With heavy hearts, we make known the passing of Spencer E. Taylor. At only 68 years old, and after bravely battling cancer for 4 1/2 years, he succumbed to this dreadful disease. He passed away on September 22nd at home surrounded by his wife and children just as he would have wanted. He will always be our hero. Life as we know it is forever changed without him. His loss is deeply felt by all who loved him.
Spencer was born October 24th, 1952 in Santa Monica, CA to Walter and Helen Taylor of Victoria, Canada. He was their fourth child of six and their first born in the United States. He is preceded in death by his beloved parents and sister, Heather Bloomer, and is survived by his devoted & caring wife of almost 50 years, Teri Taylor and his loving children, Jesse Taylor and Linsey & Bryce Delaney, two adoring granddaughters, Lily & Cora Delaney as well as his supportive siblings; Glynne Taylor (Linda), Janice Sparks, Rick Taylor (Julie) and Renee' Taylor. And many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.
Spencer resided in Southern California all of his life. He graduated from Granada Hills High School in 1970 and met the love of his life shortly after at his 18th birthday party. Three years later, Spencer and Teri married on April 20th,1974 and went on to have a son, Jesse, in 1977 and a daughter, Linsey, in 1981. They lived in Van Nuys, CA as newlyweds and once their children were born they moved to Simi Valley, CA to excitedly purchase their first home and put down roots as a family. Everything he did was for them. He was the hardest worker, the most loyal person and a dedicated family man. He took pride in his work spent mainly as a machinist & sheet metal fabricator and sometimes juggled multiple jobs to provide everything he possibly could for his wife and kids. He supported them well and so humbly, never indulging in things for himself. His strong work ethic was instilled in him at a young age but he still made sure to enjoy time spent with his family whether relaxing at home or on their many camping trips. Spencer was always there when he was needed and was the type of person you could always count on.
In the fall of 2002, as new empty nesters, Spencer and Teri followed their hearts and took a big leap of faith moving from their second Simi Valley home to the majestic mountain town of Big Bear, CA. He still commuted to work in the San Fernando Valley the entire first year they lived there so that their dream could be possible. In 2003, he was able to secure stable work in Big Bear and was relieved to finally reside there full-time while fulfilling his dream with Teri. Their mountain home holds so many wonderful moments and memories of their family. Countless days spent hiking, sledding and enjoying the great outdoors as well as his daughter Linsey's beautiful lakeside wedding in 2006, a lot of fun holidays celebrating with friends and several Taylor family reunions. In 2010 with Teri, both children and his son-in-law all living under one roof for a year, Spencer truly couldn't have been happier. He was most content spending time with them and continually being the provider. They all went on to experience the biggest snow storm Big Bear had seen in over 40 years and it was certainly one to remember. His surprise 60th Birthday party in 2012 will always be a weekend that is looked back on with such fondness for all who were there. He was surrounded by those that loved him the most and truly lived it up to the fullest. He also found out that he was going to be a "Grampy" for the first time that weekend when Linsey announced her pregnancy to him as a birthday gift. The birth of his two granddaughters, Lily in 2013 and Cora in 2017, ("his little monkeys" as he affectionately called them) were two of the happiest days of his life. He adored them both and the feeling was mutual. They love going to visit Grampy & Grammy's "Mountain" and always looked forward to seeing him. He loved us all unconditionally and we feel forever blessed to have had his steadfast love.
Spencer was a man of many talents. Other than being the best Husband, Dad, Grampy, Son, Brother, Uncle and Friend. He was also Mr. Fix "Anything", an excellent golfer, cornhole champion, had an insatiable sweet tooth, was a habitual early bird who often fell asleep in his chair by 8pm, could cut a rug on the dance floor, had a smile and laugh that lit up the room, a true warrior in every sense of the word and an overall determined, authentic and excellent human being. He was his happiest around his family and his dogs as well as with a cold beer in his hand after a hard days work. Such a simple and great man. In the words of his favorite musician, James Taylor, "How sweet it was to be loved by him." He is missed more than words can ever express but is finally at peace which brings us relief and comfort. He was loved and adored by many, especially his family, and we will continue to carry on his legacy as we navigate this enormous loss. To quote how he ended nearly every conversation with his daughter, "Lovin' you." Forever and Always.
As he wished, we have planned a small family gathering in celebration of his life.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Spencer, please visit our floral store.
With heavy hearts, we make known the passing of Spencer E. Taylor. At only 68 years old, and after bravely battling cancer for 4 1/2 years, he succumbed to this dreadful disease. He passed away on September 22nd at home surrounded by his wife and children just as he would have wanted. He will always be our hero. Life as we know it
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