Ronald Ross Taylor

Longtime Mt. Shasta resident, Ronald Ross Taylor passed away on Monday, May 7, 2018 at Vibra Hospital in Redding after a brief illness. Ron was 84 years old, and a 51 year resident of Siskiyou County. Ron was born on May 27, 1933 to Francis and Dorothy Taylor in Stonehurst, California (now an incorporated area of the Burbank/Glendale area). Ron started working in construction with his grandfather at the age of 16. Ron joined the United States Marine Corps, and served a tour in Korea and one in Japan. Ron married the love of his life, Janice Joy Wingert in Monrovia, California on May 28, 1955, the day after his 22nd birthday. Ron and Jan were set to celebrate their 63rd anniversary in 2 weeks: an accomplishment that they both are very proud of. Ron was a proud man, a patriot, and a person of many talents. Ron worked as a general contractor most of his life. He went to Frank Wiggins Trade School for plastering. His time as a contractor saw him build the Little League Park in Mt. Shasta, the Stage bus stops throughout the city, and countless buildings, homes, parks, and facilities. It was Ron’s trademark to stamp his concrete work with leaves upon completion. Ron served as an Assistant Scout Leader for Troop 97 of Mt. Shasta, during which time he and his scouts (children included) built perhaps the largest igloo ever known to Lake of the Woods, measuring near 30’ in diameter, sleeping 16! Ron was a wine maker, a gold panner, a bee keeper, a leather tooler, an architectural whiz, a wood carver, an artist, and a proud service member. Ron enjoyed volunteer work, he enjoyed his chickens and exotic birds, he enjoyed his dogs, and enjoyed the news and politics. He had a love for the American government: the way it was structured, formed, and operated. He was a self-taught student of the Declaration of Independence and the Bible. Above and beyond Ron’s hobbies, interests, and work: he was a husband and a father. For 64 years he was devoted to his wife. He raised his children to be upright and just, never allowing a free pass but having them earn that which is worth having. He instilled a work ethic upon his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that many don’t get these days: he gave them the courage to live their lives, to become their own people, and the courage to make mistakes, while always keeping in mind the consequences their actions may hold. Ron was a member of the Federated Church of Orland (Presbyterian-Methodist) from 2011 until his passing. Ron is survived by his loving wife, Jan; 3 children, Tom (Connie) of Yreka, William (Lorri) of Smith River, and Linda Capps of Yreka; a brother, Larry Taylor of Santa Rosa; 8 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren. A memorial celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Yreka Nazarene Church. Military honors will be rendered by the United States Marine Corps and local Veterans organizations.

Ronald Ross Taylor

May 27, 1933 - May 7, 2018