Beachburg

Taylor Hanrath

Let’s welcome our neighbour, Taylor Hanrath.

Hi, Taylor! Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Taylor, and I was born and raised in Whitewater Region, but grew up in Westmeath Township, with a Beachburg phone number, a Pembroke address, and on Rural Route 2. I went to Beachburg Public School and Fellowes High School before attending Carleton University for Engineering.

I now live with my soon-to-be wife, and get to raise my kids in the same house I grew up in. We have three amazing kids — a 13-year-old boy who is coming into his own and is so smart; a soon-to-be 6-year-old girl who is creative and a great talker; and an almost 4-year-old boy who loves to craft and fix things. My soon-to-be wife is our rock, making sure we are all taken care of at all times and planning all kinds of fun adventures for all of us. My family is incredible, and my drive for everything I do comes from them.

I work for the County of Renfrew in the Public Works & Engineering Department. You will not find a more dedicated group of folks to work with. They all go above and beyond to keep everyone safe on the roads.

What’s the funniest thing that has ever happened to you?

One night back in my university days, my friend and I had gone out for (probably too many) drinks. We took the bus back near our apartments, which were across the street from one another and a short walk from the bus stop. To get to our apartments, we had to cut through a parking lot and through a gap in a fence.

Somehow, during this three-minute walk, I separated from my friend and went through the wrong parking lot up to a full chain-link fence. I could see my apartment building, so instead of backtracking, I decided I would just climb over the fence. I am probably the least coordinated person I know, so on my way over the fence, I got stuck in the sitting position at the top. As I sat there stuck, I was terrified that I would be there until the sun came up in a few hours.

Finally, I lifted myself up and threw myself off the fence, then walked back to my apartment. The next morning, reminiscing about that previous night, I was amazed I hadn’t broken anything. I put on my jeans, impressed they were not ripped, only to suddenly feel a breeze and realize I had torn the whole back pocket off.

What is your least favourite household chore?

Definitely laundry.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Australia. I have been once before, but for nowhere near long enough. The whole continent is so intriguing with a unique culture, landscape, and wildlife that is so different from the rest of the world.

What’s the strangest food combination you enjoy?

I love weird mixed-up dips, like mixing mayo, ketchup, and hot sauce to dip a sandwich in.

Have you ever been told you look like a famous person? Who was it? Do you agree?

I’ve been told I look like Mikey from Recess. Lol. And, yeah, I can see it.

What was the worst style choice you ever made?

Dinosaur sweaters in grade school.

What fashion trend would you most like to see return? Why?

Sweet dinosaur sweaters from grade school, of course.

Would you rather be a bird or a fish? Why?

A bird. I would be able to explore as far as the eye can see quickly, but I’d still have a home to go back to each day.

What would be your trademark karaoke song?

“Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf. Not because I think it represents my life, but because it brings back memories of singing karaoke with my dad at family get-togethers.

You’ve just won the lottery. What will you do with your windfall?

After paying off all debts for my wife and me, and setting up my kids for post-secondary education, I would buy a big old tractor and start using it.

If you could have anyone or anything as your imaginary friend, who or what would you choose? Why?

My mom. She passed away 15 years ago, and I know she would just love the little family that my wife and I have built. It would be a dream come true to see her eyes light up as she sees her three grandkids and to hear her laugh again.

Thanks for sharing with us, neighbour Taylor.

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Next week, we will welcome Natasha Collins.