Flying Tiger Line Pilots Association
In Memoriam...
Arthur "Al" Taylor
2/21/1934- 5/8/2014
Al Taylor passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on the morning of May 8, 2014.
Al was born in Carnation, Washington to Arthur and Katherine Taylor. He was the oldest of four boys and had an older sister who died at a young age. Al was raised on a family farm in Snohomish, Washington and raised pigs and other livestock. Upon graduation from Snohomish High School in 1952, Al enlisted in the United States Navy. In 1953 he met the love of his life, Carol Baer and the two were married in Everett, Washington on March 26, 1956. Al was honorably discharged from the Navy and soon began what would become an exciting and successful career as an airline pilot. Al flew a variety of planes over the course of his career, including DC-8s, 707s and 747s. He retired as a captain from Federal Express in 1996.
Although Al traveled extensively both for work and for pleasure, his greatest happiness and love was found at home in the company of his family. He was very proud of his three children, Randy Taylor, Rick Taylor, and Jennifer Willis and was very involved in all of their activities growing up including their education, Boy Scouts, softball teams, swimming and diving teams, and 4-H. Al was overjoyed when in 1984 his first grandchild was born, followed by seven others. We often joked that Dad retired from the airline industry and became a day care provider. He was a fixture at Heather's soccer games, Zach's baseball games, Taylor's swim meets and at all of the band performances of Alex, Matthew, and Caroline.
Every one of his grandchildren have wonderful memories of the many hours they spent with Grandpa at Micke Grove Zoo.
We are all fortunate to have special memories that will forever live on in our hearts - trips to Hawaii, camping in Yellowstone, college visits in Ames, Iowa, traveling to faraway lands, projects at the cabin in Pine Grove, catching lizards and snakes at Grandma and Grandpa's house, learning to golf, learning to fly, learning to drive on the country roads at early ages (unknown to Grandma!) and most importantly being loved unconditionally by our Dad and Grandpa. Al enjoyed spending time at the family cabin in Pine Grove and also enjoyed golfing, a love he has passed down to his children and grandchildren.
Al was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Eleanor Taylor, and two brothers, Earl and Amos Taylor. He was also preceded in death by his special friend at Micke Grove Zoo, Buster the Seal. Al is survived by is loving wife, Carol Taylor; his three children and their spouses: Randy Taylor (Vikki), Rick Taylor Sandy), and Jennifer Willis (Curtis). He will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren Heather Archuleta (Jordan); Alex, Caroline, and Matthew Taylor; Zach Kramer and Taylor Willis; and great grandchildren, Steve and Stella Archuleta. Al is survived by his brother, Harry Taylor (Lynda) of Washington.
Lodi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 11:30 am at United Congregational Church, 701 S. Hutchins St., Lodi. Committal
will be private. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of San Joaquin, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease, or Micke Grove Zoological Society.
You will be forever in our hearts, Dad. "Blue skies and happy landings."
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