RONALD TAYLOR

Ronald Eugene Taylor Born April 25, 1923, passed away January 20, 2015 at his apartment in Issaquah surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Rochester, Michigan to Walter and Lillian (Farmer) Taylor, younger brother to his beautiful sister Phyllis. At age 13 the family moved to Rupert, Idaho where his father and uncle operated a grocery store. About that time Ron became enamored of flying, spending most of his spare time building and flying model airplanes, financing his hobby by working for his father at the store and delivering groceries. After graduating from high school in 1941, Ron attended college in Idaho and joined the Army Air Corps Reserves in 1942. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and received his pilot wings, then went on to be an Instructor Pilot in the B17, later transitioning to the B29. Ron separated from the Army Air Corps in 1945, and then moved to Seattle to complete his college education of the University of Washington. After graduating in 1948, Ron was hired as a pilot for United Airlines, where he met his true love, Barbara Vanderhoop. They were married in November, 1949 and moved to Seattle. When Ron wasn't flying, he and Barbara were busy raising three daughters, building a home in Marine Hills and filling it with furniture he built, sailing the waters of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, spending many days at their beautiful condo at the Mana Kai in Maui, or travelling the world. He had a distinguished 34 year career with United, retiring in April, 1983, as a Captain on the DC10. His career and dedication to flying was an inspiration to all who knew him. Ron was a warm and loving man with an infectious sense of humor who welcomed everyone into his life because he was truly interested in other people. In 1979, Ron and Barbara moved to Gig Harbor and built a beautiful home on the water, their base for sailing, traveling and exploring the world. They joined Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church in Gig Harbor and the Church of the Red Rocks in Sedona, AZ. After Barbara's passing in 2004, Ron found a wonderful companion and traveling partner in Genevieve Davidson. He is survived by his sister Phyllis Wanink of Monroe, daughters Debra (Kendall) Russell, Leslie (Richard) Begert, and Brooke (Denis) McKillop, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Ron was buried at Haven of Rest in Gig Harbor, Washington. Memorial service will be at Bellevue Presbyterian, February 4th, at 1 PM. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Tony Secaira for his care and support, as well as Evergreen Hospice. Donations in his name may be made to Evergreen Hospice, 12822 124th Lane NE, Kirkland, WA 98034.