Delbert James Taylor

Delbert Taylor

1941 – 2018

On November 11, 2018 Delbert passed away quietly at the age of 77 in the Swan Valley Health Facilities. Delbert was born to Jim and Emma Taylor in Swan River, Manitoba on July 3, 1941. He grew up in the Swan River area and attended the Big Woody School.

He and his sister, Darlene Cornforth, took figure skating lessons and later he coached Big Woody boys’ hockey team.

He exercised horses for Darryl Lumax and worked for a few years at the Inco mine in Thompson, Manitoba.

Met and married Helen on January 14, 1972. They raised five children along with numerous animals; including cows, pigs, chickens, and horses. For twenty-nine years, with the help of Helen and the children, they operated the PMU barn. For many years he raced pony chariot and chuck wagons at various rodeos. He even had the privilege to race before the Queen in Swan River in 1967. Later he raced Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses with Henry, Buddy, Bill and Lindsay. Now there were some stories to hear.

Many a time he challenged his kids and grandkids to foot races across to the barnyard. He usually lost the race. He had quite the colourful language that the grandkids could only repeat at the farm. Always took time to give any and everyone a cart ride with the ponies.

Jim Reich baled thousands of hay bales with Delbert and they had many discussions on the size of the bales, or the correct size of the bales. He had many a coffee conversation with Ed and Cedelia through the years while pasturing the cows and horses. He always enjoyed the ‘hunting adventures’ with Larry and Jim. We believe there was more talking than hunting. He grew a garden for the Swan Market Garden and had many enjoyable visits with the other gardeners. Always called on his kids and Darryl when help was needed.

Delbert loved watching sports while sleeping in his chair and letting Mom beat him playing crib every morning. Loved fishing with his family and friends. He loved to coffee and visit with anyone and everyone who would stop by. He always told everyone if you have enough gas to get out here, I will fill you up with purple to get home. He spent many hours travelling down every road in the Valley with Mom whenever he got the chance just to see what was at the end of it.

Delbert didn’t like to fly, however, he did venture to Washington, DC to see the 911 Memorial Gardens and Audy Murphy’s grave site in Arlington Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife Helen; daughters Judy, Trina (Darryl), Kathy (John) and Angie (Mark); his sons Greg (Kelly) and Darcy (Megan); twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren; his brother Roy; and sister Darlene.

He was predeceased by his parents Jim and Emma Taylor; brother Cecil; and sister Olive.

In keeping with Delbert’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at later date.

If friends so desire, donations in Delbert’s memory may be made to: Swan Valley Health Facilities Foundation – Cancer Care Chemo Ward.

Swan Valley Funeral Services

363 Kelsey Trail

Swan River, Manitoba

204-734-5775   www.swanvalleyfuneralservices.com

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