Harold “Sonny” Alfred Taylor

Peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Vision Nursing Home, Harold “Sonny” Alfred Taylor, at the age of 90, rounded third base to head home in the bottom of the 9th, scoring the winning run to be reunited with his teammates in Heaven.

Harold is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 50 years, Dini Taylor. He will forever be remembered by his children: Lynn (late Dale) Erickson, James (Kerstin)Taylor, and their mother Mary Louise Taylor; Shannon (Bryan) Robinson; Joleen(Nathan) Kushnier; Stefany (Trevor) Jamieson; and Trevor (Bevin) Taylor. He will be dearly missed by his grand children Joseph, Josh (Naomi), Sarah (Ross),Rylie (Cole), Tatum, Kaitlyn, Alora, Brandon, Zuri, Taylor & Benjamin, as well as his great grand children, Oakley and Dane.

Harold, born December 5, 1934 and raised in Sarnia, Ontario, was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Orilla Calcut, brother George, sister Betty (Jim) Kettle. He is survived by his sister, Dorothy (late Sam) Dunn, brother, Tom (Delores) Hillis, sister-in law Clari (late Bruce) Thornicroft, sister-in-law Fran (late Harry) Van De Hoef, brother-in-law Garry (Mary) Van De Hoef, and many nieces and nephews.

In his 90 years, Harold, aka “Sonny”, spent countless hours on the ball diamond -coaching, mentoring, and playing the game he loved. He coached many of his children’s sports teams, and played ball himself into his early 70s. Sonny’s passion for sports left a lasting impression on many young athletes. His exceptional coaching style, unwavering dedication, and enthusiasm for sport, inspired generations.

Harold also gave generously of his time volunteering to support his children and his community. He enjoyed helping with special school lunch days, organizing book fairs, and chaperoning field trips. He also spent many hours behind the scenes at Pathways Health Centre, wrapping gifts for their Secret Santa Shoppe and barbecuing at multiple community events. An active member of Emmanuel Presbyterian Church (formerly Paterson Memorial), Harold volunteered for a variety of roles and committees for many years offering quiet, steadfast support wherever needed.

A hard-working employee of Dow Chemical for almost 40 years, Harold brought his expertise to the warehouse and several other divisions, taking pride in his work and his contributions to the company.

Harold was also a world traveler with a special love for cruises. He had many memorable trips with Dini and family throughout Canada, the Caribbean, Alaska, Hong Kong and Europe.

Above all else, Harold deeply cherished his family. He took immense pride in the lives and accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in his heart. His love for them was unwavering, and they, in turn, were his greatest joy. Through them, his spirit and legacy will live on.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and volunteers at Vision Nursing Home  for their exceptional care and kindness. A special thanks also to the Alzheimer’s Society of Sarnia, along with the Day Programs at VON and Marshall Gowland Manor for all their support over the last few years.

Cremation has taken place and a private family burial will be held at Lakeview Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather for a Memorial Service on Saturday, September 6th at 1:00pm at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church (formerly Paterson Memorial), 120 Russell Street South, Sarnia, followed by a Celebration of Life/Visitation from 2:00 – 4:00pm in the church hall. Guests are encouraged to wear their favourite sports team attire and dress will be casual.

In lieu of flowers, sympathy may be expressed through donations to the Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-Lambton (Local Programs and Services), Vision Nursing & Rest Home, or your favourite charity.

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