Everett "Sparky" Taylor

A very special hero, Sparky Taylor passed away on May 5th at his home in Scotts Valley surrounded by his loving family.

With strength, courage, a strong heart and a positive attitude he challenged cancer like a hero for a year and a half. He was 80 years old and is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Bobby; two daughters and son-in-laws, Cathy and Stan Herteman of Scotts Valley and Sherry and Mickey Foster of Santa Cruz; three grandchildren, which were the light of his life, Misty Herteman of Felton; Dusty and Bobbie Jo Herteman of Santa Cruz. He is also survived by four sisters.

Sparky was born in San Jose, one of eight children. At the age of 12 he worked on dairy farms to help support his family and in 1944 he moved his family to Scotts Valley driving his team of horses and a wagon on the old Santa Cruz Hwy. He worked plowing fields with his team of horses in Scotts Valley. Sparky then worked at Saltz Tannery and Scarborough Lumber Mill. Then he was a volunteer fireman in Scotts Valley for nine years. He was the 2nd man hired at the Scotts Valley Fire Dept. where he worked for 21 years. Sparky was the first paid fireman to retire from the dept. Although he was retired he returned daily to have coffee with the firemen whom he affectionately called "the cowboys".

Sparky dearly loved his Welch pony Shawnee who he had for 32 years. Sparky was well known for his flat bed Ford known as "The Christmas Tree" with its 50 lights and air horns.

Sparky was an outstanding man who was dearly loved by his family and many friends. He had a generous heart and was a hero to many people, most of all his family. We will love, honor and miss him always. Services will be private. Arrangements entrusted to Santa Cruz Memorial Mission Chapel.