
Ken Taylor

KEN TAYLOR
February 22, 1956 – December 25, 2024
“If you’re reading this, you know
I’ve changed address…”
That’s how Ken wanted this to start! Ken joked that he always worked best with a deadline— but even he couldn’t push this one back any further. Ken “sailed away” on fair seas and following winds at home on December 25th. Kris, his wife of 41 years, and devoted dog Behr were there to kiss him goodbye.
Ken embraced parenting at an early age, welcoming Steve and Amy and single parenting them for 5 years until he found the perfect co-conspirator in Kris. When the big kids were ready to leave the nest, Kris was ready to feather it further…and first Allyson, then Laur (James) were doted on in turn.
Kids brought out the silly goose in Ken, who delighted in composing songs, dancing like a penguin, commandeering science projects, and soliciting company for trips to Princess Auto. He spent years enthusiastically coaching hockey and soccer, cheering on the cheerleader, and watching first cartoons and then teen dramas and British comedy. Grandkids Alex, Keera, Skye, and Joe were welcomed with the same exuberance. When Laur, the last to leave the nest, convinced her Pa that no family was complete without a “puptato,” Behr trotted onto the scene and play resumed forever after.
A free spirit and passionate entrepreneur, Ken decided early on that being his own boss was best. Taylor Insulation was followed by 25 years in the photofinishing and framing industry with Photopro, established with longtime friend Joel. Ken’s WindowWashing kept him busy for his remaining years.
Over thirty years ago Ken took a very pregnant Kris out on a HobieCat for sale at Grand Beach. With a queasy Kris’s blessing, Ken fulfilled his longtime dream of owning a catamaran. He joined the Victoria Beach Yacht Club and became a daringly competitive sailor. The wilder the wind, the more Ken was in his element! Through the Yacht Club, Ken made lifelong friends and had several lifetimes’ worth of adventure—culminating in winning the sailing season this past summer. The sailors took such care with Ken as his energy faded and continued to faithfully check in with Ken throughout the fall. The whole family is deeply grateful for their love and support.
Ken was very open about his cancer diagnosis and fought back with characteristic determination and humour. Ken was also clear that he was not afraid of dying: his only wish was to continue to care for and support his family.
The family is very thankful for the excellent care Ken received from the doctors and nursing team at the Buhler Cancer centre. The nurses with the WRHA Palliative Care Program who visited Ken at home and provided 24/7 phone support delivered care with compassion and dignity.
A celebration of Ken’s life will be held on what would have been his 69th birthday: 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 22nd at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 200 Dalhousie Drive, in Fort Richmond, Winnipeg.
Ken’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Cremation & Life Celebrations
530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg
204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com
Memories, Stories and Condolences
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Marek Rzeszutek
February 16, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Ken and I were initially brought together by our shared passion for sailing, and that passion turned into a deep friendship. I spent countless hours with Ken on the boat—if something wasn’t going right, he was always working to fix it; if things were going well, he was focused on making them even better. Racing alongside Ken was always a great experience, but in the past few seasons, racing against him became incredibly challenging. Ken had a unique ability to make any boat go fast.
I’ve known Ken for over 15 years. There were times we didn’t speak for a while, but whenever we reconnected, it felt like we picked up right where we left off. Our friendship only grew stronger. Ken was always supportive, and I could always count on his honest opinions—not just about sailing, but about life in general.
I know that “changing address” wasn’t your choice, and I know you fought hard. No matter where you are, I hope you find a place where you can sail. My family and I will miss you.

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Amy Taylor - daughter
February 11, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Missing you more than you'll ever know! It is still hard to believe you are gone. My favorite things growing up were the funny accents (Scottish in particular), impromptu comedy that just popped out of your mouth for no reason but to be fun. I still laugh when those things pop into my head. Rum tee buckety ting tang too awoo, and 1 more crust before I bust are the ones that pop into my head the most. I laughed so hard I cried ha ha.
I have enjoyed many years of working with you as well, starting at the Fort Richmond mall with the first photo shop, I think I was about 12. I would take the city bus there. I could greet customers but had to call you Ken which didn't go over well with my mouth ha ha. Calling my dad by name seemed wrong. I could put the film in the envelopes and mark them, then clip them on the rack for processing. Then I did bookkeeping for the 4 stores. I had my kids and then worked for Ken's Window Washing.
What a ride it's been Daddy. I sure wish it wasn't over. I think of you every day and feel your warm hugs. I know you'd be saying "it'll be ok peanut, I love you". But it sure doesn't feel ok right now.
Love you forever.

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Shirley Adam
February 10, 2025 at 12:45 PM
I came to know Ken through my long friendship with Kris who always spoke of him with so much love. As I read his obituary I realized he truly lived by the adage: When the Lord closes a door He always opens a Window.
I send my sincere condolences to Kris and all of Ken's children and celebrate with them a life well lived.
Shirley Adam

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Lance Lamond Birth Born March 20 1955 Winnipeg ,
February 9, 2025 at 1:53 AM
My Buddy Friend of many passions
and School Winnipeg years. Adventures Intrests Hobbies and Building Model Rockets...
I introduced to my Uncle Adrian
Ken who become life long friends..
My Family moved to Edmonton from Winnipeg in 1969. Adrian and Ken remained friend till my Uncle Adrian
Also Cancer Victim { 50 } years Old...
We remained buddies friends thru telephone call conversation and occassionly trip visit back to Winnipeg.
May Heaven Winds Fill Your Journey Ken { R.I.P. } till we meet again....
I

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Karen Grislis & Family
February 8, 2025 at 7:23 PM
"All you need is love…"
Family was such a source of happiness for Ken, and he always made us feel welcome, although we couldn’t make it to Winnipeg often. That warmth extended to aunties too – seen here, Laverne and Susie.
In recent years, he was around to welcome us at the door, or, taking a break from work, sitting in his favorite blue corduroy swivel chair. "Come on in, sit down," he’d say in a light-hearted voice, smiling. And we would do just that.
We love you and we miss you, Ken. Our love and sincere sympathy to Kris, and to their children and grandchildren.



Lance Lamond from Winnipeg, Manitoba
February 8, 2025 at 11:55 AM
My Name is Lance Lamond Born Birth City Winnipeg Manitoba March 20 1955
It is sadness sorrow to hear the passing
Ken Taylor - my childhood buddy youth of many years before moving to
Edmonton, Alberta my family in 1969.
I called telephone and kept in touch
on back hone visits till Covid 2019...
My name Grandmother- Cecile Lamond { R.I.P.} lived at 948 Warsaw Avenue
Down the oppositevside of the street
I meet Ken and became buddies friends during in Winnipeg while his private school Raven Court...
We shared many days and dreams hours and of hobbies Building Models and Model Rockets. Life is Short...
Live ❤️ Love Laugh - Ken always was Happy Funny Joking about his family and his eventually own family life.
He walked his own path of life.
It is sadness and sorrow to hear of his eternal passing new address Heaven..
Condolences and Sympathies to his Children { He loved } and Chris- Wife and many friends who knew Ken { R.I.P. }

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Chris Bishop
February 7, 2025 at 12:06 PM
I met Ken 6 years ago when I moved to Victoria Beach and decided to take up sailing again after 40 years onshore. I was lucky that he needed a crew and was willing to take me on. It was a real pleasure to sail with Ken - he was patient as I learned the ropes of sailing his Tiger and was an advocate for working together to make decisions as races progressed.
I want to share an experience I had with Ken the last weekend he raced which epitomizes my memory of Ken. We were heading to the third mark of the race and were leading the fleet. However we had gone on a different tack than the others and were becalmed. We sat in the boat watching the others making headway and clearly take the lead. Ken was thinking of tacking but suggested I stand up and scout around for the wind.
I reported that I saw ripples to the west near the middle of the lake and that I thought the wind was moving our way. It is difficult to be patient in a boat as others make progress towards a mark, but Ken was. The next minute seemed to take forever.
Finally, the wind arrived and as the boat lifted up and started flying to the next mark, I saw the most beautiful smile radiate on Ken's face. He was in his element flying sailboats !
Ken, my skipper, friend and mentor, we will miss you. May the wind always fill your sails !

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