Another Passing

Friday, March 22, 2024

We got more word today about the passing of one of the gentlest souls to ever live in Ventura County's Conejo Valley. 

Brett Taylor

I first met Brett when he was a student at Thousand Oaks H.S. over 50 years ago. He was one of our special needs students that was short in stature, full of life and exuded an incredible joie de vivre every single day.

On Halloween one year, Brett came to school wearing a mask and cape while sporting a plastic sword in his belt. I asked him if he was a pirate. He broke into a huge smile and said "No, Coach George, I'm the Scarlet Pimpernel!"

He came out to our football practice on another occasion where I asked him what he thought about one of our starting LBs. Brett looked him up and down and simply declared "Too short!" 

Over the many decades, Brett would go on to be a well known and beloved character throughout the Conejo Valley having worked at Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Westlake High Schools.

He was always involved with the sports teams at whichever school he was working. Our son Michael worked with Brett during Newbury Park H.S.'s 2012 C.I.F. Division I Championship baseball season. Brett's infectious enthusiasm was a big part of their success, I've been led to believe.

Brett also became a beloved part of the

Fire Stations in the Conejo Valley

Brett passed away in his sleep this week. I have been told that when the paramedics were called to the scene and realized that it was Brett, they sent out a call to inform every firefighter available.

Firefighters came from all over the area, many having been rousted from their beds, to line the street outside of Brett's home for his trip to the mortuary.

As I said, he was much beloved because of his positive attitude.

Unfortunately, he won't be able to

perform his duties this coming May

Just another sign of what Brett meant to his community.

R.I.P. Scarlet Pimpernel

It was an otherwise quiet day today but we did have some news from across the pond.

AUGURI ITALIA!

Great game poster from France . . .

. . . and a good one from Italy too

Hug, or at least call someone who is special in your life this weekend, please.

Just saying . . .