Obituary of Robert Emmons Taylor
BALLSTON LAKE –
Robert Emmons Taylor passed away peacefully after a short illness on November 12, 2024 at the age of 73.
Robert (Bob, Bobby, “Uncle Bob”, Grandpa) was born in Rochester, NY on August 27, 1951 to Robert Drescher Taylor and Nancy Garlick. He spent his early years in Brighton, NY and Atherton, CA before matriculating at the Allendale School (Class of 1970) where he excelled in athletics (soccer and baseball) and general mischief. In addition to his schooling, Bob spent many fond summers in Lake Placid and Wyoming gaining life experiences that would stay with him through adulthood.
A brief stint at Monmouth College, and a few jobs later, he met his wife of 44 years, Sheila S. Taylor. A brief courtship ensued before Bob and Sheila were wed in 1974. Their marriage produced the usual items: travels, travails, pets, and one son. Their family was rooted in love and laughter…the number one rule being “never go to bed angry”.
After bouncing from job to job early in life, Bob made the decision to return to school in his late 30’s, falling in love with the restaurant business, ultimately achieving his goal of becoming a chef, before finishing his career as a mentor teaching the disabled how to work successfully in a kitchen. Bob’s love of cooking and family allowed for many great meals where he shared new recipe’s he’d discovered, as well as family traditions with his beloved granddaughter, Alexandra. The annual Easter maze, holiday zebra, and dollar birthday cakes continue to be favorites…just hold the orange whipped cream.
Possessed with a booming voice, generous heart, and great affection for those he loved, Bob was routinely described by those he encountered as an “extraordinarily nice man”. Having a stubborn disposition and sarcastic wit, he loved nothing more than a large gathering with those he loved; sharing laughter and stories accompanied by good food and drinks (especially the drinks- clear booze in the summer, brown booze in the winter), making sure every occasion ended with a big hug.
A lifelong lover of photography, sports, and music, Bob was an avid golfer and skier before illness set in later in life, when he was able to dedicate his time to being “Alex’s Taxi” and providing life lessons and wisdom to his son and daughter-in-law.
Bob is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Cherie Taylor; granddaughter, Alexandra Taylor; Brother, J. Frederick Taylor (Susan); Sister, Hilda Parrott (Charles); and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Sheila Taylor; father, Robert D. Taylor; mother, Nancy G. Taylor; and sister, Carlyle High.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Donna Crandall Foundation, 50 Traditional Lane, Loudonville, NY 12211.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Taylor Family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com
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