Kevin Andrew Taylor

KEVIN ANDREW TAYLOR Date of Birth:  1/28/1955 Date of Passing:  3/23/2018 Kevin A. Taylor was a great guy who at age 63, passed away suddenly on Friday March 23, 2018.  Kevin was born on January 28, 1955 to David and H. Susan Taylor in Highland Park, Michigan.  His family lived in rural Michigan between Ann Arbor and Detroit – so he had many adventures with his 2 older brothers (Dave and Bruce) both in the woods and in the cities.  He graduated from South Lyon High School in 1973 and then attended University of Iowa.  He worked in the Core Cardiovascular/OBGyn Laboratory while attending college and ultimately became the director which involved working on NIH grants and research projects. Over test tubes is where he met the love of his life- Susan Johnson, who he pursued with witty conversation, dates to IHOP and his charismatic smile.  They married on July 22, 1978.  They remained at University of Iowa while he published several papers before he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry in 1981. He had computerized his lab to make calculating data easier so then obtained a second degree in computer science in 1983 and Susan finished medical school the same year. The next chapter of his life took him back to Michigan where he started a computer consulting firm named Diversified Computer Associates in Grand Rapids. All 3 DCA principles were IBM partners.  DCA was wildly successful through the “Y2K” episode.  While in Grand Rapids, he and Susan had 2 children – Katelin born in 1985 and Andrew born in 1987.  He was very involved with all the kids activities and was the President of the RAYS – Rapid Area Y Swimmers – which both kids swam in from age 5.  Andrew also participated in AAU basketball while Kate focused more on horse activities.  The family traveled a 5-state area due to the success of the kids in their athletic events he was there for them all the way. In 2001, the family opted to move to Polson, Montana to experience the outdoors and western life “up close and personal”.  There were great family times on Flathead Lake, skiing Big Mountain in Whitefish, fishing the lakes and streams, hunting antelope and again following the kids to their sporting events.  He was the college recruiter for Kate as she traveled from the Midwest to the Pacific NW while checking out schools.  Along the way he made some steadfast friends.   2004 brought a move back to Michigan – this time to Grand Haven so Andrew would have a better chance at playing football in college.  Kevin became his “agent” and managed the 30 schools around the nation who were pursuing Andrew to play for them.  There were many trips and phone calls over the next few years.  In the end, Andrew opted for Michigan State and Kate transferred from Luther College to be there also Andrew playing football and Kate on the women’s Rowing team.  Again, he and Susan traveled across many states to follow the kid’s activities.  What fun it was!  While in Michigan, he planted acres of raspberries – and returned to his biochemistry roots and began making wine.  It was GOOD and he found himself bitten by the fermentation bug.  “I think I can take this to the next level”, he said of his love for making wine.  He wanted to use his green thumb and make his dream come true. Next stop, the Willamette Valley.  Here, he and Susan bought 60 acres and spent the next 7 years transforming this rough property into 16 acres of planted vines.  He and daughter Kate went “back to school” through the Chemeketa Viticulture Program to study vineyard management and wine making.  In the last 7 years, he accomplished so much – groomed rough land, put up game fence, hunted elk in the back yard, logged out some areas, planted 16 acres of grapes with trellis and irrigation lines, made wine from purchased grapes at first, now making wine with our own estate grapes.  He made world class wine and started our One Heart Vineyard and then placed the One Love Cellars label in many local venues.  Quite an accomplishment in such a short time.  All this with a wide smile, his trademark “I can do this” attitude, a twinkle in his eye and a hearty laugh. We miss you dearly – husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. Please, watch over us and guide us from above. Until we see you again in heaven….. Good bye and we love you!!!! Services to be Wednesday April 4th at 11 :00 AM at Weddle Funeral Service in Stayton, OR