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Walter C Taylor

September 30, 2007

TAYLOR - Walter G.

Wing Commander CD, Royal Canadian Airforce (retired)

August 3, 1917 - September 30, 2007


Walt was born August 3, 1917 and departed September 30, 2007. He started his military service at the age of nine as a bugle boy with the Battleford Light Infantry. He became known as Canada’s youngest pensionable soldier having attended summer military camps at Prince Albert, Bigger and Dundurn, Sask. He was the subject of a spirited exchange of opinions in the Federal Parliament between the Opposition Leader John Diefenbaker and the Defense Minister Paul Hellyer regarding his pensionable service from such a young age.

Walt enlisted in the RCAF in 1937 at age 19 as Aircraftsman 2nd class and retired voluntarily in 1963 while serving at Air Transport Command as senior financial advisor to the Air Officer Commanding.

Walt met his wife Emily in Winnipeg in 1938 and married in Calgary in 1940. During his service Walt and Emily had many postings including two-year stint in London, England where they were privileged to meet King George VI at a garden party in Buckingham Palace. Walt is survived by his loving wife Emily of 65 plus years, daughter Valerie and brother Squadron Leader Bob Taylor CD retired, cousin Glen Willet Squadron Leader retired, sister-in-law Marie Miller, and many other relatives. His parents, sisters Evelyn RN, Phylis and brother George a Spitfire pilot who was killed in 1941, predeceased him.

In summary, Walt had a good life. He enjoyed his service in the RCAF, traveled a great deal, ocean to ocean many times in Canada and in Europe including the British Isle. He served under and with some very fine armed forces personnel and had many friends in all walks of life.

A Remembrance Service will be held at the Comox Legion October 12th at 1:00pm. In remembrance of Walt a donation to the SPCA or Glacier View Lodge would be greatly appreciated.



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