George Wallace Taylor

George Wallace Taylor, 88 years old, passed away at home on September 7, 2015 surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born at home on June 8, 1927 in South Central Los Angeles to Nellie and William Taylor, the third of three boys. In the early years of the depression, his immediate and extended Taylor/Easley family settled in Reedley, California, a small farming town near Fresno where the family found work in the recently re-opened wineries. George grew up on a small farm where he learned the value of hard work and a good book; two passions that served him well for the rest of his life. He attended Reedley high school where he was an honor student, served as student body president, was captain of the football team, and ran on the track team. His quiet, industrious demeanor earned him the nickname, “Modest George.” He graduated from high school in 1945 and joined the navy hoping to help with the war effort. The war in the Pacific ended while he was in boot camp so he was discharged after only13 months of active duty.

George returned to Reedley and attended Reedley Junior College where he continued both his academic and football pursuits. One of his fondest sports memories was playing in a football game against the USC junior varsity at the Los Angeles Coliseum. After two years at Reedley College, George followed his brothers to UC Berkeley where he graduated with a degree in forestry. He was hired by the US Forest Service and spent his entire career there. He was stationed in a variety of places until he was assigned to the Tahoe National Forest Headquarters in Nevada City where he remained until his retirement. George worked a variety of jobs including firefighting and timber sales. During the latter part of his career, he was primarily involved in land use planning where he designed many campgrounds and helped plan the Tahoe National Forest section of the Pacific Crest Trail.

In the early days of his career, George would often visit his brother Bill and his family in Sacramento. Living next door to them was Hazel Ench who soon attracted George’s attention. His nieces claim that they played match maker but whatever the case, George and Hazel soon fell in love and were married in December of 1954. The family increased to five over the next few years with the addition of three boys.

Upon retiring, George and Hazel moved to Smokey Ridge Ranch in Placerville where Hazel had grown up. They built a house on the ranch and settled into retirement. George was busy helping on the ranch, traveling around California and the world, fishing, reading voraciously, watching the news, gardening, following the ups and downs of the 49ers, and enjoying time with his family. He was also active in SIRs (Sons In Retirement), where he served as both Little SIR and Big SIR, and NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees). With failing health, he spent the last few years quietly at home enjoying countless hours with his great granddaughter, Maylen.

He was a great father, always there to help with challenging math problems, proof read a paper, give suggestions about a project, and spell that difficult word. He would take the family to cultural and sporting events in Sacramento and San Francisco. He attended untold childhood activities without complaint and was always there to give his support. His favorite activity however was taking the family on fishing, camping, and hiking trips throughout the western states. We will all fondly remember, the many trips to find that perfect but elusive fishing spot. He was a bright, quiet, and gentle man who was always interested in the world around him. Finally, he was a good man of strong character and perhaps, that is the best thing that can be said of any man.

Unfortunately, George is the last of his generation but he is survived by his wife of 60 years, Hazel; his sons Brett (Leslie), Scott (William), Kirk (Wendy); two grandsons Zachary (Kara) and Derek (Amanda); two step granddaughters, Allison (Arthur) and Sara (Martin); his great granddaughter, Maylen; and finally, by his extended Ench and Taylor families.

The family would especially like to thank Sandee Pittman, Thomas and Karen Hoffman, the Tow family, and Snowline Hospice for all of their help and kindness. Donations can be made in George’s name to Snowline Hospice.