Ronald James Edwin Taylor

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Ronald James Edwin Taylor on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at Bluewater Health. Ron is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Betty” (née Quaid), his daughter Evelyn (Evan Rose) of Sarnia, brother Bill Taylor of London, sister Lyn Reidy (Ken) of Grand Bend, brother-in-law Rob Quaid (Ann Sutton) of Grand Bend, sisters-in-law Donna Blue (Keith) of South Bruce Peninsula, Shirley Kelley of Sarnia and Beverley Taylor of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Leonard and Betty Taylor (née Copeland), his brother Allen Taylor of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, sister-in-law Jean Taylor of London, and brother-in-law John Kelley of Sarnia. Ron was born on March 13, 1949, in London, Ontario, to Leonard and Betty Taylor. As the son of a Royal Canadian Air Force Corporal, Ron joked that he was an “Air Force brat.” Family life in the RCAF meant frequent relocations. As a toddler, the family moved to North Luffenham, England, before returning to Canada to Centralia, Ontario. They later moved to Marville, France, followed by Bagotville, Quebec. As a teen, the family moved to North Bay where Ron was in the first graduating class of Widdifield Secondary School. After graduation, Ron took a leap of faith and travelled to Sarnia with friends after hearing there was steady work to be found. That decision shaped the rest of his career. In 1968, he began working at Imperial Oil, starting in operations before spending the majority of his 36-year career in the Research Department where his name appeared on several patents. One chance day in 1971, Ron stopped into A&W and was served by a carhop, Betty Quaid. A conversation led to a first date, and they were married in 1973. Ron and Betty were married for 53 loving years and were blessed with their daughter Evelyn who was Ron’s pride and joy. His dream was to give Evelyn every opportunity he never had growing up, and he took great pride in doing exactly that. Ron was an avid member of Indian Hills Golf Club since 1978. Anyone who knew Ron, knew he absolutely lived and breathed golf. If he wasn’t playing golf, he was watching it on TV. Indian Hills was his happy place and home away from home. After he retired from Imperial Oil, Ron was a marshal for years while also still playing a round Monday to Friday. A career highlight was on May 9th, 2022, on the 9th hole when Ron marked his 9th career hole-in-one. Always there to celebrate with him were the Indian Hills staff, and his best golf buddies Mark, Bonnie, Steve and Jerry, who he loved like family, as well as his long-time best friend Stevie Mason. Ron will be remembered for his loyalty to family and friends, his love of reading and crossword puzzles, his sense of humour, and never missing an episode of Jeopardy. In honour of Ron’s memory, take time to play a round of golf, listen to a Bob Dylan record, and share some fun stories with friends. A special thank you to Bluewater Health and the kindness that was received in the emergency department; to Dr. Al-Zubaidi, Dr. Sung, Dr. McCreery and Dr. Jasmine Davies for their care and support, as well as all of the Bluewater Health nurses who provided exemplary care to Ron in his final days. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Ron’s life at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:30am, followed by a funeral service at 11:30am. Donations in Ron’s memory can be made to Bluewater Health or to a charity of your choice (cheques only at the funeral home, please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.

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