Don Taylor

Don Taylor, “DT” of Upland California, completed his earthly journey on October 4th at the age of 72. He was born in Pomona on July 12th 1952 and lived his entire life in Upland. He is survived by his daughter Chelsea, his mother Elayne, and his brother Dan. He was a respected business owner of Taylor Landscape and a well loved member of many communities and organizations in the Inland Empire. Among his many accomplishments, Don was a USA National Champion Speed water-skier, a black belt martial artist and classic car collector, and volunteer to the US Forest Service. He went to Upland High Class of 1970 and Graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in Horticulture resulting in his developing his landscape business in Upland.

A man’s man, simple, direct, kind and giving. Don kept his thoughts to himself, did not complain or share his problems, not capable of self pity.
He was a person of action, with an academic mind, extremely intelligent and interested in learning and acquiring knowledge. Talented, artistic and creative, his gifts manifested in the fullness of all he was passionate about. An expert in countless subjects, he spent his life in study. He was big hearted, brave, strong, humble, confident and resilient. He shined brightly in life without meaning to. He overcame great loss and heartache in his life deciding to always search for his personal truth and growth. Honest to a fault, his sense of integrity never wavered in business or his personal life. His word meant something. He was a friend worth having, unchanging and dependable. He spent his life engaged as a serious athlete. He reached excellence in skiing, waterskiing, martial arts, bodybuilding, and cycling. Don was an antevasin, a seeker, free thinker and led a nonconforming lifestyle.

His accomplishments: and hobbies included:

USA Water Speed Skier & Catalina Water Ski Champion
Volunteer for US Forest Service
Artist
Hairdresser
Athlete
Lifelong bodybuilder 
Snow skier
Black belt martial artist
Pilot
Avid cyclist
Motorcyclist
Experienced Schutzhund dog trainer
Beekeeper

Collected and restored classic cars and hot rods, loved to fly model airplanes. Passionate about and loved all animals, lover of nature, camping, fishing and hiking
Concert pianist and also played the saxophone. Don achieved a greatness in whatever he did in life by giving it everything he had. He was an extraordinary father, husband, son and brother whose absence will be forever felt by his family, friends and the entire community.

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