Terry Taylor

OCEAN PARK — Terry Taylor, longtime Ocean Park resident, passed away on Nov. 1, 2024, in Ocean Park, Washington. Terry was born on Jan. 17, 1940, in Marysvale, Utah, to parents Auburn and Alida (Walker) Taylor. Terry grew up in Colorado before moving with his family to Portland, Oregon.

Terry graduated from David Douglas High School in 1958 in Portland, and became an electrician soon thereafter. Terry was a force of nature both in the workplace and at home. He dedicated his career to the electrical trade, making a significant impact through his involvement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 48, where he was hailed as a champion for workers’ rights.

Colleagues fondly referred to him as a “giant” for pushing workers’ rights and mentoring others, and his legacy includes being a recognized charter member of the 110 Brotherhood Club since 1975. He was a mentor to many, and could always be counted on to help his friends or neighbors in a pinch.

Terry married Sharon Marrow in 1959, and together they had three children, Sherri, Lantie and Yvette. Later, he married Barbara (Cumbie) Taylor, with whom he shared many beautiful years, and helped raise her son, Glen, becoming a great influence in his life and a strong father figure to him. Terry and Barbara were married for 46 years before her passing in 2021.

Terry will always be remembered for his great sense of humor. Friends and family remember him as someone who loved to laugh, tell jokes, and have a good time. His personality shined brightly in his relationships, being loyal and generous to those he cared about.

Outside of work, Terry enjoyed traveling, fishing, playing golf and indulging in poker games with his friends. He had a zest for life that resonated in everything he did, especially when it came to spending time with loved ones.

Terry leaves behind his four children, Sherri Heeney (Washington), Lantie Appel, Yvette Willeford (Washington), and Glen Joyner (Oregon). He is also survived by sisters, Janice Cogdill (California) and Linda Smethurst (Oregon); brothers, Ken Taylor (Hawaii) and Willard Nielsen (Washington); along with eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, who will miss him very much.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara (Cumbie) Taylor; along with his parents, Auburn and Alida (Walker) Taylor; and brothers, Preston Taylor and Chris Nielson.

A funeral service to honor Terry’s remarkable life will take place at 1 p.m. Nov. 10, 2024, at Penttila’s Chapel by the Sea in Long Beach, Washington, followed by interment at Lone Fir Cemetery in Long Beach. Friends and family are invited to come together to celebrate the laughter and love that Terry brought into all of our lives.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Terry’s memory to the ACLU or the Ocean Conservancy.