Thanks for the Memories

My paternal grandfather passed away on April 20.  I have many fond memories of my Grandpa Taylor.  He was a kind and loving man, and he could fix anything.  My Dad has shared many memories of Grandpa having exceptional physical strength.  I never saw that side of him, but he always had a big hug and a kiss for me, and never failed to tell me I was "so pretty" and had a "beautiful smile."  That last comment always made me feel good because I have always been self-conscious about my teeth through 8 years of orthodontia.  Nathan and I laughed so hard at Pixar's short film "Gerry's Game" because the old man reminded us so much of Grandpa.  We'll miss him here, but I'm so happy he is reunited with Grandma. 

Here is a slide show of my most recent pictures of Grandpa and Grandma.  I never knew my Great Grandparents, and so grabbed as many opportunities as arose to take pictures of David with my grandparents.  Daniel never got to meet them...here.

Mouse over images to see captions.

...And a video of him dancing as my cousin Nicole sings at a birthday celebration for both Grandpa and Grandma on November 22, 2003.  My favorite parts are when he does the hula (echoes of his years in Tahiti) and when he pulls on his pant legs to kick his foot in the air.  What a goof!

Obituary: Ralph R. Taylor

Published in the Deseret News on April 23, 2008

Ralph R. Taylor 1914 ~ 2008 Our sweet, patient father full of good humor and love, left the restraints of this life to meet joyfully with our Heavenly Father, wife and other family and friends who have gone on before. Ralph Randall Taylor, 94, was born January 3, 1914 and passed away April 20, 2008. He is the third child of William H. and Flora Darling Randall Taylor. He attended schools in Salt Lake City, graduating from West High School where he was a member of ROTC. Dad saw the beautiful Molly Hewitt and wanted to get to know her. With his good looks and playful smile, he charmed her into marrying him on January 29, 1936 in the Salt Lake Temple. In March, 1936, soon after they were married, he left for a three-year mission to the Tahitian Islands. He came to love the Islands and the people. While his memory waned on some things, never the Tahitian language or of his memories there. Dad was a very creative handyman. He could fix or build anything. Just name it. Dad loved a clean and kept yard and worked hard to do that and ensure the neighborhood was also swept and tidy. He was a member of the [Mormon] Tabernacle Choir for over 30 years. He was ward choir director for nearly that long. He worked for a short time on the radio doing voice characterizations for "The Children's Friend Hour." He loved to direct "roadshows" and with his love of music and dramatic theatrical flare, directed the ward to many first places. It was said of the way he led music "he could make the floorboards sing" and "he didn't lead the music, he performed it." He worked for the telephone company after his mission until he retired and received the Outstanding Craftsman Award from Gov. Scott Matheson. Dad and mom served a mission at historic Nauvoo where they made many friends and wonderful memories. He was a volunteer at Welfare Square from the time construction began on the facility until he was 92. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank his many friends there, especially Erik and Patty. After mom passed away in 2005, Dad was cared for by his loving children until January 2008 when Beehive Home of West Jordan became his home. He passed away at Jordan Valley Hospital. Dad easily endeared people to him with his wit and charm and was always grateful for friendships and kindnesses shown to him. On his behalf, a heartfelt thanks to all who helped him in anyway, large or small. You were a blessing to him. We would like to let the people of 26th Ward know, Dad loved you all. Dad is survived by brother, Eldon Taylor; sons, Dennis H. (JaNice), Tim R. (Missy Gay); daughters, Becky Jones (Lynn), Nadine Osgood (Warren); daughter-in-law, Marcia Baker, 24 grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Marvin and Elma Taylor, Norman Taylor; sister, Alta and Harry Jones; sister-in-law, Hilda and Rands Wiley, Betty Taylor and brother-in-law, Fred Hewitt; his wife Molly; son, David Ralph and grandson, Michael Jones. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Sat., April 26, 2008 at Pioneer 26th Ward, 1145 W. 500 S. Viewings will be held between 6-8 p.m. on Fri., April 25, 2008 at Redwood Memorial Mortuary, 6500 S. Redwood Road, and also one hour prior to services at the church. Interment Redwood Memorial Cemetery.