Claude Jerry Taylor

Claude Jerry Taylor, 76, passed away on Jan. 17, 2021, in Yelm, Washington. He was born June 14, 1944, to Berthe (Bertha) and Laurent (Lawrence) Taylor in Redding, California.

Claude, who went by “Jerry” in later years, grew up in Oakland, California where he enjoyed playing tennis, camping, fishing, and skiing with family and friends.

He graduated from Oakland High, served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and subsequently received an MA in business administration from Cal State Hayward.

He worked at multiple banks in California before moving his family to Washington State. He lived in Montesano, Seattle and ultimately settled in Elma, where he went into real estate and was designated broker for the family-owned North Star Realty.

Claude is remembered as an outgoing, fun, talkative, intelligent guy. He was always eager to tell stories and share his knowledge with friends and acquaintances alike. In his later years, he loved being outdoors, bowling, playing pool, watching art documentaries, and spending time with his daughters and grandchildren. He also made beautiful sketches, pottery, and watercolor paintings in his spare time.

Claude is survived by his three daughters: Kathryn Kirkpatrick, Lindsay Bentsen, and Hannah Taylor; his seven grandchildren, his sister Darlene Amann, and other extended family including nieces, nephews and cousins. His parents, Berthe and Laurent Taylor, predeceased him.

An in-person memorial service will be held at a later date.