He needed a few rescues of his own as a kid

In the early 1950s, John Taylor spent a lot of time at the Everett YMCA, where I served as the Boys’ Program director. He was a small, slender boy with a quiet self-assurance even then. Everyone liked John but he did cause a little concern once in awhile. When we were day-camping at Howarth Park, for example, John liked to take off by himself and then we had to organize search parties to find him. One time we found him seated at the end of some old pilings which jutted out of the sound. Another time, we found him inside of an old cedar stump about 8 feet high and rotted out inside. He managed to open a small hole at the base of the stump and stick his arm out. He was rescued by our staff, which included Ernie Dire, Tom Tiede, Don Dawson, Ed Cameron and Herb Barstad.

When we were at Camp Hoopenholler across the City Beach on Silver Lake, it was John who climbed the tree on which we hung a terrifying rope ladder donated by Police Chief Frank Patterson. He also suffered the misfortune of falling on a tree branch he was running around with and nearly punctured his eye.

In the late 1960s, I asked John if he could help in the search for two missing boys who were on a canoeing trip through Deception Pass. (The parents were friends of mine.) He had to arrange a special invitation to assist from the sheriff of that area, and shortly after joining the search party, they did find their bodies. That, too, was my friend John Taylor.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

John always said, “You don’t have to worry about me, Ray, I’ll be OK.” And he will be, because he was one of a kind.

Everett

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Saturday, June 14

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

AP government students at Henry M. Jackson High School visited the state Capitol this spring and watched as a resolution they helped draft was adopted in the Senate as part of the Building Bridges Future Leaders Academy. (Josh Estes / Building Bridges)
Comment: Future leaders learn engineering of building bridges

Here’s what Jackson High government students learned with the help of local officials and lawmakers.

Comment: Early cancer diagnosis can be key in saving lives

An act in Congress would allow Medicare coverage for early-detection tests for a range of cancers.

Comment: In wildfire crisis, options for forests, communities

By thinning threatened forests, mass timber can use that material for homes, businesses and more.

Forum: Everett’s land-use plan should keep affordable housing tool

Its comprehensive plan should keep inclusionary zoning, setting aside housing for working families.

Forum: Advice to young adults, focus on your best ‘person’

Past generations focused on the character aspects of gender roles, but something more basic is necessary.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, June 13

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

In a gathering similar to many others across the nation on Presidents Day, hundreds lined Broadway with their signs and chants to protest the Trump administration Monday evening in Everett. (Aaron Kennedy / Daily Herald)
Editorial: Let’s remember the ‘peaceably’ part of First Amendment

Most of us understand the responsibilities of free speech; here’s how we remind President Trump.

The Buzz: ‘Your majesty, the peasants are revolting!’

Well, that’s a little harsh, but we’re sure the ‘No Kings’ protesters clean up well after their marches.

Schwab: Why keep up nonviolent protests? Because they work

Our greatest democratic victories came on the heels of massive, nationwide demonstrations.

Bouie: Trump’s weaknesses show through theater of strength

His inability to calmly confront opposition and respond with force betrays brittleness and insecurity.

Add your voice to protect freedoms at No Kings Day protests

Imagine it’s 2045. Nationwide, women have been fully stripped of rights to… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.