then as a Grain Inspector (1974), being trained on the job to perform his duties. In February of 1976, Dean secured his career dream job of Professional Fire Fighter for the City of Thunder Bay. He loved every aspect of the position and was so very proud of being a member of the Fire Fighter Brotherhood. Dean, while working fulltime successfully achieved his Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in Geography and Sociology completing it on a part-time basis.

Dean advanced to the rank of Acting Captain when in 1995 His health began to decline being diagnosed with Systemic Lupus. Unable to perform the physical aspects of active Fire Fighting, the Fire Department graciously offered the position of Fire Prevention Officer to him. He accepted their offer and enjoyed working in that capacity until the year 2000 when his illness required him to leave the position. Officially, Dean retired early in 2002 from this position as well.

Dean loved most sports and actively played baseball and hockey in his early adult years. He then took up the sport of Golf and the love for his sport became quite evident as his skill level developed. His wish for this summer was to have one more golf game at Strathcona Golf Course - God however, had other plans for him. Dean also loved to fish and moose hunting with his good friends John Mill and George Bruley during his healthier years. Many times he would come home with the story that he shot one biggest moose he had ever seen but it got away. The bullet must have ricocheted off an antler- he said.

Dean was a caring and helpful person. Although he was quiet by nature he would go about the business of helping his family without expectations of anything in return. He cared for his mother up until the last year when his health would not permit him to do so anymore. His sister (Judy Stranges) then stepped into the care giving role. Not only would he help family members but he was more than willing to give a hand to our neighbours and friends. He will be missed dearly.

Finally he also loved to travel to warmer climates in the winter when his health permitted. Many vacations to Myrtle Beach, Arizona and the Caribbean were enjoyed by him.

Dean will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by Darlene, his wife and life partner of 33 years; his mother Mrs. Myrtle Wakefield; sisters and brothers-in-law Sandra and Brian Traynor – their children: Lise (Chris) Smith, Brian Junior, Judy and Mike Stranges – Judy’s children and Mike’s step-children: Tammy Watkins and Dana Hodder ; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Lynda and Tom Trelinski – their children Jay (Madeline) and Warren (Sherry), brother-in-law and sister-in-law Keith and Maureen Broman, brother-in-law Glen Broman; aunts; uncles; cousins; great nephews and great nieces also survive. He was predeceased by his father George Deane Taylor -1981; father-in-law Carl Broman -1992; step-father Jack Wakefield – 1993; mother-in-law Ida Broman – 2004 and niece Jennifer Traynor – 2003.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, June 8th, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, officiated by Pastor Matthew Diegel of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Interment will take place in Riverside Cemetery following the reception. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday evening (TONIGHT) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Dean’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Fire Fighter’s Toys for Tots Program.

On-Line Condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca