The Canadian Kennel Club is very saddened to hear that R. William Taylor has passed away. Bill was a CKC Life Member and an influential breeder—with great success breeding Pekingese, Brussels Griffons and Poodles over the years.
In 1953, Bill judged his first shows in Canada: the Toy and Non-Sporting groups at the Ascot Kennel Club in Toronto and we
nt on to become an internationally-renowned judge. He was also the proud recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for a lifetime commitment to purebred dogs.
Bill Taylor was recognized as a CKC Living Legend during the Club’s 125
th Anniversary in 2013 and at that time we asked him about the highlights of his career:
“There were many highlights in my career and all concerned dogs and judging. The Westminster Kennel Club Bests in Show wins of Chik T’Su, and Dragonora, judging the Toy groups at both Westminster and Crufts, the Best in Show at Australia’s largest dog show The Melbourne Royal. Judging Best in Show at four General Championship shows in the U.K., one in Wales, one in Scotland and two in England which included Windsor. The breeding of St Aubrey Jubilation of Elsdon the top Best in Show winning Pekingese in Canada. Perhaps my most vivid recollection was the totally unexpected Best in Show at the great Westchester Kennel Club in America in 1955 with the Pekingese Eng. and Am. Ch. Caversham Ko Ko of Shanrus who beat America’s best on the day. The spotlight was on the dog and we were on our way. Our careers took off.”
What a career and what a legacy! The world of purebred dogs has indeed lost a very special person.
Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones and all the friends whose lives he touched. His memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 9th at Saint-Malachie's Catholic Church, 10 rue Bridge, Ormstown, Quebec.
For a touching look back at Bill Taylor’s life, please view this
wonderful memoir by Andrew H. Brace.