Paul S. Taylor

Aug. 29, 1942 - Oct. 3, 2008

Published/Last Modified on Sunday, Oct 19, 2008 - 05:18:46 am MST

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Paul S. Taylor passed away at home with his beloved wife, Deb, at his side on Oct. 3, 2008.

Born in 1942 to Pinkie and June Taylor in Salt Lake City, Utah, he went to Murray High School, but joined the U.S. Navy before he graduated.

From 1959 to 1963, on the USS Tutuila, as a shipfitter second class (E-5) heavy metal welder, he was awarded the good conduct medal.

He attended the University of Utah from 1963 to 1970 and received a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science. He was editor-in-chef of the Daily Utah Chronicle. He was a graduate student in political science and economics.

Then, in 1980-1981, he went into Westminister College for a paralegal certificate and was the editor of “00001” newsletter for paralegals.

Paul used his bachelor degree in journalism as a general assignment reporter for the Union newspaper in San Diego, Calif.; with the Inter-Mountain Regional Medical Program interpreting medical research for heart, stroke and cancer; then for the Utah Travel Council as a publicity specialist to promote tourism in Utah from 1969-1970. During this time, with the travel council, Paul had a great opportunity of being Robert Redford’s stand-in on the set of “Jeremiah Johnson.”

From 1970-1979, Paul traveled the world, of some 35 countries, trekking the Alps (Europe-wide), Hindu Kush of northern Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Nepalese Himalayas, and making two treks to the Tibetan border.

Paul was a paralegal for Kruse, Landa, Hansen, Maycock, O’Connell and Yengich Criminal Law Practice in Salt Lake City, Utah.

He also was a member of the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trade Local No. 221 in Austin, Texas.

Paul married Deb Belknap in 1992 in Moab, Utah. They moved to Alaska, and Paul went to work for rural CAP of Alaska as a field supervisor of weatherization in the Bering Sea area eskimo villages.

Paul and Deb moved to Sierra Vista, Ariz., in 1995. In 1997, Paul, Deb and a few others formed Border Animal Rescue, a nonprofit organization whose goal is to better the welfare of unwanted abandoned or strayed dogs and cats.

Since 1998, Paul and Deb sponsored, socialized and placed in loving homes more than 30 dogs from the Bisbee pet shelter.

A constant and voracious reader, Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Deb; 12 dogs and four cats; a stepdaughter, Neely of Florida; and sisters, Carol and Nancy, and a brother, Mark, all of Salt Lake City, Utah.; plus many aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial will be held Nov. 9, 2008, at Tompkins Park as a “Celebration of Paul’s life.” All are welcome. Call 803-1502 for more information. The Taylors ask that donations be made to the Border Animal Rescue. Call 432-7964.

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Perez Family wrote on Oct 22, 2008 10:52 PM:

" Paul was an amaing man, always lending a helping hand. He will be greatly missed. RIP Paul the painter you taught a lot of people good things! "

Brenda wrote on Oct 20, 2008 9:12 AM:

" Wow! He had a very fullfilling life. I am sure his family and friends were honored to know him. "

The Shadow wrote on Oct 19, 2008 4:01 PM:

" Unreal.... I was thinking about him the other day when I had my "Purdy" paint brush in hand. I had the PLEASURE of working with him for about 6 months. Paul was a good man and so full of wisdom, I only wish I would have asked more questions and more importantly listened. Rest in peace Brother "

bassmann wrote on Oct 19, 2008 6:36 AM:

" sounds like a good man!!!! a job well done R I P "