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Hastings publican dies aged 78
A much-loved publican, who devoted most of his time to good causes, has died.
John Taylor passed away aged 78 after suffering a heart attack following an operation on last Thursday (July 2).
His family this week paid tribute to him.
Mr Taylor's daughter Barbara, of Towerscroft Avenue, St Leonards, said: "Dad traded in this town for a long time and was a very popular man and compassionate and fun-loving.
"He did a lot of charity work through his freemasonry.
"He was the King of Silverhill and I never heard a bad word said against him. Dad always pursued just causes to make sure people were treated fairly.
"He helped his 18-year-old granddaughter Natalie London raise 34,000 five years ago at a charity event in the Welcome Stranger for King's College Hospital, St Michael's Hospice and the Royal Marsden.
"She had suffered a brain tumour when she was 13 and wanted to raise money as a thank you for her treatment she received.
"Dad also supported Silverdale School as all of his grandchildren went there.
"He was a wonderful man and did so much for the community. He was a smashing person to go out and have a beer with."
Mr Taylor was a publican in Hastings and St Leonards for 32 years.
He ran the Welcome Stranger in Sedlescombe Road North, St Leonards, from 1977 before becoming landlord of the Silverhill Tavern, which is now called Diva.
He also ran The Lodge in Eastbourne.
Mr Taylor was born on Christmas Day in 1930 in Lambeth, London.
His father George was a master butcher, working for Taylor and Parsons.
He went to work for his dad after leaving school at 14 before joining the Army in 1949.
He became a member of the Royal Military Police in Woking, Surrey.
Mr Taylor met his wife June there when she was in the military police for the Women's Royal Air Force.
The couple married on June 3, 1951.
Barbara said her father was 'very proud' of working for the military police and supported all of its functions and attended various reunions down the years.
Mr Taylor worked for Ray Leeson butchers from 1962 until 1977, working in branches in Brighton, Newhaven and Hastings.
He was a member of four freemasons' lodges, one based in Scotland, one in Germany and two in the UK, his main one being the Abbey Lodge in Battle.
He loved Chelsea Football Club and was their biggest fan, as his wife's two cousins Peter and John Sillett, used to play for Chelsea.
Mr Taylor has five children, 57-year-olld Alan, Barbara, 55, Patsy, 51, Jackie, 46 and Donald, 44.
He is also survived by his wife June, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Mr Taylor's funeral is being held at St Matthew's Church in Silverhill from 2pm July 21 before a burial at Hastings Crematorium.
A wake will be held at the Welcome Stranger afterwards.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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