Friends, colleagues and West Islanders from all walks of life packed the Rideau Funeral Home in Dollard des Ormeaux last Thursday to say farewell to Frank Taylor, a decorated 30-year police constable who spent most of his career patrolling the streets of the West Island. Taylor died at his home in St. Lazare on Jan. 30 at the age of 80.
Long known as the “king of Cloverdale,” Taylor was remembered as a dedicated police officer, family man and role model for West Island youth. He patrolled the region’s north shore municipalities for three decades, before retiring in 1998. Taylor served out of the former station 12 in Pierrefonds and station 4, but began his policing career with the town of Hampstead.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude for your presence at my father’s funeral,” his daughter Patricia Taylor told mourners. “Your support during this difficult time has meant the world to our family.”
Friends, neighbours and colleagues also paid tribute to Taylor on social media, praising him for his generosity, kindness, sense of humour and for giving hope to young people.
“Frank Taylor was a great man and an amazing cop,” said Shawn Fitzgerald, whose father patrolled with Taylor. “He and my dad always laughed it up together. The Taylors’ loss is my loss, having known him over 40 years. His laughter will be missed by me.”
“A true legend, Mr. 12-4, Frank Taylor has left us,” wrote Sûreté du Québec dispatcher Stéphane Brunet, adding: “Frank marked the lives of so many for so many years. Through his great generosity and his good cheer, he was a friend to everyone. Today, my sadness is immense, but I promise that when I think of you, Frank, I will smile – but just not today.”
In 1997, Taylor was honoured with a Canadian Police Association Top Cop Award and a Montreal police order of merit for having risked his life trying to save a suicidal Boston man who had driven his car into Rivière des Prairies in Ste. Geneviève in 1996. Taylor rushed out of his cruiser and used an old rowboat that had a hole in it (which he plugged up with a shirt) to attempt to reach the victim, pulling him back to shore. Sadly, the man did not survive.
Last Thursday as the family received condolence, Patricia Taylor particularly praised members of the Low Vision Self-Help Association, who travelled from various destinations to pay their respects. Taylor himself faced the challenges of macular degeneration in recent years.
“Among peers who intimately understood the struggles he endured, he discovered a sense of camaraderie and gained practical advice that went beyond the confines of medical consultations,” Patricia Taylor said. “The impact of this group on his emotional well-being was immeasurable.”
Taylor is survived by Heidi Luther, his wife of 60 years, his daughters Patricia and Jennifer, and his precious pooch, Henry.