I share the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Richard Taylor of the Toronto Chapter, with great sadness.
Richard was a Senior Director at Rogers Communications and, before that, held commodity tax positions with Bell, KPMG, and the Canadian Government. He was a long-time member of TEI who never passed over an opportunity to promote the association and its benefits to senior tax professionals and junior practitioners starting their careers. Richard passed away on Friday, November 19, 2021.
Richard was an active member of TEI’s Canadian Commodity Tax Committee. He served as a Vice Chair from 2009 to 2014 and ascended to Chair of the Committee from 2014 to 2016. Richard always contributed to the submissions of the Committee and has inspired its members in his leadership roles.
Richard’s previous employment with the Canada Revenue Agency allowed him to strengthen roles between TEI and the Canadian government. Several of the people he began his employment with are now senior people at CRA and the Ministry of Finance. Richard’s relationships with these individuals enabled and encouraged open and regular communications with these Canadian government agencies, which benefited TEI and the Canadian government.
Richard also served as a Director on the Toronto Canada Chapter Board, where he was active at the local level. Richard participated in many presentations at TEI conferences and chapter meetings over the years because if someone asked for his assistance, he gave it. Richard presented, taught, and represented TEI with enjoyment that was infectious.
Richard’s commitment and contributions to TEI led TEI’s Board of Directors to confer the President’s Award to him on January 11, 2021, and caused the Toronto Board of Directors to further recognized Richard’s service by awarding him the Meritorious Chapter Service Award on April 26, 2021. Each of these awards acknowledges Richard’s numerous outstanding contributions to TEI at the Institute and chapter level.
On a more personal note, those who had the pleasure of knowing Richard will most remember him for his passion for life and his authenticity. Richard was brilliant, warm, kind, and funny. I know I join many who will miss my dear friend and the many long (non-tax) conversations we were privileged to share with Richard.
Pilar Mata, TEI's Executive Director