Melvin Taylor

Melvin A. Taylor

December 17, 1947 ~ October 10, 2021

Melvin A. Taylor, 73 of Ogden, UT, passed away quietly in the morning on Sunday, October 10, 2021, with his daughter by his side and his family in his heart, after fighting a long hard battle from the effects of Agent Orange resulting in cancer and liver failure.

Mel was born on December 17, 1947, to Alfred and Ruth (Berlin) Taylor who both passed away early in Mel’s childhood. Mel was then raised by several family members, including aunts and uncles, and eventually moved in with his brother Keith Taylor and his wife Phyllis. Mel graduated from Ben Lomond High School Class of ‘65. He then followed in his brothers’ footsteps and joined the military. He served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War.

Once he returned home, he met the love of his life, Ila Gae Kindler, and they were married on October 25, 1969. Together they had three children: Melvin Lamar (deceased), Brandon (45), and Katrina (43). The family was later sealed together for all time and eternity in the Ogden Temple. Mel also attended Weber State University and lived and worked in the Ogden area, retiring from computer programming.

Mel wore many hats throughout his life, he was a supportive, proud, stubborn, (fiercely independent) husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend to all who knew him. As well as the favorite patient to all his nurses and healthcare team. Mel loved people and he loved seeing people happy. He enjoyed making people laugh and telling jokes, some not always great, but he always had one to share, (even if we did have to rely on Siri once to get a few new lame ones). He loved to go fishing, make pens, peach runs to Brigham City, lunch dates with his daughter and granddaughters, pizza nights and most importantly just spending time with his family, including his loyal Akita, Nikki.

Mel was preceded in death by both his parents; his brothers, Kenneth, Keith, and Hugh; his son, Melvin; and many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ila; son, Brandon (Shelly); daughter, Katrina (Wes); granddaughters, Saydi (Rylee) Porter, Emma Taylor, and Lydia Taylor; great-grandson, Elliott; his sister, Gay (Leon) Robinson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and last, but not least, his cherished dog-Nikki and his grandpuppies, Kody and Bella.

Dad, Pa, you are finally free of all the pain and suffering you have had to endure, especially near the end. You have earned your place in Heaven, next to all your loved ones who have passed before. Wow, I can only imagine what an amazing reunion that must have been. While those of us still left on earth, our hearts are broken and we are weeping in sorrow, we find peace in knowing that you were greeted in Heaven by many loved ones with open arms, weeping tears of joy. Throw that walker and pills away and bring on the pizza! Your free of all your pain. You finally made it home! I know you will always be there watching over us and all we need to do is look inside our hearts and look to each other and we will find you, because you have touched the lives of everyone you have met. You will never be forgotten, you will always be missed, and you will always and forever be loved! Love you to the moon and back Dad!

Farewell my friend but not goodbye,

Forget the tear that’s in my eye.

We’re apart for now but not forever,

Someday, we’ll be back together.

-Author Unknown

A special thanks to all his nurses, doctors, physical therapists and other caretakers from the VA Hospital, Ogden Regional Medical Center, Heritage Park Care Center and CNS Home Health and Hospice. We couldn’t have done it without all your love and support. Also, a big thanks to his sister Gay, and all his nieces who were always there to help him.

Please join our family in celebrating Mel’s life at his funeral services on Monday, October 18, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Rd.

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