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Richard Taggart Obituary
Richard Eric Taggart
1950 - 2018
On Friday, September 14, 2018, Richard Eric Taggart, charismatic and loving husband and father, passed away at the age of 67.
Richard was born on November 12, 1950, in Bakersfield, CA to Robert and Ramona Taggart. He graduated from West High School in 1968. Richard proudly and courageously served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps and completed two tours of duty in Vietnam. Following his discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps, Richard drove tanker trucks for a few years and then joined the CHP in 1982, where he would spend the next 26 years dedicating his life to helping others, including delivering a baby whilst on-duty.
Richard met the love of his life in recent years and on March 10, 2018, he married Bertha (Ortiz) Taggart and those closest to him knew that he was the happiest he's ever been. He instilled hard work and morality as he lovingly raised his two children, Brandon and Alysia.
With his captivating blue eyes and mega-watt smile, Richard knew how to turn heads when he walked into a room and turn complete strangers into friends. He had a huge, compassionate heart and his infectious laughter, often from his own jokes could be heard from miles away. Richard had a passion for spoiling his five dogs, spending hours at the gym, listening and dancing to oldies music at the Chalet Basque and taking plenty of naps during his retirement.
Richard is survived by his wife, Bertha, his two children, Brandon and Alysia, his stepchildren, Vanessa, Jason and Nathan, his brothers, Ron and Scott, his sister, Carol, nieces, and nephews, step-grandchildren and his five dogs, Coco, Precious, Heidi, Sadie, and Nugget.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 25th, 2018 at Calvary Bible Church, located at 48 Manor Street, Bakersfield, CA 93308 at 10:00 a.m. A military funeral service will follow at the Bakersfield National Cemetery, located at 30338 East Bear Mountain Blvd in Arvin, CA 93203 at 1:15 p.m. A very special thank you to all of our family and friends, who provided love and support during this difficult time, as well as the CHP and the VA for their continued support and assistance.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Taggart
Lisa Flagg
November 28, 2019
May God rest your soul and give you peace.
Lisa C Flagg
November 28, 2019
My deepest condolences to Richards family. I knew Richard in the CHP Academy, he was a fun, sweet, kind man. I will never forget his laugh and the fun we all had. May God bless you, his family and give you peace and comfort.
MONIKA & DON DOOLEY/JANSSEN
May 14, 2019
I HAVE JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT RICHARD'S PASSING AND I AM VERY SADDENED ABOUT THE NEWS I HAVE BEEN A LONG TIME FRIEND OF THE TAGGARTS AND RICHARD HAS MADE A BIG IMPACT IN MY LIFE MANY YEARS AGO. YES HIS BLUE SPARKLING EYES AND HIS SMILE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED BY US ALL. SO GLAD TO HEAR HE WAS THE HAPPIEST EVER IN HIS LAST YEARS MY HUSBAND SAW HIM AT HOME DEPOT LAST AND ALWAYS SMILED AND SEEMED HAPPY THEN. BLESSINGS TO HIS FAMILY AND MAY YOU SMILE IN HEAVEN YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
Rod KULL
December 31, 2018
Richard and I were in the USMC together and I considered him a great friend. He was always happy and considerate. We lost contact through the years but I remember him as a Marine's marine. Sorry for your loss.
Patrick Scott
November 19, 2018
I had the privilege to work with richard in the bakersfield chp office. Great officer.
Rhonda Morris-Iriart
October 2, 2018
My sympathy to Richards family. I knew him many years ago when he was married to a dear friend of mine. I remember him as always smiling. So glad to hear he lead a great life & had a loving family. May God comfort his family & friends & his soul rests in peace.
E. L. Tomlinson
September 26, 2018
My condolences to Richard's family. You are not alone in this time of grief and sorrow. As you remember your loved one, may God's words at Hosea 13:14 of the hope to see our loved ones again, bring you comfort and peace in every way. May you find strength from the love and care that surrounds you and happiness in memories you shared.
Denise Lewis
September 26, 2018
I have to share this I will never forget this when I worked at Larsons across from jolly kone on bell terrace I saw Officer Taggart everyday for his coffee. I worked by myself on my shift and no one to relieve me to use the restroom. So I locked the door ran to the bathroom and sure enough he came up and the door was locked. I was screaming from the bathroom he thought someone might have robbed me when I came out of the restroom I had 5 police officers including Officer Taggert trying to get in .Embarrased I said geez cant a girl go to the restroom he said "i wasnt worried about you I was worried you hadnt put the pot of coffee on. What a great guy always had a joke and a smile.
ERIC TURNER
September 25, 2018
YES A GOOD MAN ,YOU WILL BE MISSED ,LOVE YOU BROTHER LOVE YOU MARINES.
Scott & Kim Haidze
September 25, 2018
You were there standing beside my dad and I thirty-three years ago, to share a very special day with Scott and I. So many good memories I have of you as my Uncle Richard growing up. I will always remember you.
John Pops Mixon
September 24, 2018
He came to my house 58 years ago and I took him in as one of my sons. He was a joy with sparkling eyes, and I loved him so. He was my Marine and he cherished the Corps. I shall miss his humor and cheerful smile whenever we met. GOD bless him and keep him in HIS loving arms. Semper Fi, my son. John D. Mixon
Debbie and John Mixon
September 24, 2018
You know we love you and will miss you until we are together again. We will be there for Bertha, the kids, and the dogs, if they ever need us. To honor you we will try to help any veteran we meet - as you know "Pops" John is a great mentor to many young men. We will remember our last encounter happily as your blue eyes were smiling as you hugged us hello. Semper Fi XO John and Debbie Mixon
Toni Wallace
September 24, 2018
RIP Mr. Taggart The officer with the prettiest blue eyes ive ever seen!
September 24, 2018
Without you I would have my two beautiful cousins Alysia and Brandon. Thoughts and prayers go to all of the family.
Bunny Behnke
September 23, 2018
I have fond memories of Richard from childhood, when he and my brother David were his neighborhood friends. I am proud of him for his successes in life. I send my love and sympathy to all his family and pray for comfort and peace upon your hearts at this time. I am sorry that David and I cannot be present at memorial services for Richard, but we will be there in spirit.
Vanessa shadden
September 23, 2018
I love you Poppa Richard. You coming into our life was the greatest blessing. You will be missed so much. Please look over us your and know how lucky we were to be apart of your life. Your grandkids Julissa,Tommy, Jacob and Joshua and myself will always carry you in our hearts forever. We will see you in heaven poppa Richard
September 23, 2018
He was a great friend~~Condolences to the family.
September 23, 2018
he used to give me a hard time leave tire marks on my sidewalk when i lived next door to jolly cone .he did it w /a smile just letting me know he was around .sorry for your loss.
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