Obituary of Valdez Taylor

Valdez Anthony Taylor peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on September 22, 2011 in Santa Barbara, CA. His gentle manner and contagious laugh will be missed by all who knew him. Val was born on June 12, 1924 in New Orleans, La., the third of ten children. He married Lorine "Sis" Cousins in 1950 and soon moved to California. They settled in Santa Barbara in 1960, where he became a contractor and businessman. A devoted Catholic, Val was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #5300 and served as both Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator. Val was involved for many years with Saint Vincent's School in Santa Barbara, where he was active in its development. Val's family was the center of his life. He is survived by his loving wife, Sis, his children; Roxanne Lechuga (Mitchell), Pamela Link (Jim), Colleen Taylor, Randy Taylor and Sherie Ann Taylor; twelve grandchildren; Ross, Katherine, Christopher, Justin, Nicholas, Kristen, Lindsey, Matthew, Adam, Kayla and Dylan and six great-grandchildren. A rosary will be recited Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 7p.m. Mass will be celebrated Friday, September 30 at 1p.m. All services will be held at St. Raphael's Church at 5400 Hollister Ave., Goleta, CA. A private burial service will be held at a later date.