Our Ministries
06 Feb

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Gordon Philip Taylor

June 27, 1951 – January 29, 2017

Gordon Philip Taylor once said, “God and me are good!” And perhaps that is what subtly drove the life of this warm, generous, and selfless man adored by all he so deeply touched in his life. He was born and raised in Detroit, MI, the first of four children of Gordon and Marcella. He graduated with a history degree from the University of Detroit/Mercy. ROTC in college led him to continue in the Army. That’s when he and Sandy connected in their group of friends, became a couple, and married in 1974. When they first met, Sandy told him she’d never marry a military man; well, their destiny changed. The Army brought them to San Antonio shortly after marrying. Sons Andy and Chris came along and so did a new career in computer systems for what was then Titan Insurance, eventually becoming Travelers, where he spent his whole working career.

As a dad, Gordy led by example to the boys rather than with harsh words, and neighbor kids would come to him for advice and direction. He gave the kids such great memories. He was always up for an adventure—like a family cattle drive a la City Slickers in Colorado. That continued with the grandkids who adored their “Papa.”

In marriage, he and Sandy were a fun and funny couple—the one everyone wanted to be—clearly in love, and that never changed in 42 years. “Just precious,” Sandy says of him.

At work, he didn’t own his accomplishments, but always gave credit to the team. He had a unique way, for a computer guy, to understand the business side and translate it to the computer side. His coworkers admired, trusted, and loved him.

Gordy was a constant learner and voracious reader, especially of history. His friends eagerly awaited his famous Monday morning haiku compositions. He loved cooking, from making bread and baking cookies for the grandkids to meal prep for countless Teen ACTS retreat weekends. He had a particular heart for serving the poor with Habitat for Humanity, Under the Bridge, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, and at the Benedictine mission house in Eagle Pass.

Gordy lived his life as a selfless servant of all he met, treating all with kindness. He could connect with anyone and was a dear friend to so many. He bravely withstood a tough battle with cancer this past year. His family and closest friends encircled him with love as he moved into the arms of God.

Gordon leaves wife Sandy, children Andrew and his wife Jakie, Christopher and his wife Laurie, Brian and his wife Jennifer. Oh, how he loved his grandchildren Alexandra, Tekoa, Jude, Scarlett Sky, and Jordon. He leaves behind not only family but many, many members of our St. Francis of Assisi parish and his office family; he loved all of you so very much.

Services

A vigil will be held at 7 pm on Wednesday, February 8. The funeral Mass will be held at 10 am on Thursday, February 9. Both services will take place at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Francis of Assisi’s Mobile Loaves & Fishes.

Welcome to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church