Russell Taylor

Russell LaVar Taylor

1939 – 2014

Russell LaVar “Grumpy” Taylor passed away unexpectedly, Saturday January 25, 2014.

Our Dad was born July 25, 1939 in Lyman, Idaho to Edward Russell and Mona Katherine Bailey Taylor. He graduated from Madison High where he lettered in intramural sports, wrestling and track being his favorites.  He served in the National Guard which took him to California, where he met the love of his life. He married our Mother, Mary Meacham on July 20th 1963 in the Idaho Falls Temple.  In July of 2013, they celebrated 50 years of marriage.  Our parents moved 7 times in the first 11 years, then lived in Layton for 28, before moving to Syracuse where they have resided for the last 16 years.

Our Father provided for our family by working long hard hours.  By doing this he taught us the value of hard work.  He never let this get in the way of spending time with us as we grew. We can all remember spending days working by his side which never seemed like work to us.  He was ALWAYS the coach, assistant coach or team volunteer for every sport we played, even when it required him to leave work and then return to work late into the night.

Dad’s best traits were UNCONDITIONAL LOVE for everyone and LISTENING.  Family, friends and anyone that knew him, knew they could count on him to lend a listening ear and shoulder when life became too much to bear.  Funny, how after talking with him it seemed as though he had solved all your problems when in reality you solved them yourself.

Our Father loved being with his family!  If you were not a direct blood relative, you were made to feel like one.  He Loved Everyone!  He was a member of the LDS church, serving faithfully in every calling.

Dad is lovingly known as “Grumpy” the greeter at the Syracuse and Layton Wal-Marts where he has worked for the past 11 years.  He loved his fellow employees and won their Love with his teasing, fun loving ways.

Dad leaves behind his wife Mary Meacham Taylor and his children Carmelita (Steve) Williams, LaQuinta, CA ,  Tracy (Robert) Broadhead, Indianola,  Randy LaVar (Melanie) , Syracuse, Phillip (Michele) Taylor, Lehi,  April (Derrick) Buck, Sunset, Ricky (Danielle) , Lewiston  Jeff (Lori) , Layton  James (Camille) , Clearfield.   His mother Mona Bailey Taylor, and siblings,  Dale (Marie) Taylor, Spokane WA , Barbara Wiser, Blackfoot ID, Bert (Mona) Taylor, Firth ID.

He was preceded in death by his Father Edward Russell Taylor.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 31, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the Syracuse  Legacy Park Stake Center, 2024 South 1475 West Syracuse. Friends may visit family Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist's Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Lindquist's Memorial Park in Layton, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made at any America First Credit Union Branch to the Russell Taylor Memorial Fund Account.