William TAYLOR Obituary

Mr Taylor ( I can't call him Bill ) was my class teacher and the principal at National Park School when I attended in the 1970's. A favourite time of the day was story time .. so very priviledged .. and who can forget our stage production of his very funny fairy tale 'Cinderella Brown'.. Our short home/school made movie adaptation of the 'Tortoise and the Hare'.. and our end of year class production 'Snow White and the Seven and a half Dwarfs ( Percy was his name ).
I last saw Mr Taylor at the School Reunion .. I'm so very glad I did .. and yes he remembered me .. just lovely. Rest in Peace .. tears of mixed emotions flow while writing this ..for your passing and for the joy you brought your Students .. I for one feel blessed for having had the pleasure .. Sleep well Mr Taylor

Such sad news. I hadn't seen "Uncle Bill" for such a long time but always thought of him warmly - great memories of visiting every time our family drove through the area, loved hearing about what he was up to. He was always so encouraging and supportive of my dreams to be a writer as well, he was such an inspiration. Will be sadly missed but very fondly remembered.

Condolences to the family. Many thanks for the wonderful legacy of stories left behind that still manage to grab an audience!

It was amazing to meet you back in 1988 Uncle Bill and to have the privilege and honour of knowing and being related to you. I hold close to me always the silk flower and photos you gave me that you had kept from when I was a baby. They are the most precious and healing gift I have ever been given. Sorry I could not be there for your final farewell you will be forever in my heart.

Fondly remembered as a friend and mentor to the Taumarunui Writer's Group and as a kind, humourous, cultured intelligent man.
Glenda and Phil Burkett

Sending all my love .xoxo All the treasures that were and are a part of Uncle Bill. Please always be that "one more angel that is known by name" Stay safe.

Thanks, Bill for your groundbreaking contribution to New Zealand kids' literature. You made us real, you made us laugh, you made us think. Sleep well.

Our sympathy to the family- particularly James who I taught. Great man. Great stories. Still read them to my class. A shock. Thoughts are with the family.
Ruth and Chris Jackson, Whanganui

Very sorry to hear about Bill Taylor departing our world. I have fond memories of visiting Bill`s place to see him and Robin. Bill loved talking and conversations with Bill were always fascinating, challenging and enjoyable. Robin, respect to you for managing to spend the last few weeks of Bill`s time here with him. My thoughts are with you and your family and I wish Bill peace.

really admired you Bill, I treasure your books for all time. Condolences to your family and friends. You were one of a mold Bill.

Never did spend enough time with you in person, mostly it was email - will miss you cousin Bill Love and Shalom Gay

Sad to see you go Bill. You were my Principal at National Park School, in 1990, and I remember we had such fun taking the senior class up skiing each week in the winter. We both joined into the ski lessons with the children and you were very pleased with yourself to learn to ski. It was like paradise up there in 1990-lots of sun and snow. I remember your son Robin too helping out at the school at times. Heartfelt sympathy to your family at this time. Rest In Peace Bill. Joss Richardson Erua National Park.

Rest in peace Bill. We valued our time working with you on the Taylor Memorial Trust. Our thoughts are with your family at this sad time.
Peter and Lynette Wray

I knew Bill as my friend Rob's father and a contemporary of my mother Jill's they were a T-Coll together. I always thought of Bill as a renaissance man, a teacher, mayor, writer and lover of the arts. I respected his preference for the back country, although he kept up with the world, was a great observer and lover of life, and an engaging conversationalist on any topic you cared to raise. Rob, huge acknowledgements to your efforts to be with, support and love Bill over the last few years. You gave him something real, and it was the kind of comfort he needed. Isla & Leon may he live on through you.

A dear friend and colleague, going back to Fielding Intermediate. Fond memories of visiting in Ohakune with our family, and latterly dropping in at Raurimu. Yes we enjoyed strong tea and scones whenever we made the detour off the main road and found Bill home..we loved hearing news of Robin and Julian and the grandchildren. Our children -now adults of course- have several autographed books, which we have all enjoyed..
A great children's author and a true gentleman. We will miss you Bill, as will your family who you loved dearly.

Great memories of a wonderful teacher at Feilding Intermediate. You inspired me to read heaps.Rest peacefully