William H. Taylor

William H. "Bill" Taylor, age 84 of La Grande, died Saturday, August 27, 2005 at his home after being diagnosed with kidney cancer. At his request there will be no public services held. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

William H. "Bill" Taylor was born on October 31, 1920, the son of William H. and Ruby (Poulson) Taylor in Jerome, Idaho. Bill attended Northwest University and the University of California at Berkeley. He served in the United States Navy during World War II, where he was a part of the Naval technical mission to Japan at the end of the war. Mr. Taylor also served in a Bomb and Mine disposal unit assigned to destroy munitions in Japan and in North China. Upon his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, he returned to the United States and married Beverly Rajewich on June 18, 1947 in Los Angeles, California. Bill was employed with the Northrop Corp. as an Aeronautical Engineer and Analog Computer Analyst where he was a part of the development of the Stealth flying wing program. After 25 years of employment he retired in 1975. Bill enjoyed playing golf, hunting, fishing, motorcycles and baseball where he played on the Northrop's baseball team.

Survivors include his wife, Beverly Taylor of La Grande; children and their spouses, Thomas and Christine Taylor of Laguna Hills, California, Kristine and James Kermott of Moscow, Idaho, Kit Ahrens of La Grande, Oregon, Kim Taylor of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Katy and Steve Taylor of Snowflake, Arizona, Timothy and Terresa Taylor of Preston, Idaho and Anthony and Jamey Taylor of Hillsboro, Oregon; eighteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother Robert Thad Taylor of West Hollywood, California and other relatives and friends. His parents and two sisters, Jacqueline Day and Beverly Hatt all preceded him in death.


Those who wish may make contributions in memory of William "Bill" Taylor to the GRH Home Hospice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.