Richard H. 'Rick' Taylor, 78

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of our beloved Dad and Grandpa, Richard Harvey “Rick” Taylor, on Friday, April 25, 2025, at his home in Polson.

Rick was born Sept. 25, 1946, in La Grande, Ore., to Clarence Taylor and Naomi Taylor Terry. He spent many happy years growing up on his family’s ranch just outside of Elgin, Ore.

After graduating from high school, Rick attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, where he met and married Marty Bolyard. While there, he completed the university’s Army ROTC program and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Production.

Upon graduation and commissioning in the Army, Rick served as a Lieutenant at Headquarters, 8th U.S. Army Pacific, in South Korea during the early years of the Vietnam War. After his military service, Rick, Marty, and their young son, Aric, moved to Ravalli, Mont., where Rick took over management of his mother’s RV component manufacturing company, Terry’s Manufacturing.

After several years, Rick and Marty founded Taylor Tack and Taylor Industries, eventually relocating to Polson in 1986. Following Marty’s passing in 1994, Rick married Theresa Squires. Together, Rick and Theresa were very active in the Polson community, especially with the Mission Valley Animal Shelter, where they channeled their mutual love for animals. They created their happy place at their home in Polson, surrounded by animals and family, until Theresa’s passing in 2019.

Rick was known for his big heart and the wisdom he readily shared with anyone who sought it. He was always the first to pitch in when work needed to be done or someone needed help.

A steady and reliable presence to his family, he was always up for a card game or a chance to ride a horse. Rick embodied the true meaning of a “Gentleman Cowboy” and remained a role model to his children and grandchildren until the day he passed.

Rick is deeply loved and will be dearly missed. He is survived by his sons, Aric (Brandi) Taylor of Humble, Texas, Jason (Brenda) Taylor of Snoqualmie, Wash., and Scott (Naomi Campbell) Taylor of Shrub Oak, N.Y.; and his daughter, Kirsten (David) Dallmann of Meridian, Idaho. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Paige and Carter Dallmann, Amanda Taylor, and Ethan Taylor; his sisters, Frankie (Dale) Thamert and Shellie (Rocky) Burgess, both of Elgin, Ore.; his brother-in-law, Bill (Michelle) Squires of Idaho Falls, Idaho; his sister-in-law, Sheila (Brad) Cottom of Dillon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Interment of ashes and funeral services will take place on June 9, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Lake View Cemetery, Veterans’ Section, in Polson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rick’s name to the Mission Valley Animal Shelter in Polson, Montana.