BRUNSWICK – Francis M. Taylor, 89, was born in Rumford on June 4, 1936, the eldest son of Harry and Eva Sassi Taylor.

“Frank” lived an incredible life. He spent his youth roaming the hills of Rumford and Rangeley, fishing, ski jumping, and raising more than his share of turmoil. His great appreciation for Studebaker cars and engine horsepower originated in those hills.

Frank was a devoted husband to Geraldine “Jerry” Taylor, who survives him. He is survived by his former wife, Alice and their children, Frank, Linda, and Matthew; and his son with Jerry, Chad; their spouses; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and many other family members.

He will be deeply mourned by his family.

Frank left Maine to the join the U.S. Navy in 1958. He served both on sea and air. He began on the USS Boxer, served as a C-130 load handler through the Vietnam war, and completed his duties on the USS Forrestal as a chief aviation boatswains mate. Frank served the USA for 20 years, collecting a seemingly endless number of stories.

Frank lived and worked in Norfolk, Va. and then Brunswick, developing a diverse resume over the course of his life. He was a skilled welder, operating as an independent contractor, a mill right for Weyerhaeuser, and covered all job tasks for the town of Brunswick while working for them. Frank taught countless people how to drive cars and tractor trailers, and finished his working career operating all forms of school buses. He was afraid of no task and met any challenge with patience, humility, and positivity.

Frank spent his retired years crafting with wood. He enjoyed the process of building. Whether completing cedar strip canoes, simple or complex home furnishings, or a bassinet for his granddaughter, he was always working to make improvements or a thoughtful gift.

Frank’s lifelong passion was fishing. He was fortunate to find a special peace on the lakes and ocean waters. While his fishing tempo had slowed; on his last outing, just a few months prior to his passing, he netted five, which he carefully returned to the pond. He just wanted to be there. If Frank wasn’t on the water, he was daydreaming about it.

Frank was easy with a smile and a proud man of Maine; reserved in his opinions and lived each day with love and kindness.

Frank was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, an uncle, a grandparent, a great-grandparent. He loved all. He was loved and will be deeply missed.

Frank has gone on to be with those family members predeceased.

We are all better for having Frank here and will now carry his spirit onward.

All services will be announced in the spring.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Stetson’s Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 12 Federal St., Brunswick. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family by visiting the Stetson’s Funeral Home website http://www.StetsonFuneralHome.com

Francis M. Taylor