t in Seville, Spain—no other oranges would do! Bill would inspire great discussions by asking you your opinion on a subject, he would give his—then the discussion ensued from which you could learn. I tried to breed and show Peking- ese that might please him. He was always supportive, understanding and very kind.
that the first words out of Nigel on that phone call were, “Annie that must have been one hell of a Brussels Griffon to defeat that Pekingese female!” Only Nigel would say that to Mrs. Clark. I can picture Bill sitting in the back- ground, smiling and shaking his head in agreement, but happy Nigel was the one speaking. On each of my visits to Twynn Ponds, Nancy was always there and she would always have the dogs that were going out to be shown in glorious condition, and beautifully trained except for maybe one—Jubilation! Nancy’s words to me regarding his lead training were, “Good luck with him.” Then Bill’s words were, “The beautiful ones will always be hard work.” At the time of Nigel’s death, St. Aubrey Jubilation of Elsdon was 8 months old, both Nigel and Bill were so happy with this young dog. Our only regret was Nigel never saw him shown, we showed him to a new Canadian Pekingese Best in Show record, as well as a Toy Best in Show record. I always believed that Bobby was perfectly timed to keep Bill involved and to give him something to look forward to, in what was the sad- dest of times for him and as well for Nancy at a very different Twynn Ponds. Bill would campaign one final dog in 2011, St. Aubrey Niklaus of Elsdon that was Canada’s #1 Dog of All Breeds, once again things happen for a reason, Niklaus was at a time when Bill was no longer judging or travelling, something he missed for the rest of his life. Every phone call from wherever I was in Canada with news of Niklaus’s, day at the show, and my relaying mes- sages to him from dog people all over the country, was such an enjoyable time for Bill because he was once again connected to this sport that was his life, and one that he still had so much passion for. We are now having to say goodbye to one of this sport’s greatest dog men ever—there will never be another Bill Taylor, I believe we are all so much better for having known him, loved him and everything he has taught us through the years, together with all that he brought to this sport was truly a gift. I will be forever grateful having known Bill, a true gentleman and the one and only Nigel and their St. Aubrey Elson Pekingese. For many years in the dog world the saying has always been
“There’s only one Nigel”, and yes there was only one. It is indeed true that together and individually they are true legends and icons. Bill brought to his work in our sport a mighty heart. He brought to his dog show family a mighty heart, what a great man. What an original! Bill Taylor was a legend, not only to me, but to everyone else in the Toy dog world as well. I have always been thankful to Pam Bruce for being allowed to handle one of her favourite Grandeur Afghan Hounds, “Sal”. The day Bill awarded him Best in Show was beyond thrilling. From BiLLy MiLnE Firstly, that day was such an emotion- al day for both Bill and myself, as it was in fact the day that Lady Diana had been killed in that tragic car accident. So as thrilled as I was for the accolade, the photo still haunts me, as do the memo- ries of the day. Of course, Bill looked impeccable as usual that day—both “Sal” and Mr. Taylor were the epitome of grace and elegance. I was soaked to the skin, trying to keep up to the dog and trying to “keep it together” under Bill. It was like my legs were running so fast to keep up to a dog that floated around the ring. Bill winked at me in amusement and told me, “Just hold the rope and the dog and I will do the rest!” Even in the photo, Bill and the dog have their heads held high and proud, whereas I look a little—okay, a lot— windblown! I still had the biggest smile on my face! This is one of those stories that sticks in my mind and brings me great happiness.
Bill was universally admired and loved in our dog world, a rarity to be sure, but he so deserved the admiration. He’s left us with much to work with: to make ourselves better... to make our dog world better. There will never be another R. Wil- liam Taylor. The experiences that made him great are lost to the past—the past that he loved so much. Rest in peace my friend. A friend sent me this quote when they heard Bill had passed, and I want- ed to share it with you: “Say not in grief: ‘He is no more’, but live in thankfulness that he was!” For all of us, Bill was one of the best that Canada had to offer in the dog fan- cy. Bill was one half of the world famous St. Aubrey Elsdon Pekingese fame, with his life partner of 52 years, Nigel Aubrey Jones, who we lost in 2003. When you speak or think of Bill, it is impossible not to think of Nigel. They were truly a team. From Lynda torrancE Together—and individually—they gave so much to this sport, and were always so willing to share knowledge and most important the history of their beloved Pekingese. They were always willing to mentor whomever showed an interest, not just in the Pekingese but in all aspects of this sport. I will always remember Nigel and Bill calling me to show some young dogs; their reason for showing the dogs was never about winning ribbons. They had already achieved what most people in the sport dream of. It was quite simple that they had some lovely young dogs and Bill and Nigel believed they needed and deserved to be seen. Some years ago, I remember being awarded a group second to a Brussels Griffon under Mrs. Clark in Montreal. Mrs. Clark later that day asked me for their home number to call Bill and Nigel. I remember Bill telling me later
Bill showing ch. St. aubrey amadeus of elsdon, a son of ch. Knolland red rover and ch. St. aubrey melba of elsdon who was a Beeswing daughter. (Photo by dean dennis) 5 01 / 05$) 5 0:4 ' $"3: t
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