Samuel Taylor Sr.

Samuel Taylor, Sr.
7.16.1936 – 6.27.2022

Samuel Taylor, Sr., of Wheat Ridge, CO, passed in the early morning hours of June 27, 2022. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Ruth ; children Samuel Taylor, Jr. (Ruthie) Bridgers of New Castle, CO., and Britta Taylor, Wheat Ridge; stepdaughters Diane Eicher (Joe Bullard) and Sharon Gaouette (David); grandchildren Emily Bullard, Brian Gaouette and Sean Gaouette; beloved dog, Buddy (“Little Farmer”); and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Sr. and Katarina Taylor; eight siblings, including his brother, Fred Taylor, Jr. who passed on May 3, 2022; former wife, Kaye Yates-Taylor; stepson Douglas Eicher; additional extended-family members, and many special dogs over the years. Interment will be at 1:15 p.m. July 19 at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area C, followed by a Celebration of Life for Sam, from 2-4:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn at 7390 W. Hampden Ave., Lakewood.  Sam truly was a renaissance man for all seasons. Equally comfortable fixing toilets or participating in world event and political discussion groups, Sam held a positive, radiant spirit that lit up an entire room when he entered. With his ready smile and contagious laughter, Sam captured the attention of all who met him. Athletic, philosophical, learned, well-traveled and successful, he remained as humble and approachable as his west side Denver roots

Born in Weld County, CO at the height of the Great Depression, Sam’s family moved to Denver shortly thereafter to find work. He graduated from Denver West High School, the University of Colorado-Boulder, and earned a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Northern Colorado. He served in the United States Army in Germany, ten years after the end of WWII, working as a trusted courier and spotter. In his early civilian career, he served as an administrator for the Colorado Department of Corrections’ Vocational Rehabilitation Program. He and Ruth later became small business owners who ran such diverse businesses as a saloon, snack-goods vending machine route, laundromat and handyman service. Sam enjoyed traveling to destinations near and far, from his old-timey cabin in Sphinx Park, CO, all the way to Russia and China. He also was a talented athlete who played baseball as a Denver High School All-City infielder and a walk-on at the University of Colorado-Boulder. He loved to play tennis and basketball, fish, hike, back-pack and mountaineer. In his later years, Sam continued his intellectual pursuits as an avid reader and learner. He was a passionate supporter of justice, and a generous and loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle. Sam was a special man who made a big impact on those around him. He was the “Go-To Guy” of his large, extended family, and he donated a kidney to his daughter when she was 16. His kids refer to him as “The Chief,” for his strength, leadership, wisdom, and kind and loving nature; and in honor of his Native American heritage. Donations in Sam’s name may be made to The Maxfund Animal Shelter, 720 W. 10th Avenue, Denver, CO 80204.