Monday, June 6, 2016

Melvin James Taylor | June 12, 1931–March 18, 2016

Mel was born in Salem to James M. Taylor and Alice Harris.  He graduated from Salem High School in 1950, and worked briefly as an apprentice machinist before joining the Air Force where he trained as a Jet Mechanic.  Staff Sergeant Melvin James Taylor was granted an honorable discharge December, 1954.  He married Theresa Cross March, 17, 1956.

Mel graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He joined the Civilian Corps of Engineers where he worked on several hydroelectric dam projects throughout the Pacific Northwest, and became their resident corrosion expert.  In 1969 he accepted an offer to transfer to Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands in 1969 where he worked for two years on a 128 stage coal-fired water desalination plant on Roi-Namur.

Mel was a natural explorer and hiker and enjoyed the outdoors from an early age.  His cousin fondly recalls a spontaneous road trip in his red Ford convertible down hwy 101 into Mexico and out to Arizona before returning to Salem.  Later on, he spent a month in Mexico with fellow explorer Nicholas A. Dodge who then recounted the story of their journey in his book "Mexico Frontiers."

Mel was a member of Mazamas for over 50 years, having joined in 1962.  He was a member of the Research Committee in 1965 and 1966, and assisted on a climb up Mt. St. Helen in 1963.

He was also a long time member of the Trails Club of Oregon as well as Lake Oswego Hikers, the Old Boys Club, the Lake Oswego United Methodist Church.  He volunteered for, and supported, numerous outdoor and environmental organizations.

He is survived by his three children, Ken (Debe), Marcia, and David, brother Marvin (Deanna), grandchildren Kaytee, James (Amanda), four great-grandchildren and good friend, Meredith.  He was a wonderful, caring and thoughtful person who is fiercely missed by all who knew him.

There will be a celebration of Mel's life at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 25 at the Lake Oswego United Methodist Church, 1855 South Shore Blvd, Lake Oswego.