Leigh Bannister Taylor

Leigh was born in Charlottesville, Virginia to Ione Bannister and Francis Nightengale (Gale) Taylor. He was their only child and was raised by his parents and his Aunt Leila and Uncle Kelsey McChain. Most of his growing up years were spent in Oakfield, Fond du Lac and Fox Lake, Wisconsin after leaving Waynesboro, Virginia as a small boy. He learned to be studious and the importance of work ethic from his parents and working on the McChain farm. His summers were spent enjoying fishing and relaxing at the lake.

Leigh graduated from Fond du Lac High School in 1951, though he attended Oakfield High School as well for a short period of time. He returned to Charlottesville, Virginia after graduation to attend the University of Virginia where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1956.

In 1958 he met his wife to be, Susan Ann Watson through one of his college friends, Mike McKnight. In 1959 they were married and a year later their first child, Tracy was born. Leigh then returned to school to obtain his law degree from American University in Washington D.C. and the family grew to include two more daughters, Kristen and Robin.

Leigh’s career as a patent attorney took them to Tennessee, New Jersey, California and Illinois before he retired at the age of 57. Throughout his years as an attorney he and Susan were able to travel all over the world to Australia, Brazil, Fiji, Japan to name a few. Even after retirement they continued to travel to Europe and other places with Leigh’s college friends and wives.

As his daughters married, they brought sons into his life, Tim Duffy and Gerald Moon. And as often happens, soon followed grandchildren, Caitlin and Sean Duffy; David and Ian Moon. Family was always a central part of Leigh’s life. He was a true patriarch, loving, firm, and generous.

Leigh was up for any new activity or adventure and pursued new skills to perfection. He golfed, bowled, played tennis and handball. After moving to California, he took up skiing and continued well into his seventies. In his 40’s he became an avid runner, training diligently to then complete the New York City Marathon in 1980. Although he was not able to get his pilot’s license due to medical restrictions, he took flight lessons after retirement and completed all the necessary training requirements. He became a skilled woodworker and did many home projects for the retirement home he and Susan had built on his family’s property on Fox Lake and as well as for his daughters’ homes.

Leigh was the life of the party and well-liked by whomever he met along his path through life. He had/has many friends all over the world. He struck up conversations, charmed ladies and made friends wherever he went. He loved to dance, drink (gin, wine, bourbon…) and laugh. In their later years, he and Susan decided to reside the community of Fort Collins. When Susan passed in 2018, he was lost for a bit. He took comfort in the company of his friends and eventually Leigh found his way to another love for a brief but very treasured time with Jancy Campbell. More than once when Leigh was out with friends or Jancy at establishments in Fort Collins or Boulder, fellow patrons would comp the meals for Leigh’s table in appreciation of the love of life they exuded. He was always surprised and touched by these gestures of kindness.

Leigh lived his life to the fullest and was never afraid to share his opinion or his heart. It is with great sadness that we say goodbye, but we are certain that he is looking down with a martini in hand and Susan on his arm, surrounded by friends who were waiting to party with him once more. Cheers, Leigh! We love you.