Timothy Lee Taylor (1954-2023)
Tim (The Tool Man) Taylor passed away peaceful, and blissfully happy on January 16th, 2023.
One of Tim’s greatest joys, every year, was being a part of the Trail Crew for the Copper Basin 300 dogsled race. On Monday the 16th, Tim arrived home from this year’s 300 mile journey, and I don’t think there was a happier man in the whole Valley. He was bursting with excitement over his exceptionally fantastic and flawless run with his fellow Trail Crewmates. After telling everyone about what an awesome trip he had, he had some dinner, kicked back in his favorite chair, and fell asleep.
Tim was born April 10, 1954 in Gladwin, Michigan to Milford and Bonnie Taylor. They spent a few years there before moving to Alaska in 1959. They first arrived to find the ground covered in snow. When Tim saw that there was a distinct LACK of dirt, anywhere to be seen; he suddenly became the happiest boy around. The reason for his merriment? He thought, without any dirt to make him dirty, he’d never have to take a bath again!
Tim touched so many lives. Not just his family and friends, but almost everyone that knew, or met him. He truly never met a stranger, and was always the first one to lend a hand, or help anyone that needed it.
He was also an avid outdoorsman, with a deep love for Alaska. Most of his free time was spent going on snowmachine adventures, such as the Copper Basin 300, volunteering as a flagger for Valdez’s Mayor’s Cup, and Hill Climb races, or just exploring where ever the mood took him. Tim just loved to be outdoors all year round. Whether he was 4 wheeling, hunting caribou and sheep, or just hunting rocks, he was always up for an adventure!
Tim wore many hats throughout his life. He worked for various building maintenance jobs, heavy equipment operator, security guard, state road crews, tow truck driver, and property manager in several places.
After he retired, when he wasn’t working side jobs, helping someone in need, or going on adventures, he spent a lot of time going to all of the grandkids’ hockey, basketball, and volleyball events.
He will be missed greatly by all his friends and family members.
Tim was preceded in death by his brother William (Dorthy) Taylor, and his parents.
He is survived by his wife Carol Taylor; sons Tom and Brandon Taylor; daughters Sheri Doci, Amber Taylor, and Nicole (Gary) Wattengel; granddaughters Katarina and Mercedes Taylor, and Marah Dunning; grandsons Philip Dunning, Zayne Olson, Jaron, Anthony, and Kayden Wattengel, and David Doci; sister Rebecca (Rick) Wade; nephews James (Shari) Wade, Ricky (Carrie) Wade; and nieces Rhonda Wade, Karen and Linda Taylor.