Taylor Frenette

Obituary

Taylor Justin Frenette September 11, 1988 – December 17, 2022.

We are heartbroken to share the passing of Taylor Justin Frenette, age 34. Taylor leaves behind his parents Loretta and Todd (Theresa), siblings Jordan (Caitlin) and Karys (Steven), and partner Jessica. He is mourned by step siblings Alexandra (Patrick) and Natasha (Patrick), nieces and nephews (Scarlett, Isla, Ridley, Anthony, Giuliana, Olivia), a large and much-loved extended family, and many friends.

Taylor was born in Toronto and raised in the GTA.  As a child, he loved hockey, biking, racing cars, building forts, any power tool he could get his hands on, and any machine that went fast. As an adult, Taylor developed a love and passion for cooking and worked extensively within the hospitality industry.  Taylor cultivated his culinary skills with his older brother while working and living in Magnetawan, Ontario.  During this time, Taylor also developed a love for fishing, outdoor sports, nature, and Pink Floyd.

Taylor lived in British Columbia and Ontario throughout his adult life.  As with most professional chefs, Taylor moved frequently, and we often fondly referred to him as our “International Man of Mystery”.  For much of this time, he struggled with mental illness and alcohol addiction issues.  Taylor continually sought treatment to fight his obstacles, building relationships in the recovery community, and supporting his peers, in his quest to overcome his challenges.  Taylor never wanted to be defined by his addiction and mental illness; he was so much more than that.

Taylor’s favourite place on earth was Sauble Beach where the family cottage was his second home.  As a child, he played in the water and dunes each summer, and on the snow trails and hills in the winter, building forts in the forest and making lifelong friendships.  He was always happiest in this place of refuge.

For those that knew Taylor, he was an old soul with keen intuition, great intelligence, deep empathy, and an infectious laugh.  He was a loyal and beloved son, brother, partner, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and friend.  Taylor met his partner, Jessica, in 2022.  The two fell in love quickly, and at the time of his death, were making plans to marry.  We are so glad that the best part of his life was just beginning and that he had found happiness as a partner and stepdad (James and Charlotte).

We would like to honour Taylor by sponsoring people in need of similar treatment support.  We are in the process of identifying a program that we can sponsor in his name.  As such, in lieu of flowers, donations in Taylor’s memory can be made in person at the Bank of Montreal (transit # 2987, account # 3950821) or, if preferred, e-transfers can be sent to taylorfrenettestrust@gmail.com and will be directly deposited to the trust account. Once we have finalized sponsorship, we will share with everyone where the funds were directed and how we hope they help someone in need.

To come together to celebrate Taylor’s life, the family will welcome extended family and friends at St. James Gate, 5140 Dundas St. W (Etobicoke) on Saturday January 28, 2023, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., with remarks shared at 2:00 p.m.  We ask visitors to wear bright colours to celebrate Taylor’s life.

We take comfort knowing that Taylor is surrounded by light, free from the struggles that haunted him.  We would have given anything for him to experience that freedom in this lifetime.  Our love for Taylor is infinite, and now, so is he.