Obituary: Roy Taylor

Roy Burton Taylor, age 90, formerly of New Rockford, N.D., passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2020, at his home in Bismarck, N.D.

A private funeral service was held Sunday, Nov. 1 at First Lutheran Church, New Rockford, N.D. with Rev. Amy Kippen officiating. Special music was performed by Kerstin Allmaras, Alicia Vorland and Sheldon Weltz. Burial took place at the Prairie Home Cemetery, New Rockford, N.D. Military honors provided by Raymond B. Thorn American Legion, Post #30, New Rockford and United States Marine Corps Funeral Honors Team.

Roy was born December 10, 1929, in Napan, New Brunswick, Canada to Mac and Connie Taylor. He grew up on the family farm and attended school in Napan until he moved to Eddy County as a young teenager. He worked with his uncle and aunt, Archie and Jessie Campbell, on the ranch. Roy served in the United States Marines and was proud to be a Canadian serving in the United States military. While on the way to Korea, the war ended and Roy spent time abroad during his tour of duty. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to New Rockford and worked with Archie Campbell Construction for the majority of his working life.

Roy enjoyed cleaning the streets of New Rockford following blizzards while he was working with his uncle's business. Roy was asked to do painting at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd one winter and that turned into a full-time maintenance job where Roy became the director of maintenance.

Roy married Doreen Ann Lee on September 8, 1957 at First Lutheran Church in New Rockford. They continued to live in New Rockford where they raised their four children. Roy enjoyed watching the New Rockford Rockets as well as many professional sports teams. Doreen often said that two animals could be playing basketball on the driveway and Roy would be out watching them. Later in life, Roy took up golf and enjoyed playing as much as the weather would allow.

Roy was a member of First Lutheran Church, the Eagles, the New Rockford Golf Club, and the American Legion.

Roy and Doreen continued to live in New Rockford until 2017, when they moved to Bismarck.

Roy is survived by his wife of 63 years, Doreen; his children Mary (Sheldon) Weltz, Bismarck, N.D; Steven (Tita) Phoenix, Ariz.; David (Dawn), Grand Island, Neb.; and Daniel, Valley City, N.D.; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Keith (Phyllis), sister Betty (Milt) McInnis, sisters-in-law Dorothy Taylor and Liz Taylor, brothers-in-law Dennis McDonald and Roger (Verna) Lee, and many nieces and nephews.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents Mac and Connie, as well as siblings Eldon, Malcolm, Jessie and Roland.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, N.D.