Winston Taylor

WINSTON TAYLOR Click here to view video of Winston's life IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Winston G. (Win) Taylor passed away at his home in Ammon Tuesday, September 25, 2007, from issues related to his health. His deteriorating health had not taken away his sense of humor or his ability to relate to other people in a friendly and positive way. Win thought highly of his doctors, and the other health care professionals who worked with him over the course of his illness and wanted them to know of his respect and appreciation for them and their kind staffs. He was born March 28, 1924, in Montpelier, Idaho, to Edith King and Darwin F. Taylor. He had one sister, Lois Taylor Elison. The family moved several times during the depression where Darwin was in the automobile business . Winston moved from Ashton High School as a junior, when his parents moved to Layton, Utah, for work at Hill Air Force base. Win finished high school at Madison High School, living with his Uncle Dell and Aunt Evva Taylor and their children. He and his cousin Ray then enlisted in the Army Air Corps and were later stationed in the South Pacific Theater until World War II ended. Winston was in the Fifth Air Force Bomber Command. He returned home in 1946 and married Fawn Crawford who he had met at Ricks College. He then enrolled in Weber College to continue his education and then graduated from Utah State where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with an emphasis in juvenile delinquency. He would later return to that institution for a sabbatical leave and teach graduate courses in delinquency while he took graduate courses himself. Winston and Fawn had one son, (Richard) Red Taylor. He was a teacher and dorm parent at the (then) Idaho Industrial Training School in St. Anthony. At age 29 he became the Superintendent of that institution and continued for 27 years in that capacity. He believed that given structure, opportunity, education, encouragement, and an appreciation of the work ethic, troubled boys and girls could change the direction of their lives. Indeed, he saw many examples of his former students become outstanding citizens. He gave credit to his staff, the community, and the state support he received for the successes at the Training School. He felt that his greatest career success was “reforming the Reform School,” by removing the old policies of punitive punishments with more modern day treatment and rehabilitation concepts and humanitarian treatment of the students. Under Winston’s leadership The Training School had one of the lowest recidivism rates in the nation. He was extremely civic minded and belonged to many local and national organizations, including: Rotary, President for one year; Chamber of Commerce; Commissioner in Boy Scouts; the National Congress of Corrections; the National Association of Training Schools and Juvenile Agencies; the National Council on Crime and Delinquency; the National Council on Children and Youth; and was a member of the American Legion. After his retirement from state service, Win began a second career in nursing home administration for a large health care corporation in Boise. He worked throughout the West as a trouble shooter and administrator for nursing homes, once again having the opportunity to work with wonderful patients and great staff members. At this time his wife, Fawn Crawford died in 1995. Win then became re-acquainted with MarJean Harris Reiman whom he had dated in high school, and they were married in 1997, with marriage solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple in 1998. In 10 years the couple had many wonderful experiences, made many friends, and renewed acquaintances. MarJean provided love and support for him throughout their marriage and was by his side when he passed away. After retirement for the second time he was able to travel and enjoy his retirement with MarJean. Living in the Upper Valley provided the opportunity to keep in touch with their old friends and family and to pursue their shared interests in the community, church, and veteran’s organizations. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and sister who all died in 1993, his first wife, Fawn, (1995) and a stepdaughter (1998). He is survived by his son, Richard (Marianna), five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, one stepson and one stepdaughter, ten step-grandchildren and six step-great grandchildren. The family will visit with friends from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 29, 2007, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge. Military Rites will follow the visitation under the direction of the Bonneville County Veterans Team and Idaho Honor Guard. ------------------------------ Condolences received online: Shirley Woodruff shirley@yostonline.com At one time Winston and his parents lived in Rawlins, Wyoming. Winston went to at least two birthday parties of Betty Salyer Cole while living in Rawlins. Winston's parents were good friends of Nova and Raymond Salyer, of Rawlins, Wyoming. Raymond was known as "Red" and that is probably where Robert got the nickname of Red. If you want to know more, call Betty Cole in town who is in her 80's and she can tell you about his earlier years in Rawlins, Wyoming. Please beware that she may be hestitant in talking with you, but tell her you received this note from Shirley Woodruff and she'll most likely talk to you. Betty was supposed to visit with Winston, but never made it over to see him. Her husband Vern had some health issues where she could not leave him, so she never made it over to discuss their childhood years in Rawlins. I am sure he will be missed. Betty sends her condolences as well. Sincerely, Shirley Woodruff