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Dr. Marion M. Taylor
Dr. Marion M. Taylor
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Marion Taylor Obituary
Marion studied as a microbiologist but found his true passion in traditional Japanese martial arts. He held senior ranks in Iaido, Karate, Kyudo and Aikido. Marion worked as director of martial arts in the outdoor program (OPRA) at Hampshire College for 39 years until his retirement in 2012.
He is survived by many hundreds of students across the country and friends around the world, all of whom mourn his loss. Marion was an inspiring teacher and timeless mentor to those who carry his legacy through the practices he shared.
Donations in his name can be made to the Fisher House, where Marion spent his last weeks in the company of those close to him and the loving staff of the Fisher House.
Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.
To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Albert Simon
November 15, 2024
Warm memories of Marion over many years, as we practiced Kyudo together during programs in Barnet, Vermont and in Montreal. Unpredictable, funny, and always that twinkle in his eyes.
December 3, 2014
Shannon Parker
December 2, 2014
I met Marion as a Japanese language student doing a report on Kyudo. He was incredibly giving of his time and I began the practice of both Kyudo and Shotokan under him.
He was a great person and an inspiration to everyone with whom he came in contact.
The world is a little bit dimmer now without his light in it.
Sura Levine
December 2, 2014
When Dr. Marion Taylor retired a few years ago, we lost an important figure for our students, staff and faculty alike. His was a quiet, measured way. His impact on his students keen. My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends.
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Jeremy Birnbaum
November 25, 2014
My memorys of him are of a kind and wonderful person I had many conversations with him. RIP
Rebecca Nordstrom
November 24, 2014
Marion was a wonderful colleague and clearly an inspiring teacher to many Hampshire students over the years. My condolences to his family and friends.
Sharon Friedner
November 24, 2014
Marion, with a twinkle in his eye, would invite people to play a game where you each stand on milk crates and try to pull each other off using a long rope. It was impossible to win, but always so much fun to play. Marion, I miss your presence on campus - so glad I got the chance to know you.
Marion with a class at Hampshire College
James Patten
November 24, 2014
Marion will be greatly missed by many. He always was the type of person that would make you smile, and he had so much knowledge to share. I'm glad I had the privilege of knowing him and working with him at Hampshire College. My condolences to his family and friends.
November 24, 2014
Marion was and amazing man who will be greatly missed. His impact here at Hampshire College was tremendous. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Bob Crowley
Linnaea Furlong
November 23, 2014
Marion-sensei was an inspiration to me. I loved taking his classes and he was just an incredible person to know. He always made me feel like I could do it, even when he was teaching something hard. Hampshire and all of us students will miss him.
November 23, 2014
We were so lucky to have such an amazing mentor, friend, and teacher. Thank you for everything you taught us and for helping us become better people. We love and miss you so much.
-Cristina D'Ancona and Stefan Terry
November 22, 2014
I'll never forget Marion, he was a remarkable human being. I was lucky to have him as a karate instructor and orientation leader at Hampshire. He was a kind, gentle, master of his arts, and he was happy to share it with others. I can't think of anyone who had more honor in their heart, more humor in their soul, and more patience with us all, than Marion Taylor. I'll miss him a great deal.
Naya Gabriel
November 22, 2014
I wish I could have trained with Marion but his spirit and wisdom was so all-encompassing that every interaction with him, even a glance from across campus, felt like it was a shared moment of greater awareness, peace and strength.
drue hontz
November 22, 2014
drue hontz
November 22, 2014
My limited vocabulary can not properly put to words the positive impact and memories you had on my life. First meeting you as I begin my practice of Shotokan at the age 15, your instruction, firm with a smile cemented my love and respect for the martial arts and life itself. Thank you for your one of a kind instruction. Enjoy your practices at your new dojo
Albert Simon
November 21, 2014
Bushy eyebrows shading sparkling eyes, refreshingly unexpected reactions, a truly unique being. Thank you, Marion.
November 21, 2014
I was fortunate to train with Marion Taylor Sensei in Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido over the last 12 years , at our annual North American San Shin Kai international summer camp seminars, and at many regional events here in Pennsylvania.
He was a great teacher, and an inspiring and accessible peer. He was a lion of a man, who taught by example, and drew out the best in his students.
Those who knew and loved him will recall his strength of character, happily matched by his great sense of humor. I wish I knew more about him, as I am only now learning of other connections we shared in Kyudo, through Kanjuro Shibata Sensei, and Shotokan Karate.
Marion will be greatly missed, and long remembered.
Jonathan Kennedy
November 21, 2014
I'm so very sorry to hear of Marion's death. While I only knew him briefly during my limited training in Iaido, I found Marion's attitude and perspective to be very inspirational. I looked forward to every class with him and I found that his style of teaching and his demeanor suited me very well. My regret is that I missed out on opportunities to learn from you and to know you better. Rest in peace, Dr Taylor.
Kevin Decoteau
November 21, 2014
Marion,
You showed me the beauty and discipline of Kyudo. I take your lessons with me, I bow deeply, release.
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