Phil Taylor

Phil Taylor, 56, died March 14, 2008, following a tragic accident while on a snowmobiling trip with one of his best friends, Johnny Liggett.

A memorial celebration and reception was held at the American Legion Hall in Mountain Home on Saturday, March 22. Cremation was under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home.

"We like to think Phil has gone on a long fly fishing trip and was met mid-river by his dad, Homer," his family said.

Phil was born September 30, 1951, in Stibnite, Idaho, the son of Homer and June Taylor. He grew up in Mountain Home and graduated from Mountain Home High School in 1969.

He then served three years in the Navy until he was medically discharged.

He lived primarily at Prairie but also had a place in Mountain Home and a fishing camp at Lightning Creek on the South Fork of the Clearwater River. Phil loved to fish and shared that enthusiasm with many good friends and family members.

For many years he collected Harley Davidson motorcycles and looked forward to spring each year when he could get back on the road.

"He was always willing to help others and could make practically anything mechanical work by altering, fabricating or otherwise creatively using parts," his family said. "This was partly because he had a vast collection of 'good stuff.' Where others saw junk, he saw good parts. A road trip with Phil usually meant a shortcut to check out a rumor of an interesting piece of equipment in the vicinity."

For many years he worked on industrial refrigeration units for produce storage in the United States and internationally.

"Phil was loved by all and admired for being as honest as the day is long," his family said. "He was devoted to his family and friends and they loved him in return. His nieces and nephews were pretty sure he was 'the real Santa'. His full white beard in later years convinced them. "

He is survived by: his family Jo, V.J. and Anna, a grandchild; his mother, June; brother Mike and his wife, Kris; sister Becky, sister Cindy and her husband, Lynn; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Homer.

Memorials may be given to Prairie Quick Response Unit, C/O Mary Cook, 524 Smith Creek Rd., Prairie, ID 83647 or a favorite charity.