Charles George Taylor, aged 93, of Woodbury, CT died peacefully at home surrounded by family on May 24, 2016 after a brief illness. Born Feb. 28, 1923 in London, England, he was the second youngest of eight children and the last surviving sibling. Foregoing a scholarship to art school in order to heed his father's wish that he embark on a trade, he became an apprentice photoengraver on London's famed Fleet Street at age 14. His training was interrupted by the outbreak of WWII and, at age 17, he enlisted in the British Merchant Navy, serving for six years beginning as a galley boy but quickly working his way up to Able Seaman. In 1941 and again, the following year, he survived the sinking of ships he served on, each torpedoed by German U-Boats in the North Atlantic. He was awarded Great Britain's Atlantic Star and later, the Arctic Star, honoring those merchant seamen who sailed the treacherous Arctic convoys to bring war supplies to Archangel, Russia. After his ship, the Soekaboemi, was sunk in 1942, he was re-routed to Glasgow, Scotland to await re-assignment. It was there, at a dance hall, that he spotted a beautiful young lass, Helen Theresa Banner, from across the room. He fought off the attention of handsome, uniformed American GIs, otherwise known as the 'Yanks', to win her affection. The two married in Shepard's Bush, London in 1946. Together, Charles and Helen left their families behind and emigrated to America in 1949 to fulfill their desire of adventure and opportunity, settling in Stamford, CT to raise their own young family. Charles worked for twenty- five years at Graphic Color Plate Inc., one of the most modern and preeminent photoengraving companies in the US. His artistic nature and his entrepreneurial spirit led him to his other career and calling as a designer and builder. He received Greenwich CT's 1982 Architectural Design Award for his Horseneck Mews waterfront project which remains a monument to his special, beautiful style. He went on to build and restore many unique and exquisite homes in Fairfield and Litchfield counties and maintained his passion for renovation and creation until his last days. He was a gifted, skilled craftsman. He loved the sea ( sailing New England waters on his beloved ketch, Sawyers Farm), antique cars, furniture restoration, rock and roll music, art of any kind, dreaming big, and most of all, his family. Charles, better known as Chuck or Grandad to many, will forever be remembered by his family and all those who knew him as a wonderful storyteller, brilliantly creative builder, and an optimistic and happy man. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 70 years, Helen; his three children, Heather (Roger) of Sussex, England, Glenn (Maria) of Southbury, CT, Malcolm of Arlington, Vermont; his grandchildren, Rosie (Chris) and Willow (Des) of Sussex, England, Jamie (Rosie) of London, England, Chloe (Jesse) of Woodbury, CT, Seth (Katy) of Brooklyn, NY., Skye of New York, NY., and Luke of Los Angeles, CA; and great grandchildren Darius, Jonjo, Ramona, Scarlet, Liberty, Asa, Leo, and, soon to arrive next week, baby Lila, who he so hoped he'd be able to hold. He is predeceased by his grandson, Kronus. We love and miss you, Grandad. May God rest your soul. Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea!

Memorials: Charitable donations in memory of Charles can be made to Teen Cancer America. https://www.teencanceramerica.org/donate/

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Funeral: Church Not Applicable