SFU mourns death of beloved professor, delays his department’s classes

The sudden passing of an instructor at Simon Fraser University (SFU) has prompted the school to cancel some first-week classes.

Russell Taylor taught graphic design at the School of Interactive Arts and Technology. SFU says he was an “extraordinary” teacher, and it will be delaying the department’s undergraduate classes in his honour.

One of Taylor’s former students, Victoria Lo, tells 1130 NewsRadio that he was passionate and ran every single lab for her whole semester. 

“He was really passionate about teaching us design, and really he just wanted us to know what good design was — and he did a good job with that,” said Lo.

Lo says Taylor also encouraged students to take design opportunities and wanted to set them up for success. 

According to SFU, Taylor had been teaching post-secondary design since 1998, and was hired full time at the university in 2002.

Another student, Martin Curic, says Taylor also helped him with his self-confidence. 

“I never encountered a professor who cares so deeply about each individual student, and I know so many other former students share that sentiment,” said Curic.

Others on social media have called Taylor one of the most important and influential instructors in his department.

“I know his legacy and his love will live on forever in all those students,” said Curic.

The School of Interactive Arts and Technology undergraduate classes are scheduled to resume on Sept. 11.