Bill Arthur Taylor

Bill A. Taylor, 78, native of Sonoma, CA since 1948, living in Twinsburg, OH, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday, January 5, 2026 in Sonoma, CA while visiting family and friends. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

Born in Ross (Marin County), California on January 6, 1947, the son of Dr. Clark and Irma Taylor, his family moved to Sonoma in 1948 when his father accepted a position at what was then Sonoma State Hospital. It was while attending Prestwood Grammar School Bill formed lasting and meaningful friendships remaining today. In these formative years, he was introduced to a variety of artistic endeavors by his talented mother. From skits to costumes, these experiences inspired his interest in design, the arts and the theatre. Bill was a 1965 graduate of Sonoma Valley High School, where he served as senior class president. He then enrolled at California College Arts & Crafts and later in floral design seminars at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo -both provided Bill's artistic foundation and the impetus eventually leading to his recognition as a nationally recognized floral designer and product developer.

Bill's initial floral business endeavors began in Sonoma at Wedekind's Nursery, Sonoma – Wildflower at Wedekind's. His floral creations together with the annual attention-getting Christmas Open House displays were very popular. This, with support of family and friends, prompted him in 1977 to open "Taylor's of Sonoma," first located on Broadway and then moving to East Spain Street. Bill's floral work often became the topic of conversation and admiration at local celebrations, weddings, galas and fund-raising festivities. In addition to his business, he taught floral design at Santa Rosa JC and City College, San Francisco.

In 1978, Bill was inducted in the American Institute of Floral Designers, (AIFD) and began leadership roles and mentoring newcomers to the industry. His professionalism, coupled with his intuitive artistic talent, led to his presidency of the organization in 1988. In 1991 he was recognized with the "Distinguished Service to AIFD Award" (Fellow of AIFD). In both 1987 and 1990 he served as the AIFD Symposium Chair, organizing one of the industry's leading educational events. Later he served as a member of the AIFD Foundation. Throughout his career he contributed creative product development for leading floral industries including Mt Eden, (CA), Caffco (AL), AA Importing (OH) AFS (OK), and the Neilson Company (AL).

Following the sale of "Taylor's of Sonoma," Bill embarked on an adventure to the east coast, finding new artistic opportunities in floral design education in Washington DC and later in Montgomery, AL and Mentor, OH, conceptualizing and designing products for the wholesale floral business Industry. While working for AA Importing, Mentor/suburb of Cleveland, he often traveled to many locations in Asia to monitor and assess floral import items in the development and manufacturing process. Upon retirement, Bill settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where he continued his involvement in designing fresh florals for special events, became active, with his long time partner, Chuck in a weekly bowling team and enjoyed travels both domestically and abroad.

Bill was in his glory when granted the freedom to design, plan and execute décor for an event. Often using natural items created by Mother Nature, he had the unique ability to visualize the result of creative designs from a tableau of foliage, flowers blossoms and rubble.

Architecture, gardens and museums were inspirational to his development as he traveled around the world. Bill drew from the beauty around him and quietly incorporated this knowledge in his relationships with friends and family. He was an avid non-fiction reader and devoured text of architecture, history, biographies, and floral history and design.

While residing in Sonoma, Bill was active with the Sonoma Valley Historical Society and the Sonoma League for Historical Preservation.

Bill is survived by his partner of 20 years, Charles Hohmann, Twinsburg, OH; sisters, Carol Taylor Rose (Class of '60) and Lorraine Taylor (Class of '70), and nephew Nathanial Deny (Class of 1989) - all Sonoma residents. He was proceeded in death by his parents Clark and Irma Taylor.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Donations in Bill's memory may be made to the AIFD Foundation, (AIFDFoundation.org) ASPCA pet rescue (secure.aspca.org), Human Rights Campaign (give.hrc.org) or charity of your choice.