Wyman L. Taylor was born Sept. 16, 1921, son of Wyman and Maryly Krusi Taylor, great grandson of Samuel Penfield Taylor—founder of the Pioneer Paper Mill, Marin County, Calif.—and a direct descendant of George Taylor, signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Wyman was a native Californian hailing from Alameda and Piedmont. He graduated from Piedmont High School in 1939. Wyman attended the University of California and graduated early with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. He joined the U.S. Navy as an ensign in 1943 and was assigned to the Battleship BB46 USS Maryland, known affectionately by her crew as "Mary Marv." He served through World War II on the Maryland, which survived two kamikaze attacks and numerous torpedo hits, resulting in many lives lost. Wyman resigned his commission in the Naval Reserves as a lieutenant J.G. in 1947.
Wyman married Betty Tait from Sacramento on March 26, 1949, and soon found himself surrounded by five sons. Wyman had a highly successful career with Stauffer Chemical Co., lasting 38 years. He retired in 1983 as executive vice president. He was a longtime member of the Bohemian Club.
Wyman is survived by his loving wife, Betty; sons and daughters-in-law Doug and Pat, Tom, Steve and Sheila, John and Dick; and six grandchildren, Shannon, Colin, Bret, Rob, Robinson and Katherine. Betty and Wyman celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on March 26 with their sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren; his sister Maryly; Betty's sister Barbara, and all of their family members.
Wyman Taylor will be fondly remembered as one who led by example. To quote son Doug's eulogy: "He taught those he touched 'to be honest, sincere, and genuine, to work hard, to do your best, to be reliable, respectful and punctual, to have a sense of humor, and to be tough when needed.' He was one man who really lived up to all of these virtues, and all who knew him agree. He was a product and a shining example of the 'Greatest Generation.'"
Memorials will be held in Lake Tahoe and Sun Valley, two of Wyman's favorite places on earth. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Hospice of the Wood River Valley.
