Kenneth William Taylor

1948 ~ 2016

Kenneth William Taylor passed away on January 19, 2016, surrounded by his wife, children, and siblings.

Ken was born April 29, 1948, in Modesto California to Merle William and Bernice Lucille Stanfield Taylor.   Ken married Esmelda Bonilla in 1967, later divorced and together they had four beautiful children.  He married Belinda R. Taylor, on May 21, 1988, and together have been blessed with a son.

Ken served in the United States Army and after 20 years of honorable service retired.  Ken's military awards include the Armed Services Expeditionary Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.  He loved serving his country and found his calling in counseling other service disabled veterans.  Over the past 10 years he has volunteered and served as a peer support counselor at the Veterans Administration Hospital.   Ken was fortunate to serve as a Veterans Advisory Council chairman several times.  His commitment and dedication to the veterans he served included taking them fishing, visiting with them, and doing anything he could to improve their lives.

Ken was easy to talk to and took a genuine interest in people he met and was able to make friends easily.  Ken loved to read, fish, go to yard sales, and do anything for anyone to make things better for them.  He has traveled the world through his military service.  He enjoyed visiting with his family and traveling to visit them.  He always made every effort to support his children and grandchildren in all their accomplishments.  Most recently his youngest son, William, graduating from Weber State University.  His heart always ached when his family was hurting.  Ken was a very creative and artistic man, who enjoyed building things with his hands and shared his talents with so many people.   Many people cherished the walking canes he has made, jewelry boxes, and many other items he crafted.

Ken is survived by his wife, Belinda, children: Irene and her husband Tim, Kenneth, Jr. and his wife Noy, Linda, Patrick, and William "Bootstrap".  Grandchildren: Angel and her husband Wofa, Kyle, Andrew, Miguel, Briana, Alisia, Sienna, Alexis, and Demi.  Great grandchildren: Skyler and Andy.  Brothers and sisters: Merri Jo, Patricia, and David and his wife Rachael.  Aunts Ethel Watson, Irene Costa, and Vi Taylor.  Mother in law Carolyn French.  Many extended family members, in laws, and many wonderful friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and a granddaughter, Sarafina.

Ken was fortunate to be an organ donor.  He was able to donate his corneas to help someone in need for sight.

Belinda would like to thank his sister Patricia for the countless sleepless nights she sat by his side.  Belinda would specifically like to thank Dr. David B. Jack, Dr. Timothy Huhtala, and Jan Newren who over the years cared for him with extreme care.   Dr. Branden Rosenhan and Desirae and all the rest of the St. Mark's ICU physicians and staff that made Ken's final days comfortable.

Services will be held Friday, January 22, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the LDS Chapel located at 7150 Callie Drive, West Jordan, Utah with a viewing at 12:00 p.m. and also Thursday evening, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the same location. Interment, Utah Veterans Memorial Park, Bluffdale, Utah.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to his home to offset any undue medical costs that may be incurred.