Rufus 'Pa' Taylor
Thursday, November 19, 2009 10:26 AM PST
Rufus 'Pa' Taylor
Nyssa
Rufus “Pa” Taylor, 92, passed away peacefully due to the effects of a recent stroke, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, at Nyssa Gardens with his loving daughter, Linda, by his side. We were blessed to have our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend with us for so many years to make us laugh, share and show us how to age with courage and dignity. Pa was a true southern gentleman. He was the first born to Rufus E. Taylor and Minnie (Kirksey) Taylor in Benton, Tenn. He had three brothers and four sisters who looked up to him and adored him for the fine example he was to them. He was a wonderful combination of gentleness and strength, wisdom and understanding, laughter and love. He was proud of his service to his country during World War II. He enlisted in the Air Force and was assigned to a radar navigation crew. His buddy convinced him to continue their training at Mountain Home, Idaho, because he had heard what a beautiful place it was in the mountains of Idaho. You can imagine the look on their faces as they pulled into the train station. Not many mountains in Mountain Home! Pa delighted in telling that story through the years. He did work on the Anderson Ranch Dam and enjoyed seeing the finished project later in life. After the war, the Norwegian transport vessel, “M-S Torrens”, docked in California. Pa fell in love with the West Coast and convinced his young bride to bring their only child to San Francisco in 1946. They had to live in the Willard Hotel for a brief time because no one wanted to rent to a couple with a child. He worked two jobs to earn a decent living. One was at the Owl Drug Store and the other with Swift & Co. Meats. Before long, there was an apartment available at Candlestick Cove (now the home of Candlestick Park) for military personnel. In 1949, they bought a new home in the Shoreview Subdivision of San Mateo. Pa only had a high school education, but due to his strong work ethics and dependable service, he worked his way up in the meat packing business. He was appointed superintendent for the plant in Medford, Ore., in 1953, and retired after 31 years with the company. Upon retirement, Pa and Mom relocated to Vale to be closer to family. They enjoyed their friends there, and Pa filled a vacancy on the city council for a short time. Soon, they chose to store everything and move back to Tennessee to care for family members who were in poor health. In 1980, when they came back, they settled in Ontario to be close to their granddaughters and attend their many activities. Pa and Mom spent many happy years using their travel trailer to go to the coast in search of agates and enjoy the fresh ocean air. They also caught their share of crappie at Bully Creek and catfish on the Snake River. Pa loved to travel and said jokingly how he should have been a gypsy. Every summer, they made the trip to Tennessee to visit family and friends. His happiest times were spent with his family, especially grand- and great-grandkids. Dad was a 60 plus year member of the Masonic Lodge and charter member of the Lions Club in Benton, Tenn. His life was full of unselfish giving, pride in his country and love of God. A springtime graveside service will be held when the birds are singing and the world is full of rebirth. Dad was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Martha; his parents; three brothers; and two sisters. He is survived by his only child, Linda (Jerry) Taylor, of Ontario; two granddaughters, J.J. (Aaron) Peters and Jaime Taylor; and three precious great-grandchildren, Natalie Taylor Rose Peters, Jared Dennison Houston Peters and Brady Taylor Cradduck. Many loving family and friends also survive him. Our family would like to thank Dr. Fred Stark and staff, the nurses and staff at Holy Rosary Medical Center and Nyssa Gardens Assisted Living, as well as the XL Hospice support team for their loving care of our precious father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to Help Them To Hope or a charity of your choice.
