Ronald L. Taylor
Feb. 23, 1943 — Nov. 5, 2023
On the morning of Nov. 5, 2023, Cottage Grove, Ore. felt the loss of one of the city’s most valued members.
Ronald L. Taylor has made the jump into hyperspace to be reunited with his two brothers Sammy and Andrew, his mother Millicent, his father Wayne, and stepmother Mitzy, as well as many friends who had passed before him.
This iconic figure was known by many as Captain Ron, from the Cottage Grove South Lane Rural Fire Department, where he served our community for 32 years. If Ron wasn’t in his turnouts assisting you with the fire department, he was in a tow truck lending a hand to stranded motorists.
Always quick with a smile and to lend a hand, Ron could also be known to set your mind straight by calling you out if your actions or choices could have a negative impact on you or the community.
Many who knew Ron understood his passion for aviation, firefighting, towing, and adventure. Ron could always be counted on to make the simplest situation turn into an adventure by turning right instead of left.
Life was an adventure to Ron, something to be explored and experienced. If you were lucky to be there and along for the ride, those memories are some of your fondest, if not the most exhilarating times you’ve ever experienced.
Whether the rolling flames passing over you in the heat of battle of a three-alarm structure fire or getting a ride in his helicopter and the last thing you heard before your heart skipped a beat was, “watch this.” Ronald Taylor could always be seen smiling after saying, “maybe we shouldn’t do that again!”
This iconic legend’s passing leaves a hole in the soul of Cottage Grove, and we know many hearing of his passing feel the loss in our community.
Captain Ron you will truly be missed.
Ronald L. Taylor is survived by his wife Carolyon Taylor; his four children Michelle (Michael) Miller, Patrick (Misty) Taylor, Timothy Taylor, Bridget (Gregory) Kieger; his 6 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; nieces and nephew.
A public visitation will be held at Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel on Friday, Nov. 17 from 3-6 p.m. A graveside service will be at Shields Cemetery in Cottage Grove on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Cottage Grove Elks Lodge on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 from 1-5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers in memory of Ronald Lee Taylor. Arrangements in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.
