By Ed Fast. On behalf of all of the residents of Abbotsford, I offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mark Taylor.
It was with immense sorrow that I learned of the tragic death of my friend, Mark Taylor, who died while on a backcountry ski trip last week.
Mark and I became good friends during the years that I served on Abbotsford City Council. Indeed, it was he who inspired in me and many others a love for mountaineering. I had the pleasure of joining Mark on some of his climbs of Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams, He was always a stickler for safety, ensuring that participants in his adventures spent numerous evenings and weekends training and preparing for these challenging treks.
Mark leaves behind a legacy of excellence, having touched Abbotsford in a way that will benefit the people of our community for generations to come. As general manager of parks, recreation and culture, he was instrumental in establishing much of the recreational infrastructure we enjoy throughout our city today. His commitment went beyond simply the projects he spearheaded, and included countless hours of volunteer support to various charitable organizations. His contributions to Abbotsford will be dearly missed, but forever remembered.
My thoughts are with Mark’s wife, Debbie, his children Lindsay and Kyle, his colleagues at Parks, Recreation & Culture, and others whose lives have been indelibly marked by Mark’s life. He will be deeply missed.
The Hon. Ed Fast, MP (Abbotsford)
Minister of International Trade &
Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway