Chris Taylor, a devoted partner and father, was 34 years old. In December of 2018 with his beautiful partner, Ebony, and their two lively boys—Reef, a curious 2½-year-old, and Drift, a joyful 9-month-old—they arrived in Bali. They envisioned sun-soaked beaches, laughter echoing through lush landscapes, and the simple joy of being together.

But life can be unpredictable, and just hours after they settled into their tropical paradise, tragedy struck. In the stillness of the night, Chris suffered a cerebral aneurysm rupture. In a heartbeat, everything changed. Ebony fought valiantly to resuscitate him, but the universe had other plans. Chris’s light extinguished far too soon, leaving a void that words could scarcely capture.

The days that followed were dark and heavy, filled with heartache and disbelief. Ebony, left to navigate the world without her partner, faced the unimaginable challenge of raising their two boys alone. Reef, with his innocent eyes, and Drift, still too young to understand, became her anchor. Every day was a reminder of Chris—the laughter they shared, the dreams they built together, and the love that was woven into every moment.

Yet, even in the depths of sadness, a flicker of hope began to emerge. Chris was more than a husband and father; he was a friend, a brother, a son, and a beacon of kindness. Those who loved him—his sisters, his father, his friends, his nephews, and his nieces—felt a profound need to honour his legacy. Chris had always believed in giving back, in making the world a better place through simple acts of kindness and generosity.

Greg, Chris’ stepfather, and his mother Merle, have always been philanthropists, donating to causes that resonated with them on a regular basis. As the days turned into months and years, Greg and Merle transformed their grief into something powerful. They began to raise money for causes that Chris would have wholeheartedly supported initiatives that uplifted communities by supporting health
organisations for both humans and birds.

Each fundraiser, each event, became a testament
to Chris’s spirit, a way to keep his memory alive while spreading hope and love in the world. Through their efforts, Chris’s legacy blossomed. They organised community events, inspired others to give, and shared stories that celebrated his life. With every dollar raised, they felt
Chris by their side, encouraging them to continue the journey, to find joy amidst sorrow, and to spread kindness wherever they went.

Though Chris had left this world, his impact remained. The laughter of Reef and Drift, the stories told by family and friends, and the lives touched by their charitable efforts became a living tribute to the man they all cherished. They learned that while grief is a heavy burden, love is an unstoppable force. It transcends time and space, weaving through the fabric of everyday life.

In honouring Chris, we have found strength. We discovered that celebrating his life did not mean forgetting our pain; instead, it meant embracing it and transforming it into something beautiful. We understand that every day we miss him, but we also celebrate him. Every act of kindness, every moment of joy, carries a piece of Chris with it, reminding us that love never truly dies.

And so, in Bali and beyond, the legacy of Chris Taylor continues to inspire. It reminds us all that even in the face of tragedy, we can choose to honour the ones we’ve lost by living fully, loving fiercely, and giving generously. In this way, Chris’s spirit lives on, a guiding light illuminating the path for those who follow.