Mr Alfred Edward George Taylor.
LIFELONG jeweller, Alfred Edward George Taylor, died last month, aged 89.
He was born in Cowes to Alfred Mackford Taylor and Norah Emily Taylor.
He was their third and youngest son, his two brothers being Frederick, who died in November, and Robert.
Aged 14, Mr Taylor joined the family firm of T. M. Taylor and Sons, jewellers, in Cowes, and he never retired. The business continues today, with shops in Cowes and Newport.
When he was 17, he joined the Home Guard, which was based at the Old Cowes Waterworks, patrolling the area at night. He witnessed the bombing of Cowes by the Luftwaffe and helped with rescue operations.
Called up to serve in the army, he was sent to India and Malaya, then to Burma to work as an armourer behind the front line. His knowledge of firearms was considerable but he rarely discussed his war experiences in later life.
Mr Taylor returned to Cowes to rejoin the family business.
He became a member of the Island Sailing Club and enjoyed sailing his boat, Duei, in the Tuesday evening races whenever possible.
He also attended St Mary’s Church, Cowes, for many years, serving in various capacities.
Mr Taylor leaves his wife, Patricia, nee Andrews, whom he married in 1954, children Colin, Jonathan and Kathryn, and their spouses, Shirley, Katherine and Tony, plus grandchildren Joanne and Andrew.
A funeral service at St Mary’s Church was attended by many relatives and friends.
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