John William Taylor

John, a beloved outdoorsman, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday 6/10/2023, leaving a lasting impression on the community and those who knew him. He dedicated his life to exploring the great outdoors and was renowned for his adventurous spirit and love for nature.

John was born on August 14, 1961 in Georgetown, Ohio to William August Taylor and Janet Mae Taylor. He was the third of six children in a tight knit family. He became the patriarch after his father passed away.

John excelled in high-school and after graduating valedictorian he pursued a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering at The Ohio State University which is where he met the love of his life and his best friend Debra. After a whirlwind romance, they married in September of 1981 and started their amazing life together. They moved to Arizona, where John completed his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Northern Arizona University. He later obtained his masters thru Boeing’s program with Stanford University.

Determined to make a difference in the world, John used the culmination of his education and experience to excel as a Mechanical Engineer within Boeing. John worked his way up to the title of Senior Structural Engineer at Boeing. This is a testament to his exceptional work ethic and dedication to his craft. Ultimately, he has spent the majority of his 35 years in a career that he loved.

John was the proud and supportive father of his two children, Sara Hustad and William Taylor. He was anxiously awaiting the arrival of his first grandchild this October. He would have been a remarkable Grandfather. He worked hard to provide the best possible life for his family and always put family first.

Feeling a personal commitment to Project TREVOR, John spent time and resources raising awareness and money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. He was also a member of The Boeing Employees Alpine Society (BOEALPS) and volunteered his time teaching new students the art of mountaineering. Given his love of all things outdoors: biking, hiking, backpacking, craftsmanship and design, rafting and fishing, the BOEALPS society was an inevitable place for him to call home.

He is preceded in death by his father, William A. Taylor.

John is survived by his wife Debra Kay Taylor, his daughter Sara Danielle (Myles Hustad) and son William Isaac Taylor, His siblings; Kathy Lipps, Julia Friedhoff, Dawn Bawden, Joseph Taylor (Michelle) and Victoria Wise (Jason). He was a beloved Uncle to Joshua Lipps, Stephanie Peck, Katrina Johnson, Terra Bawden, Jeremy Taylor, Benjamin Taylor, Christopher Taylor, Madison Wise and Great Uncle to Skylar Leal and Marsten Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating money to the BOEALPS Memorial Fund.

And please, step outside, leave the road….and enjoy some trails.