Wayne Clifton Taylor
Wayne Taylor, 74, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, with his devoted wife, Mimi, by his side. Wayne’s courageous journey with ALS began more noticeably in January 2025, and his trusted VA medical team confirmed his diagnosis in April of that year. The disease progressed far more quickly than anyone anticipated, yet Wayne faced each day with the same quiet strength and grace that had defined his life.
Wayne was born on August 21, 1951, in San Antonio, Texas, to Donald Ross Taylor, Sr. and Virginia Ellen (Horney) Taylor. He pursued his passion for visual storytelling at Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, California, where he earned a degree in Photography. This passion carried into his early career, serving as a Still Photographer in the U.S. Army before continuing his military service in the U.S. Navy from 1983 until his retirement in 2000.
After retiring from the Navy, Wayne embarked on a second career with Intel in Portland, Oregon, where he worked from 2000 to 2016. When he retired for the final time, he fully embraced the outdoor life he loved.
Wayne was an avid outdoorsman with an unquenchable spirit of adventure. He cherished tent camping, fishing, hiking, and backpacking. His journeys took him along the Appalachian Trail, up Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier, through the Rocky Mountains, and into the depths of Buckskin Gulch—his final major hike and backpacking journey. That memorable trip, shared with close friends including Gerald and Ben, led them through miles of Utah’s stunning backcountry and into Zion National Park, creating memories Wayne treasured.
He was also a devoted chess enthusiast. Whether over a board with his grandchildren or online as his illness progressed, Wayne found joy and challenge in every match. In his last weeks, he developed a special chess friendship with Cole, whose companionship and games meant so much—thank you, Cole.
Wayne leaves behind his beloved wife of 42 years, Mimi; his son, Herman (Kellie) Scholten; his daughter, Cheryl (Matt) Williams; and his grandchildren Ashleigh, Austin, and Adam Williams, as well as Bryce and Spencer Scholten. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald R. Taylor, Sr.; his mother, Virginia E. (Horney) Taylor; his sisters, Nancy Ball and Julia Hurst; and his brother, Donald R. Taylor, Jr.
Wayne will be remembered for his deep love of family, his adventurous spirit, his creative eye, and his unwavering resilience. Those who knew him will forever carry his warmth, humor, and quiet strength in their hearts.
Wayne’s family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with the funeral service with military funeral honors beginning at 1:00 p.m. Private interment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery.
18 Messages to “Wayne Clifton Taylor”
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Benjamin Romero
January 29, 2026 at 6:02 pmGood-bye my friend, rest in peace. I will always remember and hold dear the time we got to spend with each other. Ben Romero
Jeannie. Pham
January 30, 2026 at 9:50 amHi Mrs Wayne & family,
I’m sorry to hear that Mr. Wayne passed away.
I would like to send my condolences to Mr. Wayne family and children.
I pray to God for him rest in peace.
From Jeannie D. Pham in California.
Take care.
J.P
Donald pham
January 29, 2026 at 10:17 pmI’ve known Mimi since she was in highschool in Vietnam, but never had the chance to meet Wayne, an art lover who appreciated imagery and nature. I recently learned from a cousin that Mimi’s husband passed away. I don’t know what more to say than to pray that Wayne’s soul rests in peace, and to offer my condolences to Mimi, her children and grand children, and the entire Taylor family. Rest in peace, Wayne.
A friend of Mimi, Donald Pham in California
Vern & Linda Vorenkamp
January 30, 2026 at 10:57 amSo sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. It’s been a long time since seeing you guys and didn’t know Wayne was an avid hiker. We are living in Costa Rica now.
Lan Pham, Melbourne Australia
January 31, 2026 at 4:31 amWe have received the sad news that Mimi’s husband, Wayne, has passed away peacefully. Let us pray for his soul to rest in peace with God. Wayne’s passing is deeply mourned by the Taylor family, his relatives, and his friends.
Rest in peace Wayne
Tina Tran
January 31, 2026 at 8:49 pmDear aunt Mimi, I’m so sorry for your loss! My condolences to you and your family. May Wayne rest in peace! Sending prayers to your family.
Geline Cardwell
January 31, 2026 at 11:24 pmWayne and Mimi are our friends from Whidbey Island, Washington. Very nice couple. Almost like Aunt& Unckle to me.
On my 40th birthday, we visited them in Portland Oregon where they moved for Wayne’s new job at Intel;. You made my day so special celebrating with you at your new home, so beautiful with natural pond with a garden like paradise surrounded with beautiful plants and flowers.
Wayne, may you Rest in Peace. Mimi, please take care yourself and just know you now have an Angel watching over you?
Diane Steeves
February 1, 2026 at 2:55 pmWalt and I met Mimi and Wayne when they moved to Portland. Mimi and I worked at John Hancock Financial Services. I met Mimi many times at her home so I met Wayne and was impressed with his photographic genius seen in many pics around the house Wayne took such loving care of Mimi, he was such a sweet guy!
I pray he will rest in peace and the God will comfort Mimi! Love you both! Walt and Diane Steeves
Toni and Tim Neff
February 1, 2026 at 3:16 pmWe became friends with Wayne and Mimi while they lived in Buckeye Arizona. Wayne was a wonderful friend to my husband. They both were retired military and had so much in common. Wayne was kind and encouraging to my husband as he delt with the reality of his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis linked to his military service. We had no idea at the time that Wayne also had a life debilitating disease, ALS, also acquired during his military service. Wayne was very helpful to my husband as he went through the process of applying to the VA for recognition and assistance. We thank Wayne for his service and for his sacrifice. We also recognize and thank Mimi for the love and support she has provided Wayne through all the hard times. Wayne, may you Rest in Peace. Mimi, we are so thankful that you moved close to your daughter and have your family to surround and support you during this difficult time.
Marivic and Brent Jeanquart
February 1, 2026 at 6:37 pmWe are truly blessed to have friends like Mimi and Wayne. A very nice couple who were there for me and my family when they lived here in Oak Harbor, WA. They had to leave Oak Harbor but distance didn’t really matter. We kept in touch wherever they went from WA, OR, AZ and MI.
So sad to hear about our dear friend Wayne saddened death. He will sure be missed but the memories of him will be forever in our hearts. May you rest in peace with our Creator in heaven, Wayne. Sending our thoughts and prayers for you our dear friend Mimi and family at this very difficult time.
Randall Kim
February 2, 2026 at 9:54 amI’m sorry for your loss and saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing. The obituary is beautiful and a fitting tribute to a wonderful person, husband and father! You, Mimi and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers!
Colette Klein
February 2, 2026 at 10:18 amThank you for your service. It was an honor to work with you and listen to your stories.
Randal kim chfci, AIF
February 2, 2026 at 1:34 pmOh Mimi, I’m sorry for your loss and saddened by the news of Wayne’s passing. ALS is such a horrible disease. How are you? The obituary is beautiful and a fitting tribute to Wayne. Thanks for reaching out to me and letting me know.
After all these years, I find life is an interesting journey. I used to think we were more in control, but now I realize life we are not. I don’t get to Portland very often, but maybe that will change once I retire at the end of the year. My email is randall.kim@hotmail.com and my cell is 206-914-6669. Rest assured we’ll keep you and your entire family in our thoughts and prayers! – Randy
Dale and Evalee Holzboog
February 2, 2026 at 1:36 pmWe are sadden to hear of Wayne’s passing. Your friendship was very special to us. Mimi, you and your family are in our prayers and hearts as you go through this trying time.
MAJ Lionel A. Peoples Sr.(Ret.) WSG and U.S.NAVY
February 3, 2026 at 4:46 pmI met Mimi and Wayne and their children through the Navy here at Oak Harbor, Washington while being involved in related activities and the playing of their son and mine while being engaged in Community Soccer Programs.
My relationship with the Taylors many year ago resulted in the development of a strong friendship From my point of view, I consider the family to be one of the best loved families that I have known to date. Their name and concern for them have often come up at different times during conversions with other friends. Many of us, expressly, still miss them.
Mimi, especially, was like a Sister to me. To date, I consider her to be one of my best friends.
My personal prayers go out for the Whole Family. For I know that Wayne was a good Father as well as friend. I know he will be well taken care of in Heaven. GOD BLESS YOU GUYS.
Lionel Peoples
February 3, 2026 at 9:13 pmI ,officially, meet the Taylors upon them moving to Whidbey Island, WA for Wayne’s naval assignment. My best rememberance include Mimi,s efffort of selling Life Insurance to many of us. She made an number of friends in the Community. to me, she was llike a sister to me and noted to be one of if not the best friend. The Son’s was involved in the Community Soccer Program. My Son and hers were on the same Team.
To this day, it can be noted that her Friends still miss her and Wayne. I have shared a number of prayers for the Family. I know that Wayne was an excellant Father. He will be missed by many of us.
There is a place in my heart that cannot be filled by anyone else. I willl surely miss his. Again Prayers for the Family. All of us will miss him and his family. God Bless.
PHUOC LY
February 5, 2026 at 7:39 pmWayne, I told you about it. My dear friend, I keep your image in my mind forever dude. RIP.
PHUOC LY
February 5, 2026 at 7:42 pmIt has been along journey for being a human on this planet. Now it time for a new and even more wonderful BEING.
Phuoc Ly
Thu Feb 5th, 2026