Martin Taylor (23 May 1952 - 25 Dec 2020)

In loving memory of Martin Taylor who sadly passed away on 25th December 2020

Martin Taylor passed away at home in the early hours of Christmas Day, quickly and peacefully, after a lengthy period of illness, aged 68 years. He leaves behind his close family; his wife Sue, his children David and Alec, his stepchildren Ali and Matt, and their families and his extended family too.

The youngest of three children of Alfred 'Alec' Taylor and Ursula Brudenell-Bruce, Martin lived in Kew and then Newbury during his childhood, with his brothers Peter and John. A bright scholar, he excelled at the study of languages, and went to Oxford University to further that study. On leaving university in the early 1970s, he found a professional career in the rapidly growing field of computer programming, eventually specialising in IT security.

Away from his work, Martin found great fulfilment in music. Originally a folk guitarist, he learned the tuba with the Wantage Silver Band when his son David joined as a child, and rapidly progressed through their layered organisation to become a mainstay of their top band for many years. In more recent years, he had dropped back to their next-string band, Wantage Concert Brass, to support players during their development. Having to stop playing due to his condition was a profound sorrow for him. He was also active for a long time with the Oxfordshire & District Brass Band Association, serving for a period as its chair and being awarded their President's Award in 2017 for his service.

Martin was married twice, firstly in 1978 to Ruth Hansford née Smith, mother of his children, then in 2002 to Susan Rushforth née Henshall, mother of his stepchildren.