Dr. Iain E.P Taylor

Dr. Iain E.P. Taylor, professor emeritus

August 18, 1938 – October 3, 2026

It is with sadness and gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Iain E.P. Taylor, beloved husband, father, grandfather, scientist, teacher, mentor, singer, and friend.

Born on August 18, 1938, in Chester, England, Iain was the first child of Robert and Enid (née Roberts) Taylor, both pharmacists. During the war years, he was lovingly cared for by his Welsh grandmother and relatives, experiences that helped shape his resilience and curiosity about the world. He attended Rydal School before studying at the University of Liverpool, where he earned degrees in Botany and Zoology and later completed his Ph.D. in Botany. It was also during these university years that he met the love of his life, Sylvia. Iain and Sylvia moved to Vancouver in 1968, where Iain joined the University of British Columbia - beginning a remarkable academic career that would span more than three decades.

At UBC, Iain was a passionate educator and researcher who inspired generations of students. He played a significant role in shaping biology education at UBC, taught undergraduate students throughout his career, and mentored numerous graduate and undergraduate researchers. He later served as Professor and Head of the Department of Botany. His research contributed significantly to the understanding of plant and fungal cell walls and later expanded to scientific publishing, research ethics, authorship, and the peer-review process.

Beyond his teaching and research, Iain dedicated countless hours to advancing the scientific community. He was deeply involved with professional botanical organizations and scientific journals, serving as Editor of the Canadian Journal of Botany and Associate Editor for Canadian science journals. He was widely respected for his commitment to scientific integrity, scholarly communication, and the mentorship of emerging researchers.

Following his retirement from teaching in 2003, Iain continued his work as Professor Emeritus from a modest office in the UBC Botanical Garden. There he pursued a passion for documenting the histories of the Botanical Garden, the Department of Botany, and the Faculty of Science. He also revived and edited the Botanical Garden's publication, Davidsonia. His extensive research and archival work have been preserved within the UBC Archives for future generations.

Outside academia, Iain embraced life with enthusiasm and generosity. A lifelong rugby supporter, he coached the UBC Rugby Frosh team (who knew him as "Doc"), later helping organize a successful UBC rugby tour to Scotland and Ireland in 1987 and serving for many years with BC Rugby. He was also an avid gardener, stamp collector, and a passionate railway enthusiast and traveller who shared many adventures with Sylvia.

Music remained one of the great joys of his life. From his school days through retirement, he sang in numerous choirs, including those at St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Aurora Community Choir, and the UBC Opera Ensemble. He delighted in supporting young performers, taking on small walk-on roles, assisting backstage, and enthusiastically selling 50-50 tickets at productions.

Iain was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Enid Taylor; sister, Daphne Moser; brother-in-law, Hans Moser; and cousin, Margaret Williams.

He is lovingly remembered by Sylvia, his wife of 59 years; daughter Jennet (Michael) Bowdridge of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia; grandson Matthew; nieces Rachel (Evan) and Alyson (Zack); nephew Stefan (Liz); their children; as well as extended family members, former students, colleagues, and friends across Canada and around the world.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Weinberg Residence Multi-Level Care for their kindness and care during the last two years of Iain's life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.