Death of Barry Taylor: 'He Cared So Much About Others, It Was Astounding'

East Bay residents are mourning the loss of well-known philanthropist Barry Robert Taylor, who died on Nov. 16 after suffering from a massive heart attack. Taylor founded the Taylor Family Foundation, a non-profit organization, in 1990 with his wife Elaine Taylor. 

"He was a self-made, kind and generous man who believed in helping others," Elaine Taylor said. "He was the best human being. He cared so much about others, it was astounding."

Taylor is survived by his wife, three daughters, three sons and six grandchildren.

Elaine Taylor says there will be a public event at Camp Arroyo to honor the life of Barry Taylor on Jan. 11. Details about the event will be released once they become available.

The Taylor Family Foundation provides various services for children living with developmental disabilities and chronic illnesses throughout Northern California.  The year-round Camp Arroyo in Livermore is owned by the East Bay Regional Parks.  The Taylor Family Foundation and the YMCA share the camp. In the summer, the Taylor Family Foundation offers the quintessential camp experience for families and their children with serious illnesses and disabilities.

The Taylor Family Foundation posted the following information on their website:

It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our beloved co-founder Barry Taylor, who passed away Saturday afternoon, November 16, 2013. 

No stranger to philanthropy, Barry sat on the board of the March of Dimes for several years in the 1980s and he and Elaine held fundraisers on their behalf at their Lafayette home before founding The Taylor Family Foundation in 1990.

Barry approached philanthropy as he did every aspect of his life -  on simple, yet profound principles of good living: rise to the challenge, work hard, enjoy life, and always take care of each other. Through these principals, he not only created countless memories for Bay Area children and families in need, but also instilled a standard of giving that will live on in those who were blessed to know him.

Find out how to volunteer for the Taylor Family Foundation in Livermore.  Follow the Taylor Family Foundation on Facebook.  

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