Arthur J. Taylor

LINCOLN - Arthur J. Taylor, 84, passed away April 25, 2010. He was born Nov. 22, 1925, to Anna and Edwin Taylor. Like the Atlantic salmon that Arthur cherished, he has been "caught and released" into nature. Arthur was born and raised in South Boston. He attended Museum of Fine Arts and graduated from Vesper George School of Art, Boston, where he met the catch of his life, Ruth Mallett of Lee. Arthur had a successful commercial art career in Boston and New York City. In 1966 he packed up his family and moved to Maine for the "good life." After moving to Maine, the love of nature and the joy of fishing inspired him to become a renowned wildlife watercolor artist and rod maker. Arthur was a conservationist and a strong advocate for the restoration of the Atlantic salmon. Arthur was happiest while fishing and painting the wild rivers of Maine and Canada, spending time with family and friends at their camp on Silver Lake and hanging out at "Home on the Grange." He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Ruth (Mallett) Taylor; daughters, Leah Taylor and Shane Crisco of Conway, S.C., Laurie T. Brown and husband, Robert B. Brown, of Bangor and Susan T. Rioux and husband, Peter B. Rioux, of Winterport; three grandchildren, Shannon R. Nelson and Jay Varillo of Little River, S.C., Bryan J. Brown of Bangor and Carmen Ruth Rioux of Winterport; and one great-grandson, Brock Smith of Little River, S.C. He is also survived by one special sister, Lou Taylor of Quincy, Mass.; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters, Eleanor Taylor and Kathy Walsh. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life 2 p.m. Sunday, May 2, at "Home on the Grange" in Lee Village. Those who wish to donate in his memory may send contributions to the building fund for "Home on the Grange," 53 Slipper Ridge, Lee, ME 04455. Arrangements with Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln. Those who wish may sign an online register and leave written condolences at www.clayfuneralhome.com.