Sam passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Jessica’s House, Exeter on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at the age of 82. Cherished husband of Nancey (Scott) Taylor for over 62 years. Loving father of Scott Taylor and Lori Butler of Kitchener, and Mary Taylor-Keefe and Bobby Keefe of St George. Proud grandpa “gramps” of Whitney, Keegan, Tyson, Jayson; Cullen, Zara, Petra, great-grandpa of Nash, Sonny, and Malakai “Kai”. Lori’s children Megan, Jackie, Kyle and Kayla and grandchildren Lincoln and Avery. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Robert and Saundra Taylor, Pat and the late Howard Alton, Elizabeth “Tizzy” and Jim Thorne, Janet and the late Jack Heaman, Jim and the late Audrey Scott, Judy and the late Harry Bond, Betty Scott, and Brenda and Bob Smith. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents John and Alma Taylor and his mother and father-in-law, Wilmer and Mary Scott.
Sam was born and raised in London, Ontario and grew up spending time with his family and friends on St. Julian Street. He often reminisced of his times at Ealing Public School and being a bit of a mischief maker with his friends, occasionally being referred to as “that Sammy Taylor!” His most treasured family tradition was Sunday night dinner followed by ‘quietly’ watching the adults play Euchre. He graduated from H.B. Beal in 1961 where he won numerous scholastic awards.
Not long after, he made the best decision of his life and met Nancey on a blind date. They hit it off right away and were married in 1963, beginning a life together full of adventure, hard work, and family.
Over the years, they travelled extensively—from one end of Canada to the other, including places like Newfoundland and Nunavut, and overseas to Hawaii, Chile, Scotland, England, Ireland, New South Wales in Australia, New Zealand and the Chatham Islands. Sam greatly enjoyed fishing trips to Northern Saskatchewan, Vancouver Island, and the Chatham’s boasting of who caught the biggest fish as well as card champion of the trip were always frequently reminisced. He loved to see new places and experience different parts of the world.
In 1977, he moved with his family to Saskatchewan to start T.S. Metals Ltd. What started out as a small business supplying one-piece steel roofing and belly pans for mobile homes eventually grew into one of Canada’s leading manufacturers of steel roofing and siding for lumber yards, commercial buildings, farms, and industrial projects. He and Nancey built the business from the ground up, with plenty of long days and hard-earned milestones. One of the highlights was becoming a preferred supplier to Atco Structures in Calgary, which even led to several invitations to the Atco Structures Cup in Spruce Meadows—something he was always proud of.
In 1995, he expanded the business to New Zealand after visiting several times and set up a roll-forming operation there. He eventually sold that side of things in 1999, but back in Canada, the business kept growing—shipping steel all the way from Vancouver to Toronto and employing as many as 70 people. In January 2010, he and Nancey sold the company, ending a major chapter in their lives.
Outside of business, his other great passion was harness racing. He was introduced to the sport by his father-in-law, Wilmer Scott, who encouraged him to buy his first yearling—a horse named Morpheus, fittingly named after the Greek God of Dreams. From that moment on, he was hooked. Both him and Nancey travelled multiple times to New Zealand where they acquired many friends and went to races all over the country. Sam was the Director of Standardbred Canada, representing Saskatchewan for many years. Sam critiqued bloodlines and studied them endlessly, he felt that horses in New Zealand had an edge over those in North America as they had a much better seasonal environment. Because of this he brought many horses ‘across the pond’ his most beloved being that of Striking Impulse N that secured the race record at Queensbury Downs in Regina and still holds this record to this day. Over the years, he owned hundreds of horses and bred 28 of them between his farms in Saskatchewan and Lucan, Ontario. Upon moving back to Ontario in 2010, he was a permanent fixture in the harness race circuit in Southwestern Ontario.
He took great joy in hearing stories about his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren – especially when it came to their accomplishments in sports and business. If he was able, he was there in the stands, cheering them on at hockey rinks and rugby matches. He lit up when he heard about a big check or a solid tackle – those moments always made him chuckle and smile. He was fearlessly loyal and forever proud of his family.
His life was full – driven by determination, a love for people, animals and places, and a tireless work ethic. He chased his dreams, looked after his family, and left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him! He will be greatly missed!
Words of Remembrance will be held at Sam and Nancey’s farm, 34706 Coursey Line, Lucan on Saturday, July 26th at 11:30 AM with a celebration of Sam’s life to follow.
A recording of the words of remembrance will be available in the afternoon of July 26th by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh
Donations to the ALS Society, Jessica’s House Hospice, or the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
ROBIN MALTBY
Dear Nancey, Scott, Mary & families
Just read of Sam’s passing. We have many fond memories of our Swift Current days and sharing horse stories. My Dad would come to visit us and inevitable end up at your farm with Sam mostly sharing horse stories no doubt.
Sam always seemed to have some inside joke he was smiling at and we loved him for that. Robin, Bryant & Sydney
Perry Dallas Ruttle
I’m sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. My grandfather (Bill Ruttle), uncle (Donnie Ruttle) and of course my father (Jack Ruttle) were all horse lovers/owners/trainers and jockeys for decades. Dad and I were actually at the races in Regina the night that Striking Impulse N broke the record. My dad is actually in the Winners Circle photo with Sam and Al Brooking. I was only 10-11 and i remember what an amazing night that was! My condolences to Sam’s family amd friends.
Murray and Edith Yeo
Brenda and Bob, Janet and Families
Our sincere sympathies to you all at this difficult time. May your many fond memories help you through now and in the future. Thinking of you all.
Laura Taylor
Goodbye Uncle Sam – you were like a hard candy with a chewy caramel center – hard (although I think the word “gruff” describes you better) on the outside and sweet on the inside, although over the years your sweetness showed more and more. I will miss your mischievous smile that always made me wonder what you were thinking, or not saying!
I fondly remember playing cribbage in Bermuda with Uncle Sam and my dad -someone decided we should play with more cards in our hand than you are suppose to -it was cribbage chaos and a lot of fun!
Condolences to you Aunt Nancy, and Mary, and Scott.
Barry Sampel
To Nancy and family.
I met Sam in grade 9 at Beck Collegiate in the fall of 1955. We shared a gr 9 home room. Needless to say
, gr 9 at Beck was not Sam’s greatest academic accomplishment! That said, Sam was well liked by his classmates and the teaching staff and could have obviously done better had he not wanted to transfer to Beal. I read with great interest how successful He was in business, family and with friends and associates and only wish our paths had crossed throughout adulthood.
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Paul Bradley
Nancey and Family. Phyllis and I are so sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very hard time.
Paul & Phyllis Bradley
Bill Gold (Parkwood Hospital)
It was a pleasure to know Sam for the short time he was at Parkwood hospital. Visiting his beautiful property and touring the horse barn with my daughter, it was evident of how proud he was. To spite the challenges Sam had, he continued to do what he loves. My condolences
DAVIVD& SHAREN NEWMAN
Nancy and family We are very sorry to hear of Sams passing. God blessed him with a wonderful full exciting life with lots of love
Larry & Joanne (Latta) Glavin
Nancy & Family
Our Condolences. Thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Sam lived life & enjoyed. You have all travelled quite a journey. He will be greatly missed.
Jeff & Teresa Bond
So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all. Sending love and hugs.
Jeff&Teresa Bond and family.
Mark Heimrich
Nancey, Scott, Mary & families; and all Sam’s family & friends;
Our sincere condolences in the passing of Sam. What an active, full and rewarding life he lived! We appreciate having Sam (& Nancey) as valued customers for many years. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Mark & Julie Heimrich, Sarah, Scott & Spencer and staff at Lifetime Water Products, Exeter.
Jim + Lorna Morrissey
Dear Nancey and family, So sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. Please except our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim + Lorna
Keith and Liz Selves
Nancy and family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our condolences to you all. Liz (Riddell) and Keith Selves
Wayne and Sonia Greb
Nancey and family,
Sorry for your loss, sending our condolences at this difficult time
Jaela Jenken
So sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. May your fond memories bring you comfort at this time.
Please know you are in my thoughts.
Sending hugs.
Jaela *Earthen Elegance
Evelyne Rollings
Nancy,
Sorry for your loss.
You have many great memories of a life well lived, to help you through this sad time.
Sam is no longer suffering.
Evelyne Rollings.
Jim and Helen Hearn
Our sincere sympathy to all Sam’s loved ones. He led such a full, interesting life and will be missed by so many.
Jim and Helen
Sharyn Kyle-Crawford
Nancy
I enjoyed reading and getting to know Sam through his obituary. He obviously was a very hard working man and so very talented. The many things you and he have accomplished is extraordinary. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Marg Prout
Nancey and family..
Sorry to hear about Sam. My sincere condolences to you and your entire family. Cherish your wonderful memories of a life well lived.
Don & Edith (Carter) Lewis
Nancey and family, and Scott family,
We are sorry to see that Sam’s journey has ended here.
Don knew Sam through North Lander and Jim did with horses.
He will be missed by all that knew him.
Cherish his memories, and He will not be fore gotten.
Our condolence to you all.
Heather Otton
Nancey and family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Sending love and hugs.
Beth Consitt
Sam filled a life full of business, pleasure and family. He will be missed by all.
Casmeara Morrow
So sorry for your loss Nancey. Sam was a great guy.
Jamie Gray
Hi Nancy, Carol just told us Sam has passed. My first thought that come to mind was back in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan. After the races we were putting horses away and Sam walked in and asked if we would train a horse for him (Morpheus). That led to a lengthy partnership from Saskatchewan to Alberta to California. We remember it well , Shelley and I hope You Scott and Mary are doing well Take care Nancy
Treen Family
Our sincerest condolences to you Nancey, Mary, Scott and Families.
Some people are larger than life characters and Sam was indeed one of those people.
Thinking of you all and wishing you peace.
Brian Schindel
To Nancey and the Taylor Family
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the passing of Sam.
Sam, was not only a cherished friend but a guiding presence in my life. The Taylor family has been dear to our family for as long as I can remember, and I will always be grateful for the friendship and kindness we’ve shared over the years.
I had the privilege of working for Sam and Nancey for a number of years, during which time I was always treated with fairness and genuine care. Sam encouraged me through different seasons of life, and his steady presence and friendship meant the world to me.
When I heard of Sam’s passing, I played one of my favorite songs How Beautiful Heaven Must Be – and found comfort in a glorious new journey of How Beautiful Heaven Must Be. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXUG5GxqQXE
A part of me, and all of you that new Sam, will feel lost with his passing, but I, we, take heart in the promise that we will meet on the other side.
We love you Nancey, and we love the Taylor family. You are in our hearts and in our prayers during this difficult time.
With Love and deepest condolences,
Brian & Vivian Schindel & family
Carmen Lunn
Sending my condolences to you all. He was a wonderful man and dearly loved by all. Sending love and hugs to you all xx
Kathryn and Rere
Nancey and family. Thinking of you all in this time of loss. Sam was an awesome man. Loved our chats about the horses. Will always be remembered.
Lots of love and hugs
Kathryn and Rere
Lynda Oscar
So sorry to hear about Sam’s passing. I know he will be greatly missed by so many.
My thoughts are with you Nancey & all the family at this time.
The Budds
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. We’re so thankful we were able to spend time recently with you folks Nancey. I will forever remember Sam’s love of dogs and that crooked grin of his. All of our love and prayers.
Don Lankin
NANCY & Family
Sorry to hear of Sam’s passing my condolence .
Judy Bond
Nancey & family, what a rough road you have all been on and now it will get smoother. Sam loved his horses and maybe he rode one into the heavens. Once he gets there I hope he will say Hi to Harry and the rest of the group up there I’m sure they will be glad to see him. RIP Sam.
Hugs, Judy
Tom and Barb McInroy
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sam’s family at this difficult time.
Elaine McNair & Dennis Rempel
Our condolences to Nancey and her family. We are thinking of you at this difficult time. Hugs 💕
Elizabeth Day
Rest easy now Sam. Thank you for looking after my brother if it wasn’t for you and Nancy he wouldn’t be where is today. We loved having you and Nancy come to Chathams to spend time with us and become a part of our family.
Love to all the whanau
Elizabeth, Jay, Blaze , Shyne , Nova and Archie.
Tony Vanderhoek
Nancey & family
Sorry for your loss ,
Dad always enjoyed Sams visits over the years usually under the tree as well as visiting you both , remember the memories
Sheila Butchart
Nancey and extended family , condolences on the passing of Sam.
Thoughts are with you all.
Chris Turner
Nancy
So sorry for your loss. What wonderful memories you and your family will hold in your hearts of such an accomplished man.
Chris Turner
Tara Kehoe
Sam was a fine example of a human being, his kindness and love for his family and their friends was clear for all to see. Much love from your NZ Family – Tara, Will, Charlie, Toby, Austin and of course Bentley xxxxxx
Edward and Linda Fox
To Sam’s Family,
Please accept our Deepest Sympathy in your loss.
Treasure your many memories of Sam and hold them close to your hearts where he will always remain, and remember that LOVE never dies.
RIP.
Sincerely.
Ron and Louise Vanderhoek
Nancey and Family,
Sam was such a great friend, a great neighbour, a great man.
Please know how very sorry we are for your loss.
Sending love and hugs to you.
Ron and Louise
Jeanette Simpson
Nancey and family. Thinking about you at this sad time.
Linda Marsden
Nance and family,
So sorry Nancey, he sure led a full life. Whitney and Keegan will truly miss him.