Bryan Taylor

1938 - 2025

Bryan Taylor passed away peacefully at home on October 29th, 2025. Bryan was born in Chicago on November 26th, 1938, to his parents Elaine (Drabik) and Wilson Taylor. After graduating high school from St. Rita's, he enrolled in the U.S. Marine Corps which he credits with developing many of his best traits. After being honorably discharged, he made use of the G.I. Bill and earned his B.A. from Roosevelt University and was the first member of his family to earn a college degree. He taught English in the Chicago Public Schools where he met Carol (Sanders) whom he married in 1974. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Allegan to begin a life on the farm.
For years, Bryan made his own wine from California grapes and became excited about the prospects of raising French and New York hybrid grapes in Michigan. He and Carol launched Taylor Ridge Vineyards and began a business specializing in providing juice to home winemakers, a service they provided to their customers and local wineries for 50 years. They also raised pigs, goats, and cattle while harvesting the corn and hay for their feed.
Bryan was a true renaissance man! In addition to teaching and farming, he also worked as a human resources officer at a large hospital, a tour guide in the Rocky Mountains, a deckhand on the Ore Boats of Lake Superior, and a trim carpenter. He built the family home, wrote poetry, served as a lay reader at the Episcopal Church, and studied history and the German language. He loved farm auctions, the county fair, meals at Minnie's, and white wine. Hiking was a treasured hobby, particularly in Arizona where he and Carol spent several winters, and he descended the Grand Canyon numerous times (including at the age of 72 with a 30lb backpack). But, Bryan was never happier than when he was fishing with friends and family. No trip was "vacation" without a rod, dry flies, some worms, or a Rapala. His favorite spots included Emerson Lake, Isle Royale, and the Wind River mountains of Wyoming. Ultimately, he dug and stocked his own fishpond where he spent his final years hauling in oversized bluegills, bass, and catfish.
Bryan is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carol; his son John; his daughter-in-law Rachael; two grandsons, Helly and Matteo; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father Wilson and mother Elaine as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Bryan's memorial service will be held on November 6th at Gorden Funeral Home (528 Trowbridge Street in Allegan, MI) at 11:00 a.m. with visitation to begin at 10:00 a.m. Graveside Service will follow with military honors at Lindsley Cemetery in Chesire Township.