Final farewell to popular Josh Taylor (From Bournemouth Echo)

Final farewell to popular Josh Taylor

12:00pm Monday 20th August 2012 in News By Joanna Codd

THERE were tears and laughter when the family and friends of artist Josh Taylor gathered in Poole to bid him a final farewell.

The talented and popular youngster died suddenly at home on August 8 at the age of 20.

His funeral service took place in the same place where he was baptised, St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Wimborne Road .

Mourners filled the church and heard a moving tribute from Josh’s parents Nick and Debbie read by Mike Tyler. It spoke with immense pride of their “wonderful son”, a “creative spirit”, who was “sensitive, loving and caring.”

But they also talked of his sense of fun, his loud music, his talent for mimicry and making friends, and of how they were called to Josh’s school so often that they ended up on first name terms with his teacher. “We will never be the same but he will always be a part of us,” they said.

Student Josh was already making a name for himself as a graphic designer when he died.

After meeting Gary Hawkins through kitesurfing, he developed logos and branding for his new charity KiteRight, which aims to use kite sports to improve lives of people who are not usually able to access them.

Gary told the congregation: “I was bowled over by his talent. Josh created KiteRight with me. Josh inspired me.”

Another friend called Charlie recalled the support Josh gave to his friends – and his inimitable sense of style.

Josh’s godfather Colin Taylor read a tribute from Nick and Debbie’s younger son, Joe, 18. It spoke of his closeness to his “amazing brother”, adding: “Now that he’s gone, a huge hole has been created in my life which can never be filled.”

After a private family committal at Poole Crematorium, friends met at Branksome Chine, forming a circle of surfboards on the water as a tribute to the watersports enthusiast they will all miss so much.

An inquest into Josh’s death will be held at a later date.