Arthur Richard Taylor

ARTHUR RICHARD TAYLOR known to many as “Art” or “Artie,” passed away peacefully at home on Sunday March 15th, 2026, aged 87, surrounded by his wife, son, and close friends.

Born September 18th, 1938, in Perth, Western Australia. Artie grew up alongside his identical twin brother Colin and younger brothers Peter and Terry.

At 25, Art left Australia to chase the “Endless Summer” and after 2 years of surfing and sailing around the world, with his good friend Warren McKinney, made Landfall in Barbados in the spring of 1967. As an avid surfer, sailor, diver and jazz enthusiast, Art found his home in Barbados and began to build a life well lived. With close friends, he ran a makeshift surfing and watersports shack at Accra Beach and from a single idea of creating Board Shorts from leftover lounge chair material, he grew that into the largest Beachwear company in the region- Surf & Sand -flying his Piper Cherokee to supply the Caribbean and beyond.

When that chapter ended, Artie began again. Through his new passion in aviation, his love of sailing the seas, and the down island relationships he made, he found a new path supplying live lobster across the island and ultimately created the Carlisle Bay landmark restaurant “Lobster Alive and All That Jazz”, now in its’ 27th year, where he worked every day to the end. His favorite part of the “job” was sharing a drink with all his many friends and patrons on Sundays, listening to the incredible jazz band, and sharing his infectious dance moves with anyone and everyone. He was deeply passionate about jazz music and was proud to be a member of the VSOP Jazz band, playing piano with them for over 40 years.

Art’s ability to start over without hesitation, and without concern for status, was one of his defining strengths. He had an adventurous spirit, was quietly generous, naturally magnetic and had a tenacious work ethic. He carried a kindness and natural humility that allowed him to connect with anyone, and above all he valued the simple joy and fun in life. He never stood still, always creating and dreaming, yet grounded in his love of the ocean, flying the skies and of course ALL things Jazz.
He is survived by his wife Lisa Taylor; daughter Joanna Taylor-Kvasnicka; son Samuel “Sam” Taylor; grandchildren Anton and Hanna and youngest brother Terry. He was loved by so many people in Barbados, too numerous to mention, and had friends from all around the world. He was predeceased by his partner Pamela Rhodes and brothers Colin and Peter.

A service of celebration will be held on Friday, April 10th, 2026, at The Chapel of Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens where relatives and friends are asked to meet at 2:00 p.m. followed by a private cremation. No mourning colors by special request. Art’s favorite color of light blue would be a lovely tribute as well as short pants (as most everyone knew of his disdain for long pants and shoes). As Art would say “Beachy by day, Peachy by nite”. In lieu of flowers, contributions to The Salvation Army, Barbados Vagrants and Homeless Society or The Barbados Cancer Society would be graciously accepted.

There will also be a Celebration of Art’s Life at Lobster Alive Restaurant on Sunday, April 19th, 2026, from 12:00-4:00pm. Please RSVP to 435-0305.

The family invites you to view the live streaming of the service, to view please click here