Arnold Taylor

Arnold Taylor was born on August 7, 1935, in McPherson, Kansas. He spent his childhood in Kansas and in Burns, Oregon. He graduated from high school in 1953, worked briefly as a logger, and then was drafted into the U.S. Army. He spent his military service, 1954-1956, in Germany.

When his military service ended, Arnold returned to Oregon and did forestry work, working as a logger, a fire lookout, a firefighter, and a wilderness ranger. He eventually quit forestry and attended Oregon State University in Corvallis to get a teaching credential. He taught science at Junction City Junior High for a few years and then attended the University of Oregon in Eugene to get a master’s in teaching science. Subsequently, he taught science in Eugene at Kennedy Junior High, where he also coached soccer, and then at Sheldon High School, both in the 4J School District.

Arnold retired from 4J in 1994 and taught at the University of Oregon in the Education Department until 2003. He taught science teaching methods to prospective high school teachers and also supervised student teachers.

Arnold was a popular, energetic and creative teacher. His caring nature and lively sense of humor were irresistible, and students enjoyed the science projects he came up with, such as designing and then building and launching rockets.

Arnold loved the outdoors and enjoyed many outdoor activities, including hiking, biking (both cross country and racing), mountain climbing and camping. Some of his favorite places to visit were the South Sister, eastern Oregon and the Oregon coast.

Arnold was a student of theology and learned about Quakerism in the 1960’s. He eventually came to believe that Quakerism reflected his values more than any other church, and in 1970 he transferred his membership from the Christian Church in Junction City to Eugene Friends Meeting. He was active in the EFM Junior Friends program, leading them in many outdoor activities, culminating in a now legendary 50+mile backpack trip for the Jr. Friends from Eugene to the Alpha Farm community near Mapleton.

Arnold married Sharon Marie Henderson in 1958, and they had four children: Shannon, Mike, Dave and Steve. In the late 1970’s the couple divorced. In June of 1980 Arnold married Lois Foss Taylor, whom he had met at Eugene Friends Meeting and who was also a fellow teacher at Kennedy Jr. High. In 1981 Lois transferred her Quaker membership from Multnomah Monthly Meeting in Portland, Oregon, to Eugene Friends Meeting. At that time the couple also requested Junior Friends membership for Arnold’s four children and Lois’ daughter Rachel.

In the 1990’s Arnold and Lois drifted away from active participation with Quakers. Arnold had friends in the Methodist Church in Eugene, and he participated in a men’s group there and also in the church’s food for the homeless program. However, he kept his membership in EFM and continued throughout his life to identify as a Quaker spiritually.

Arnold and Lois moved into Cascade Manor, a senior retirement community in Eugene, in 2019. Arnold began a slow decline and was diagnosed with dementia in 2022. Throughout his decline Arnold’s loving and open nature and the twinkle in his eye shone through, warming the hearts of those around him. He died of a stroke on March 28, 2025.