Surrounded by his family, John Taylor died peacefully at home in the early hours of Saturday morning after a six-month battle with cancer. He was 70.
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Born in Wollongong on 21 May 1949 to Bob and Leila Taylor, John was the younger brother of Robert and Grahame. In 1968 the Taylor family moved to 'Weriview' on the outskirts of Harden.
John attended Hurlstone Agricultural High School and then studied at Sydney University where he received his bachelor's degree in Veterinary Science and a Diploma in Veterinary Anaesthesia.
John excelled in both rugby and athletics at school and university. He played rugby for Sydney University and went on to play for the NSW Waratahs and the Wallabies. He claimed four international caps and toured with the Wallabies to New Zealand and Fiji.
After university John worked at Cornell University Vet School, New York and then the University of Georgia before returning with his wife Julia Atkin to make their home at 'Bumgum', south of Harden.
Between 1981 and 2010 John worked with his father Bob and brother Grahame at Harden Veterinary Hospital. John was highly respected for his professionalism as a veterinarian. It's hard to mention John's name in the local area without triggering many stories of his skill and his caring, sensitive manner. Many claimed he had a "6th sense" and an instant connection with their animals.
John had a love for the natural world. His understanding and respect for the complexity and interdependence of natural systems sparked a deep concern for the condition of the land. In the late sixties, long before the awareness raised by Landcare, John began growing native trees from seed and planting trees and habitat corridors on 'Weirview'. He personally planted and nurtured thousands of native plants and trees
in the local district. John's commitment to the environment also notably includes a bicentennial native plant walk at Roberts Park.
Beyond his commitment to serving the local community as a veterinarian, John was a very private person. In retirement, John dedicated his time and effort to completing his landscaping projects at 'Bumgum' and researching the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and environmental richness of the local area.
John will be most remembered by his family and friends for his passionate commitment to the people he loved and the things he cared about. He was a man of integrity, humility and honesty. He is survived by his wife Julia Atkin and sons, Sandy and Jacob Taylor.
If you would like to acknowledge John please make a donation to Harden-Murrumburrah Can Assist: www.canassist.com.au
