Roy was born Dec. 11, 1926 in American Falls, ID, to Judd and Ruth (Fredrick) Taylor, where he grew up on the family farm. During high school he earned his Eagle Scout badge, and after graduating entered the Naval Aviation program. After completing his military service he graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in agriculture engineering and returned to farming with his father. In 1949 he married Patricia Logan. They were later divorced.
Always busy, creative and believing in life long learning, Roy went back to college and earned advanced degrees and certifications in education. While still farming Roy went on to teach mostly math and science, first in the Rockland, ID, school district and then the American Falls Middle School. He found great joy in reaching kids who otherwise found school boring. In 1968 he moved the family to Moscow where he served for 23 years as the Idaho State Extension Agriculture Engineer, supporting county agents throughout the state with special projects and agricultural challenges.
Through this time, and into retirement in 1991, Roy found extreme pleasure in making wooden objects and toys. Presenting these as numerous Christmas presents for his children and five grandchildren (often interjected with puzzling clues to find such treasures) was a highlight year after year. The last 27 years he lived in Potlatch, a community he loved dearly, for both the good people there as well as his ability to enjoy nature, feeding hummingbirds and raccoons. He also loved taking on large projects like building a ghost town, a fort, a pioneer cabin and a great tree house for all to enjoy. For over 20 of those years there was no one he enjoyed spending time with more than his best friend and soul-mate Angela (Cricket) Nelson, who shared his great fun in exploring yard sales, antique stores, traveling, as well as expanding their crafting skills.
Roy is survived by his two children and five grandchildren: daughter Nancy (Don) Shrope, their children, Kelli (Dan) Campbell and Melissa (Chris) Muehling; his son Kevin (Marcy) Taylor, their children, Susan (Shane) Young, Sara (Brendan) Quinn and Joseph Taylor; seven beautiful great-grandchildren; plus Linda and Craig Forsman. He was preceded in death by his brother Ralph, his parents, and his long-time companion Cricket Nelson.
Roy passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at the age of 89. His creativity and inquisitive intellect will surely be missed, along with his love for his family. A memorial service will be held at Short’s Funeral Chapel on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 11 a.m. followed by a private burial. The family would like to thank the staffs of Good Samaritan Village and Bishop Place Retirement Community for their kind, loving care of Roy over the last three months. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the University of Idaho Foundation’s Scholarship Fund.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Short’s Funeral Chapel of Moscow, and condolences may be left at www.shortsfuneralchapel.com.
Thanks for reading! Read more in this week's print edition.Subscribe Today! |