A major influence within the Portage la Prairie School Division (PLPSD) has passed away at the age of 78.

Larry Taylor’s family announced on Monday that Taylor had passed away on January 11th after a battle with cancer.

In 1995, Taylor obtained and held the position of Superintendent/Secretary-Treasurer for the PLPSD in 1995 until his retirement from 44 years of working in education in 2008.

Taylor was born in Rosetown, Saskatchewan, on February 26th, 1944. After graduating high school, Taylor enrolled in the Saskatchewan Teachers College in Saskatoon from 1963-1964, and he was hired for his first teaching position in Harris, Saskatchewan, in 1964.

Taylor held the position of Principal at schools around Saskatchewan and Manitoba, including Portage la Prairie, until 1995, when he was named the PLPSD Superintendent/Secretary-Treasurer.

During retirement, Taylor reportedly spent most of his time travelling, camping and with family and friends.

A funeral service for Taylor will be held on Saturday, April 8th, at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel at 1:00 p.m.