Robert Taylor

-C.S. Lewis

Robert Taylor, age 104, of both Seattle and Brier, WA, died peacefully in Edmonds, WA, on January 9, 2024, surrounded by family. Bob was born on August 1, 1919, in Whitefish, MT, the third of nine children born to Reeves and Nellie Taylor.

He left school after the eighth grade to help support his family by working for the Great Northern Railroad. He laid track from Whitefish to Spokane, WA, and loved to tell the story of “borrowing” a handcar to go into town to see “The Glenn Miller Story” movie. In 1936, Bob lied about his age in order to work for the Civilian Conservation Corps, building part of Going-to-the-Sun Road and fighting fires in Glacier National Park. Heaven’s Peak fittingly had great significance in his life.

Bob worked for the CCC until the United States entered World War II in 1941. He wasn’t eligible to serve in the military due to flat feet, so instead moved to Seattle, WA to aid the war effort by building B-17’s at Boeing Field. He knew several “Rosie the Riveters” personally! Soon after, he met the love of his life, Ruby Savage, whom he married on September 1, 1944. Bob and Ruby had one daughter, Karen, and were longtime members of Beacon Hill United Church of Christ in Seattle, WA.

After the war ended, Bob went to work as a shipping supervisor for A.O. Smith until he retired in 1984. Retiring gave him time to pursue his passions of gardening, finding and repairing old bicycles (many of which he rode), vintage cars and old radios; going to flea markets, traveling and spending time with precious family. He especially loved his solo drives back and forth from Montana.

Waiting to welcome Bob to Heaven were his wife, daughter, all of his siblings, and most of his friends. He is survived by grandson Chad Lundy (Kim) of Brier, sons-in-law Chris Lundy (Jeri) of San Diego, CA and David King (Ann) of Bothell, WA, foster daughter Karen Haworth (Bob), in-laws Dick, Gloria and Heather Gee of Seattle, WA, many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bob loved fiercely and was fiercely loved in return. He had a significant impact on many people and is so very missed.

There will be a memorial service at Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills cemetery in Lynnwood, WA, at 2pm on Saturday, February 17, 2024. Please dress casually and be prepared to enjoy some of Bob’s favorite snacks.

In lieu of flowers, any memorial contributions may be made to Seattle Children’s Hospital at www.seattlechildrens.org. Bob would also want you to go on a beautiful car ride or eat a delicious meal at the Mukilteo Speedway Cafe in his honor.

All are welcome to sign the online guestbook below and add any messages or stories for the family.