TAYLOR, Derrel

Derrel Taylor

1960 – 2022

Derrel Paul Taylor of Magrath, Alberta, beloved husband of Rhonda Taylor, passed away at Lethbridge Regional Hospital on May 24, 2022 at the age of 61 years.

Derrel was born July 21, 1960, the only son to parents David and Ida Taylor. He grew up on his families’ multigenerational farm south of Magrath, Alberta. Always the farm boy at heart, Derrel loved spending his time working on the farm with his father. He had many close friendships with neighbors, and especially close ties with New Elm Colony. Throughout school he participated in band, as well as track, but his passion was always basketball; he played for the Magrath Zeniths when they won the 4A Provincials in 1978, and enjoyed playing on the Colts team even after graduating high school. He worked off the farm for a few years before he decided that home is where the heart is, and spent the rest of his life enjoying farming and ranching with his family.

He married his soulmate, Rhonda in October of 1988, at home with their sons and close friends. He raised his boys the same way he grew up, working on the farm and spending time in the coulee moving cows with the family. If you looked up the definition of “World’s Greatest Father” in the dictionary, you would see Derrel’s picture looking at you. He was always a hands-on dad, and passed on to his children his generous spirit, and was so proud of each one of them.

Derrel’s life was not without trials; after a farming accident and an emphysema diagnosis, in 2010 he underwent a double lung transplant. He began a long recovery and had a rejection in 2012. Although he couldn’t return to his full farm duties, he thoroughly enjoyed his remaining years, and even recently bought himself a new herd of cows.

Derrel was known for his large heart and endless generosity, and it often meant that friends very soon became family; and even ended up calling the farm their home. Rarely would you come to visit Derrel and there would be any room for you on his deck, just because he always welcomed visitors. There would always be something on the BBQ, and no one would leave feeling hungry. Even complete strangers have shown up and left as good friends.

He also had quite the herd of grandchildren, and in his later years when you came to visit Derrel his deck was usually full of kids running around eating popsicles or giggling with Grandpa. His grandchildren were the highlight of his life, and he never held back on spoiling all 12 of them.

Besides his wife Rhonda, Derrel is survived by his sons; Russell (Teanna), Shane (Stacey), Lyle (Sarah) and Kyle, his grandchildren: Bridgette, Braiden, Brody, Lucy, Kai, Sophia, Crosby, Madalyn, Reggie, Emily, Hank, and Farrah Mae. He is also survived by sisters Shauna (Todd), Edith and Karen, and sister-in-law Loretta (Jim), and brother-in-law Earl (Treana), as well as numerous Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, cousins, and many lifelong friends.

Derrel was pre-deceased by his parents, David and Ida; his father and mother-in-law, Grenald and Jean Cowan, and his niece, Christina Cowan, and nephew, Gunner Cowan.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 10:00am to 11:00am on Friday, June 3, 2022 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, June 3, 2022 at MARTIN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPELS, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Derrel-Taylor and scroll to the bottom of the obituary page to find the link.

Interment will follow in the Magrath Cemetery.

Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.