Kathleen "Kay" Taylor, who spent more than 35 years with her husband John Taylor developing the Whistler Creekside area, died last week She was 84.
The Taylor’s acquired a quarter section of land at the base of Whistler when plans for a major ski resort in the area had just begun.
"She was a wonderful woman who was particularly involved in the development of the Whistler area with her husband," said friend Alan Eaton.
During the 35 years of owning Creekside properties, the Taylors worked hard to pioneer streets, lots and subdivisions, waterways, sewers and residences in the area.
Streets were named Taylor Way and Kathleen Place to acknowledge the important foundations the Taylors laid down in the Creekside area, back when the area had a registered population of 250.
Kay and John owned land in between Nita and Alpha lakes, and initially lived in Jordan’s Lodge on the shore of Nita Lake. They later built Kay’s "dream home" at Alpha Lake.
Kay and her husband were great tennis enthusiasts and built the Whistler Valley Tennis Club on their property to share with the local residents.
Kay Taylor was a life time member of the Vancouver Lawn Tennis Club and regularly travelled down to Vancouver to play tennis and bridge.
"She loved tennis, gardening and travel and was an excellent bridge player," said Eaton.
He said that she loved to use her gardening skills to upgrade the appearance of the properties that she and her husband shared.
Eaton describes her as: "What you saw is what you got, she was very pragmatic."
A memorial service was held for Kay Taylor on Monday July 21. She is survived by her son Drew and daughter Karen and their spouses, and her grandchildren Shad, Megan and Jeffery.
Her husband John Taylor died in March 2002 at age 84.
