Robert M. Taylor

1938 - 2013

Robert M. Taylor

Apr. 2, 1938

Aug. 25, 2013

"Perhaps the true measure of one's life is the wake they leave as they pass."

Robert, "Bob," Taylor, 75, died peacefully on August 25, 2013, after a brave battle with interstitial pulmonary fibrosis of the lungs. His final months were spent like the rest of his life —filled with steadfast courage and optimism, undeniable curiosity, sincere compassion, a beautiful smile, and a wicked sense of humor.

"You can't catch a fish if you don't go fishing!" was the advice that Bob shared with his grandson as his grandson went off to college last week. That type of mindset was what allowed Bob to be such an unwavering role model not only for his family, but also for the countless friends and acquaintances that his outgoing personality allowed him to connect with during his long, happy life.

Bob was born to Ernest and Lucille Taylor on April 2, 1938, in Modesto, California. He was raised in Sacramento, CA, and remained close, until his final days, with many of his childhood friends. His half brother, Michael, was a world-renowned interior designer in San Francisco, CA.

Bob's professional career was as a business owner, manager and salesman. After graduating from Cal Berkeley, where he played football, Bob went on to work in sales at Zellerbach Paper Company. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to manage sales at Miss Saylor's Chocolates and serve as General Manager at an office supply business in Reno. Bob and Joyce also owned and managed a number of Hallmark stores and properties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

In retirement, Bob continued to reach out to those around him as a SCORE counselor, helping others start, grow and manage their own businesses. Other achievements included President of Junior Achievement, member of the Board of Directors for Juvenile Diabetes, President of Washoe Medical Center Foundation, proud member and past President of Rotary Club of Reno for 35 years, and member of the Bohemian Club and Prospector's Club. Bob, a lifetime member of the California Waterfowl Association, was also an avid hunter of 50 years and a passionate fisherman.

Ultimately, Bob's main priority was spending quality time with family and friends both revisiting favorite locations and exploring new ones in the great outdoors. He had a passionate love for his family, and cherished the adventures that he shared with them.

Bob is survived by his lovely wife Joyce, daughter Stephanie (Eric) Lerude, son Mark (Lynsay) Taylor and, the lights of his life, his grandsons Griffin and Ben Lerude and Aiden and Camren Taylor.

We would like to thank the doctors and staff at Renown Medical Center and Tahoe Pacific Hospital for their heartfelt care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Bob's memory to any of the following: Pulmonary ILD Fund UCSF Foundation, P.O. Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145-0339; or Renown Pediatric Cardiology Programs c/o Renown Health Foundation, 1300 Mill Street, Reno, NV 89502; or California Waterfowl Association, 1346 Blue Oaks Boulevard, Roseville, CA 95678. Feel free to post comments or memories on Bob's Caringbridge website, www.caringbridge.org/visit/renobob.

There will be a celebration of Bob's life on Monday, September 9th, at The Grove, 95 Foothill Road, Reno, from 2-5pm.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walton Funeral Home in Reno.