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 Bert
Taylor was born and raised in Paynton, Saskatchewan. His
editorial / newspaper career began in North Battleford in
1943. He then moved to the Camrose Canadian in 1950 where he
worked for fourteen years. From there he went to Medicine
Hat where he spent four years. In 1968 he was asked to
fulfill the publisher’s job at the Wetaskiwin Times
newspaper.
Bert Taylor is being
recognized for his contributions and his involvement to the
sporting community from two aspects. The first aspect is
that of publisher - reporter - photographer with the
Wetaskiwin Times from 1968 to 1985. The second aspect is
that of a citizen and resident in the city of Wetaskiwin.
Publisher - Reporter - Photographer
for Wetaskiwin Times 1968 to 1985
Upon arriving in Wetaskiwin he
spent his first night at the Driard Hotel. There he met Bob
MacDonald, the manager of the hotel, who was a promoter of
the Colonels Hockey team. Bert soon realized that being the
new “head man” of the newspaper he would do well to take
advantage of Bob’s knowledge of the Colonels and all other
groups that existed in the City of Wetaskiwin.
Within a short period of time
he met Bob Colborne who was the president of the Colonel
Hockey team. Bert was extended an invitation to attend the
executive meetings which gave him the insight into the
workings of the local hockey team. With this insight into
the Colonel's organization, Bert felt that as the publisher
of the Times he was the most logical person to attend all of
the local games, take pictures of the action on the ice and
write the stories for the next edition. Bert felt that as
publisher he had an obligation to bring Colonels hockey
through the newspaper to the community.
Bert remembers fondly some of
those players who played an important role during the “glory
days” of the Colonels. Mr. Hockey - Jerry Greene, John
Shillabeer, Ross MacEachern, Harold Maciborski just to name
a few.
Two close friends of Bert’s,
Bud Siler and Arnold Hoyme, time keeper and statistician,
also never missed a game. If Bert missed anything these two
were able to give him a minute to minute summary that would
cover any gaps that he needed to complete his story.
Bert Worked Late Into the Night
to Ensure Current Sports News
Bert Taylor must be recognized
for a lasting item in the sports history of the Colonels.
The Wetaskiwin Times published a front page article with
photo April 12, 1972, “COLONELS TAKE TWO TITLES”. The photo
was that of Captain Jerry Greene hoisting the Newsome
Trophy. The photo was taken after 11:00 pm on Tuesday. The
photo and a written article appeared in the Times edition
the very next morning (Wednesday). Now that is dedication!
Due to the excellent coverage that he provided in the paper,
he contributed to many scrapbooks and archive articles. This
effort provides the ongoing history of sports in Wetaskiwin
and community.
Bert Taylor not only covered
the Colonels but he gave equal coverage to all other
community groups such as 4H, Men’s and Minor fastball -
league and provincial/national playoffs and championships.
He covered pro fastball (Car Capitals), school sports, as
well as other minor sports such as hockey.
Volunteering in the City of
Wetaskiwin
For five years Bert was Chair
of the North Am Carnival, which at the time was a major
sporting event in Wetaskiwin. Bert Taylor was also a member
of the Kiwanis Club which provided him with the opportunity
to give back to the community that he served and to
appreciate the value that Service Clubs could provide a
community.
Bert Taylor had a great
passion for his job and a great passion for the community in
which he lived and is a worthy recipient of this Special
Award.
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