Obituary of Francis Taylor

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Francis “Frank” Taylor of Jewetts Mills, New Brunswick, Canada on Monday, December 30th, 2024.

Frank was born on October 13th, 1947 in Coatbridge, Scotland, the third son of the late James Francis & Mary Bridget (McKenna) Taylor.

Frank was a wonderful, caring husband and will be mourned by his wife of 31 years Elizabeth Jane (Warren-Perry) Taylor. Frank loved and cared for their family dogs over the years (Duchess, Norah, Nelson, Beamer, Tegwin & Tessa). He cherished his time with their new Toy Manchester Terrier Sherlock.

Frank enjoyed folk music during his youth in Scotland and was the member of a number of folk bands and folk clubs in the Glasgow area. His story telling through song writing was inspired by this vibrant folk scene. Frank apprenticed as a manufacturing furrier in Glasgow, Scotland, moved to London, England in the late 1960’s, then Montreal, Canada, setting foot in Canada on December 31st, 1969.

Frank joined the Sons of Erin folk band and subsequently moved to Newfoundland in 1972. He returned to the fur business and his youngest brother Steve joined him during the mid-1970’s. Frank turned the building into The Rob Roy Pub in St. John’s, Newfoundland, opening the first pub on George Street in December 1977.

Frank moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1985 and turned to singing & entertaining with his musical partner Marilyn Inch, playing under the name Taylor and the Maid and then Strathclyde. Frank and Marilyn released a CD titled Broomielaw in Halifax. They moved to Saint John, NB in 1988 and then Frank moved to Fredericton, NB in 1990. Frank took his solo show on the road in 1992, adopting the stage name The Flying Scotsman. Frank released two further CD’s An Immigrant’s Prayer and Thistledown Thunder. He released a compilation CD of his own songs called Original Tracks. One of Frank’s proudest musical achievements was singing his song An Immigrant’s Prayer on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, for the Canada 125 celebrations in 1992. The history of his music career is available online at www.FrankTaylor.ca.

Frank and Jane moved to Jewetts Mills, NB in 1997. Frank was a phenomenal, resourceful and passionate man. A favourite pastime was to build something with the materials he had on hand! Frank was an engaging entertainer, both on stage and at home. Frank loved cooking and hosting family & friends for dinner parties. The Taylors hosted yearly Christmas and summer ceilidhs, sharing music, stories, great food and laughter for days! Frank had a strong desire to find a connection with everyone he met. After asking a number of questions, within minutes he would be able to identify a friend or acquaintance they shared in common!

Frank retired from the music business in 2012 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

Frank leaves to mourn his extended family: Jane’s parents (late Richard) & Wendy (Newman) Warren-Perry. Jane’s siblings: John (Monique) Warren-Perry, Susan (Terry) Fearon, Caroline (Ian) Wood. Nieces and nephews Philip (Melanie) Warren-Perry, Chelsea (Matt) Warren-Perry, Patrick Fearon, Andrew Fearon, Emily (Alex) Wood and Olivia Wood.

Frank had two sons with his first wife Mary: Hamish (late Heather) Taylor (Australia) & Ross (Ann) Taylor (Qatar). Frank was proud to be a grandfather to Hamish & Heather’s children Bella, Jake, Tom & Sienna in Australia.

Frank is also survived by his brothers William (Francien) Taylor (Holland), James (Mary) Taylor (Scotland), Stephen (Cheryl) Taylor (Saint John, NB) and nieces and nephews Martin Taylor, Brigitte Taylor, James Taylor, Gary Taylor, Stephen Taylor and Christopher Taylor.

There will be no visitation or service at this time. Jane will host a summer ceilidh as a Celebration of Life for Frank. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank’s memory through York Funeral Home to the Fredericton SPCA, Parkinson Canada, Friends of Mactaquac Park or donor’s choice.

From Jane’s Song:

You're my earth, you’re my sky

You're the tears that I cry

And forever more I'll love you still.