What comes to mind when you think of Don Taylor?
Is it his time as one of the faces of Sports Page? His anchoring duties with Sportsnet and his signature "signature?" Or is it his commitment to covering B.C. sports and beyond the last 40 years?
Whatever it may be, supporters of the Burnaby-born broadcaster can now add "hall of famer" to his list of accomplishments.
Taylor was named to the BC Sports Hall of Fame class of 2024 in the media category on Thursday, Oct. 25.
He joins a strong core of inductees alongside five athletes — including New West baseball great Justin Morneau and Victoria Olympian swimmer Ryan Cochrane — plus three builder-coaches, one team, one pioneer and the W.A.C. Bennett Award winner.
"Overwhelmed by the response from people regarding my induction into the BC Sports Hall of Fame," said Taylor in a social media post about the announcement.
"Thanks to everyone who reached out with congrats.
"I love my job. I have from day 1 in Dawson Creek. To feel that through the years was enough for me. But today took that feeling to another level."
Taylor was raised in North Burnaby and graduated from Alpha Secondary in 1977. He currently rsides in Port Moody.
According to his hall of fame profile, he was "widely considered the most popular on-air host" of Sports Page (CKVU) from 1985 to 2000.
During that stint, as well as his time as anchor for Sportsnet Connected's nightly highlight shows from 2001 to 2014, Taylor was known for "his often hilarious delivery of sports highlights complete with impressions, catch phrases, and obscure sports trivia."
He overlapped that stint of his illustrious career as a co-host on TSN 1040 with other sportscasters like David Pratt, Barry Macdonald and Bob Marjanovich until 2021 when the station folded.
Taylor is now seen and heard these days on CHEK TV's multimedia platforms, including television, YouTube, social media and in podcast form, as the co-host of Donnie and Dhali: The Team with Rick Dhaliwal.
His supporters have praised his hall of fame induction, calling it "amazing" and "well deserved."
"Left Vancouver 20 years ago and guys like Donnie have kept me dialed in while abroad sports broadcasters have a huge impact. Donnie is one of the best ever," said one poster.
"Easily one of B.C.'s best media personalities," commented another.
"Forever part of my childhood (and adulthood). It was and still is such a privilege and blessing to have you in our market."
Taylor will officially be inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame at a special ceremony tentatively scheduled for May 2024.
Since 1966, the organization has inducted 452 individuals and 69 teams to its Hall of Champions, ensuring their legacies will continue to inspire future generations.
"Honouring the past — and inspiring the future — is at the very heart of the mission of the BC Sports Hall of Fame, and this year's honourees truly exemplify the best of sport in this province and beyond," said Tom Mayenknecht, chair of the BC Sports Hall of Fame, in a news release about the latest class.
"We congratulate our deserving inductees and look forward to coming together again in person to fully honour the Class of 2024 at our BC Sports Hall of Fame induction gala next year."
