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Robert Taylor

1927 - 2010

Robert Taylor obituary, 1927-2010

FUNERAL HOME

Miller-Jones Mortuary

1501 W. Florida Ave

Hemet, California

Robert Taylor Obituary

ROBERT KEITH TAYLOR Robert Keith Taylor, 83, of Hemet, died Nov. 26, 2010 at home surrounded by his family. Robert, known by many as Bob, and by his family as Keith, was born April 25, 1927 in Marysville Tenn. He moved to Calif. when he was 6 months old with his parents Robert Franklin and Bessie Bailey Taylor. Bob was one of 8 children and is survived by his sisters, Betty Zaiger of Modesto and Marilyn Clawson of Saratoga, CA. Bob left Ripon High School in 1945, just prior to graduating, and was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Paris, France for 18 months which was the start of his life -long love of all things French. Upon returning from duty, he spent 18 months in a sanitarium in San Diego recovering from tuberculosis. After recovering from his illness, Bob continued his education at San Diego State University. He was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity where he cooked for his fraternity brothers in return for his board, and so started another life - long love, the culinary arts. After graduating with a degree in Romance Languages, Bob began 40 years in education during which time he earned a Masters Degree from the University of Redlands. Bob arrived in Hemet in 1955 where he started his teaching career at Hemet High School. During this time he met Helen Miner during a performance of the Ramona Pageant. They married in 1958 and had two daughters, Leslie and Sarah. Bob became an active member of the community participating in the Ramona Pageant for 35 years, most notably playing the role of Father Salvadeara. He was a member of the Ramona Hillside Players and participated in Las Posadas productions organized by Mauricio and Hilda Jara. He was also a member of Hemet Jr. Chamber of Commerce, Family Service and American Field Service. Bob taught French, Spanish and English at Hemet High School, and for many years he traveled to the District\'s elementary schools to teach Spanish to 4th graders. In addition to teaching, he was an advisor for the Key Club and student chapter of AFS. Twice a year during this time Bob cooked fund raising dinners for up to three hundred people honoring the exchange students by preparing meals from their home countries. Bob retired from Hemet Unified School District in 1985 but continued to teach Spanish at Mt. San Jacinto Community college. In addition, he also started teaching cooking classes and donating gourmet dinners to help raise money for various organizations in the community. Bob loved music, dancing, food, wine, travel, books, movies and was interested in all aspects of life. He traveled to Europe and Mexico on many occasions. He is survived by his wife, Helen, his daughters Leslie Taylor and Sarah Chapman, her husband Jonathan, grandchildren Ashley and Tristan Wettlaufer and Igor and Natasha Chapman and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his great canine friend, Eiffel. Please remember Bob by making a donation to the charity of your choice, doing something kind, eating some good cheese or by drinking a glass of wine. A local memorial service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 2 at 4:00 at the Miller-Jones Mortuary in Hemet. An additional service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 11 in Modesto, for his many friends and family in northern California.

Published by The Press-Enterprise on Nov. 30, 2010.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Taylor

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What a loving man with an addictive smile and easy laugh. I remember Mr. Taylor bringing steaks out to the ranch and ice cream for Leslie's birthday. And his perfect ambiance and presence in the Ramona pageant. I loved his tenderness, which now is beautifully passed down and carried on through Sarah and Leslie!!!
Love you guys!

Martina Dyer

August 3, 2011

I remember when Mr. Taylor invited our French class to his house to experience real French cooking. He made us crepes among other incredible things. I have always loved crepes since then. Whenever I have a crepe, I think of Mr. Taylor. He was a wonderful teacher.

TJ Mancaruso

March 20, 2011

I have been blessed to know Bob Taylor as a colleague and friend. He was a kind and generous man--an ideal role model for all those he touched at Hemet High School and in the community.

As a new staff member at HHS in 1976, I was immediately impressed by his warmth and true interest in his students and fellow faculty members. He was a true professional, who devoted himself to teaching and loved sharing his knowledge and experience with anyone he could reach.

Though I am saddened by his passing, I am thankful for the wonderful life he shared with so many of us. I send my sincere condolences to his family and friends.

doug mercer

December 17, 2010

I'M VERY SAD TO HEAR OF BOB'S PASSING AND MY CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO HIS WIFE AND HIS FAMILY. I WAS A YOUNG GIRL ALSO IN THE PAGENT FOR MANY YEARS, AND I ALWAYS WILL REMEBER HIM AS THE FATHER SALVORTORE.NOBODY COULD EVER REPLACE HIM IN MY MIND HE WAS THE ORIGINAL AND THE BEST...

ROSE GARCIA

December 3, 2010

I remember the first time I saw Mr. Taylor. He came to our 4th grade class and taught French. Then I had him for Spanish in high school. He was always so kind, patient and understanding. He was a great teacher, even if I wasn't a good student. His daughter Leslie and I were on the swim team together. Years later, I participated in the Ramona Outdoor play when he played Father Salvedierra. I will miss him and his warm smile. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Jana Wagoner

December 3, 2010

Bob, as many have said, You will be missed. Many years we were in the play, laughing and joking together, and I say this for all the Pageant Cowboy, passed and present, we will miss you.

Mike Black

December 3, 2010

Via con Dios, Senor Taylor. I know you will be missed by all. My favorite memory, making tamales and debating with you about whether animals had language. Donna Rosskopf Bouchard, Washington

December 2, 2010

I was heartbroken to hear of your passing Bob Taylor..I will always carry the many great memories we and many others shared with you!..You were one of my favorite teachers and I have many happy memories in AFS as you taught me well about traveling the world to see it!..You were a great inspiration to large part of my life..May you RIP and my Sincere Condolences to your remaining family members....

Lori June Stratton

December 2, 2010

Bob had an amazing ability to bring teaching alive! He will be missed by all those he has touched over the years. I have lots of great memories involving Bob. The Whorff's are praying for Helen and family!

Fred Whorff

December 1, 2010

Over 30 years later I can still recall Mr. Taylor explaining to our French class in great detail how he made croissants for his guests. It seemed like such trouble, but he wanted to give and share, so to him it was just an act of love. His classes were never a chore because he was so fascinating to be around. I'm so sorry his family had to tell him goodbye. Sarah, please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

Tammy (Austin) Reeves

December 1, 2010

How very sad. You will be missed Mr Taylor. You were an awesome caring teacher..

Pat Bunting

December 1, 2010

Although Mr. Taylor _instructed_ me in French, he _taught_ me to travel abroad like a guest in the country, to leave no stone unturned, and have gusto for life. Adieu, Monsieur, Adieu!

Stephen Camper

December 1, 2010

He inspired me in so many ways. First, to appreciate other cultures and languages. He taught me the value of giving to others. He had one of the biggest smiles on the planet which was always a pleasure to see. Thank you, Mr. Taylor!

Michael Acton

December 1, 2010

"He was always so nice and understanding! A man of virtuous character, a valuable spice to the world that was made better by him being here! Thanks Mr. Taylor for your devotion to humanity with your kind, kind heart! You will be remembered as such!"....

Bret Barnes

December 1, 2010

I never had him as a teacher, but had the pleasure of many conversations with him during my high school years. My fondest memories are of being in the Ramona Pageant with him. He was such a kind man and will be missed by many who grew up in Hemet. My thoughts and prayers are with the Taylor family.

Roxanne (Rohrbacher) McCaleb

December 1, 2010

Mr. Taylor taught me a bit of Spanish in elementary school and quite a bit of French in high school. He helped us to engage the language and culture in his gentle way, and stories of his travels were ever-present and always welcome. My sincerest condolences to his friends and family, especially to my friend, Sarah.

David Hales

December 1, 2010

Rest in peace Mr. Taylor. I remember him coming to my classroom at Ramona Elementary when I first moved to Hemet. He was a very nice man. Bonnie Brown Seymour (Antioch, Ca.)

December 1, 2010

I have built upon the solid, and yet delicate foundation that he helped us develop in both French and flute. His gentle style for teaching these skills is a model for those who teach.
Condolences to his family.

Phyllis Porter

December 1, 2010

A great man who touched so many, Mr. Taylor was my AFS advisor and French teacher at HHS and even though I struggled with the language he was a kind and patient teacher who along with the language also taught us an appreciation of the culture and definitely the food. So though I don't remember many French words, I still love the food and the culture - thank you Mr. Taylor for opening up the world to us! My condolences to his family, the world is a better place because of him but diminished by his passing.

Nancy Morrison-Davis

December 1, 2010

Bob Taylor was one of my favorite teachers - and what he taught me in high school has lasted a lifetime, including the ability to make crepes under any circumstance whatsoever. May his memory bring peace. I am so grateful to have had him in my life.

Donna Hutt Stapfer Bell

December 1, 2010

I'm so sorry for your loss. He was such a nice man and obviously had a great impact on very many lives in this valley. My condolences.

Teri Howard-Wilson

December 1, 2010

Bob Taylor was my French teacher and French Club advisor all four years of high school - 40 years ago! He was always kind, supportive, & enthusiastic and I remain passionate about all things French, even after all these years, because of his gift for teaching. My deepest sympathy to Mr. Taylor's family and friends for their loss. I'm certain that Eiffel was overjoyed to see his best friend again. Au Revoir, Monsieur Taylor.

Shawn Birney-Rothman

December 1, 2010

He was a very gifted and generous man. Rest in piece Mr. Taylor. You were loved. Steven Foster Lopez

Steven Lopez

December 1, 2010

To the Taylor family -- I'm so very sorry to hear the sad news. Mr Taylor has been very special in my life and in my families life. He was what a teacher is all about. He really cared about his students, not only as a student but a person. He was the best. My mom and dad loved him so very much as my brothers and sister and even now my son. We will miss him greatly. Thank you for sharing him with all of us in the Hemet Community. All our love and prayers to you . Camille Lopez and the Angel Lopez family

November 30, 2010

He was a wonderful teacher, and a very kind man. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Michelle Duke-Davis

November 30, 2010

One of my favorite teachers at Hemet High . Thank you Bob for the education and humanity. Our hearts and prayers for you and your family.

Gary Graham

November 30, 2010

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