In Loving Memory of

Keith Everard Gayle Taylor

a.k.a ‘Bench’ or ‘Skipper T’

(6th Sep. 1924 – 4th Oct. 2024)

Dear Loved Ones

Keith died peacefully in Devon, England, at the age of 100 on October 4th, 2024.

He leaves his beloved and devoted wife, Christine, sons and daughters-in-law: Ross (Tracey), Keith Adrian (Charlotte), and Colin (Minda), grandchildren: Hazel, Galen, and Eden Rose; siblings: Barbara, Howard, and Peter (Clifford and Gloria predeceased) countless relatives and friends.

As opening bat for Kingston College, UWI, and Melbourne Club, Keith knew a thing or two about centuries (survival!). He also represented these institutions in football. He was a well-loved teacher at Kingston College. After UCWI, he worked at the Ministry of Education as an education officer (during the Edwin Allen years). He moved on to UNESCO in Paris and after a number of years, was posted to Zambia and then Zimbabwe to set up UNESCO regional offices, where he was the representative to Southern African countries. Keith lived by Christian principles and was a wonderful representative of Jamaican decency and dignity.

Keith in his garden at home in South Brent, Devon, UK.

May his soul rest in peace

Tributes Guestbook

We thank you for all your sincere condolences and take comfort in receiving your love and warm wishes ♥

To pay your respects please use the link below.

4 entries.

Lynn and Geoff Lyon from Orgeval wrote on 27 November, 2024

A message from the Lyons....but written 10 years ago....... You all probably think that Keith looks young now, well we can tell you that when we met him 40 years ago, this 'young'un' looked like he had just left teenagerdom but he was already 50 ears old.! How does Keith do it? What is his secret? You have to look around him to find the answer. A loving wife who has travelled near and far with him. Both of them have embraced each other's culture as they embrace one another. 3 handsome boys, Keith and Christine legacy to the worldwide gene pool. They, with their partners and grandchildren, form the future for this great family. How did we meet Keith? A chance meeting in a hardware shop in Chatou, France, in 1974. He stood in a aisle between the brooms and the garden equipment and I really do not remember who spoke first. I do know that this meeting lead to our children becoming friends, a very memorable road trip to Greece, through poverty stricken Yugoslavia, as that part of the world was known, and a firm friendship that has lasted 4 decades. Keith Sn. We are so terribly sad not to be with you in person today. We wish you the happiest of 90th birthdays. The healthiest of the years to come and hope that you will invite us to your 100th party!

Allan & Methlyn Regisford from Abingdon, OXON wrote on 6 November, 2024

We had the great pleasure of meeting Keith, Christine and their family in Zambia in the 1970s. Since then, we have enjoyed many wonderful years of continued friendship. Keith has recently left us, but we will always remember his warm smile, kindness and willingness to help others. Gone too soon, but will never be forgotten. REST IN PEACE DEAR KEITH, until we meet again.

Keith A from Totnes wrote on 18 October, 2024

Dear Dad, you were and will remain the steadfast rock at the heart of our family. Together with mum you truly made us feel we had a home in this world. I feel gratitude for your part in giving me life, for your unwavering sense of duty and your faith in being true and the almighty. Although your passing has taken away a central pillar of our reality, I am blessed to know that there is only good news. I know we are all as waves coming and going on an eternal ocean. I therefore rejoice, and cherish all the loving memories I have of you. Walk Good, and see you on the other side! Keith A. x

Christine Taylor from South Brent, Devon, UK wrote on 17 October, 2024

My dear Keith, The moment I dreaded has come. As we have no option but to accept your departure, the happy memories of our many years together will stay forever. Your strong, honest character and loving heart remain an example to us all. Rest in peace my darling. Christine x