Norman Donald Taylor

Norman was born to Herman and Nelda Tayl9or in Redding, CA and had one older brother, Jack. He spent most of his life in Northern California. He graduated from Fall River High School in 1949. He was stationed aboard the USS Philippine Sea Air Craft Carrier in the Korean War Theatre in the US Navy. He married Ellen Elisabeth (Betty) Wilcox on August 22, 1954. He spent the next sixty years with his true love and friend. He started working on ranches at the age of ten and later went to work for Crum Meat Company and became a part owner. In 1971, he and Betty moved to Wilcox Ranch in Hat Creek, CA.

He was involved in many organizations including: Member and Director of the California Cattlemen's Association, California Farm Bureau, President and Director of the Fall River Big Valley Cattlemen's Association, President and Director of the Shasta County Farm Bureau, one of the first Commissioner's of the Hat Creek Volunteer Fire Department, and Chair and Director of the Shasta County Soil Conservation Service Committee (ASCS). Norman Taylor was a devoted supporter of the Intermountain Fair, especially the Jr. Livestock Sale and Pete Lakey Fund. He was highly involved in the Jr. Livestock Sale Committee, he was the Weigh Master for the hogs and sheep, and helped on the Summer Jr. Sale Dinner. He was on the first Jr. Livestock Sale Committee at the Intermountain Fair and continued to be involved for more than 35 years. For many years he could be counted on to haul livestock to the Cow Palace and chaperon the kids so they could see the city. He was involved with the Hat Creek Volunteer Fire Department for many years.

He was proud to be the recipient of the Fall River Big Valley Cattlemen's Association Cattleman of the Year award in 2007. He was named Fall River High School Grand Alumni at the 2011 Football Homecoming and was a Honorary Chapter Farmer of the McArthur FFA.

In 1947, while attending Fall River High School, he played in the very first Block F Tournament and continued to attend the games each year. Norman was an avid high school and college sports fan. He attended his grandchildrens and nieces and nephews sports games in Missouri, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. He traveled all across the state to see the local area athletes play volleyball, football, basketball, baseball and softball. Even after his family no longer competed, he continued to support the local area teams wherever the teams played.

Norman radiated strength of character; people young and old were drawn to him. All who knew him knew they could count on him as a pillar of strength. One of Norman's passions was to instill in children and young adults work ethics, confidence, and don't give up. His attitude of "you're not going to learn any younger" gave many young people the chance to do ranch work they otherwise would not have learned in this day and age. One of Norman's highest complements he gave was "He's a man you can leave a job with and come back and have it done." Norman taught and lived this for the benefit of all he came in contact with.

Norman loved to BBQ. He spent many years barbecuing for his family and friends; and operated the Wilcox Ranch Tri-Tip Booth at the Intermountain Fair.

Norman is survived by his wife, Betty; their five children, Richard (Patti), Robert (Debbie), Ralph (Tina), Rodd (Tami), and Ruth (Wes); in-laws, Rita Taylor, Marie Beck, David Wilcox (Jean), and Cordelia Saltzman; grandchildren MAJ Christina Taylor, US Army, Dr. Jennifer Taylor, DVM, Craig Taylor (Melissa), Linsey Whitehead(Chuck), Leslie Taylor, Krysteen Bonjour (Jason), Rhian Taylor, PVT Matthew Taylor, US Army, Wesley Woolery, Taylor Woolery, Branden Taylor, and Elizabeth Taylor; great-grandchildren Brett and Azekiel, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Herman, mother Nelda, and brother Jack.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the George Ingram Hall, Intermountain Fairgrounds, McArthur, California. Potluck will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Pete Lakey Fund, P.O. Box 53, Fall River Mills, CA 96028 or to the Burney-Fall River Education Foundation, P.O. Box 625, McArthur, CA 96056, or to your favorite youth organization.