Justin E. Taylor

Justin Taylor Obituary

Justin E. Taylor

Justin Eugene Taylor, 90, of Olympia, WA passed away Monday, February 21, 2011, at Capital Medical Center. He will be remembered as a loving husband and father, optimistic and tireless shellfish farmer and a good man.
Justin was born in Shelton, WA on February 16, 1921 to Eugene and Florence (Waldrip) Taylor. He and his older brother Edwin grew up in Kamilche. Justin served on the USS Texas during World War II where he fought in 5 major invasions and was called back to military service for 18 months during the Korean War. Justin met Carol Hunter soon after leaving the military and they were married on August 20, 1954. After their marriage, Justin and Carol made their first home at a logging camp in Northern California for two seasons where Justin fell timber. In 1955, the couple settled permanently at their home on Oyster Bay where Justin followed the family tradition of shellfish farming.
Justin was one of the great men of the Shellfish industry. He dedicated his life to the improvement of the water quality of Puget Sound. He served on various community boards and Shellfish industry committees. Justin continued throughout his life advancing shellfish farming with many innovative practices. He was a great thinker, leader and cornerstone of the industry.
Justin was a long time member of Hidden Creek Community Church in Olympia, where he served in various positions.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carol Hunter Taylor, his three children and nine grandchildren; William (wife Betsy; children Diani and Malindi Taylor and Becca Ellen), Paul (wife Gail, children Brittany, Marcelle and Nyle Taylor) and Janet Pearson (husband Jeff, children Brooke, Lynnea and Jada Pearson).
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the Westwood Baptist Church, 333 Kaiser Rd NW, Olympia, WA .
The family suggests a donation to Puget Sound Restoration Fund, 590 Madison Ave. N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 or to the Union Gospel Mission, P.O. Box 202, Seattle, WA 98111-0202.
McComb Funeral Home was honored to serve this family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Olympian on Feb. 24, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Justin Taylor

7 Entries

February 27, 2011

I have many good memories while I was a teenager and the many parties out at the Taylors, learning to waterski and eat clams. I am so sorry for your loss.
Marilyn (Tilson) Wilson

Jody Alfiere

February 26, 2011

My mom's grandpa and Justin's great grandpa were brothers. Mom, Mae McDonald, and Justin were both born in 1921 and grew up in Kamilche together. Mom always thought the world of Justin. I am so sorry for your loss, and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Brian and Kim Dickinson

February 26, 2011

I have known Justin Taylor all my life. Justin was my grandparent's (Edwin and Ruth McMahan) childhood best friend. Justin and my grandfather grew up in the wilderness of Mason county hunting and fishing together; in their late teens early 20's they took to logging prior to serving in the Navy during World War 2.

As a child I remember visiting Justin and Carol with my parents at their home on Oyster Bay. Justin and my dad taught me how to dig clams and shuck oysters. I remember one time my mom was worried about me to ruining my new shoes so Justin gave me a pair of his rubber work boots. Of course on a child of 7; the boots that came up to Justin's knees looked like hip waders on me. I will never forget his warm smile and huge laugh when he saw me in those boots.

In recent years my wife and I have several fond memories of sitting with Justin, Carol and my grandparents in Justin's home listening to the two of them relive their younger years. I was always amazed at the adventures they shared. One of my favorites was the story of a day they were going to go hunting and Justin's mother stopped them because their freezer was already full of deer. Undaunted my grandfather and Justin went and stuck their rifles out a window, leaning them against the house. Then emerged with their fishing poles stating they would go fishing instead; once out of eye sight they retrieved their guns and went hunting anyway. I am sure they got quite the tongue lashing when they got home.

I remember asking my mom one time if Justin was my Uncle and she said sort of. I didn't understand that at the time, but after being able to spend time with Justin and my grandfather over the last 10 years I realize what she meant. Those two shared a bond that went well beyond friendship.

Justin was one of the greatest men I have known in my life. He was a kind, generous and unassuming man. His love of the outdoors, especially Puget Sound, was second only to his love of Carol and their family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Mobbs Family

February 25, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours. Take care.

David/Nadine Velasco

February 24, 2011

Justin was very kind man.He will truly be missed.Our thoughts and blessings to the family.

February 24, 2011

I met Justin when I was coaching his daughter Janet at the Olympia YMCA in the early 70's. I remember visiting the family at their Oyster Bay home and picking a few Oysters with Justin and his young sons. Justin was rock solid, the sort of quiet resolute mentor that are a rare commodity today.

Evan Ogden

February 24, 2011

Justin was a living legend who influenced multiple generations in the proper stewardship of land and water. I did not know him personally but had the opportunity to work in the landscape of his home on Oyster bay Rd. over the years and was impressed with the warmhearted kindness that Justin and Carol always extended.
Peace and blessings to the family

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