Richard "Rick" D. Taylor, age 79, of Ramsey, Minnesota, passed away on May 31 in Princeton, MN, surrounded by his children, after a four-month struggle with an aggressive form of leukemia.

Rick was born on August 22, 1945, in Ironwood, MI. In 1953, his family settled in Fridley, MN, on the Mississippi River, where he discovered a lifelong passion of being both in and on the water. He was a class of 1963 graduate of Anoka High School. He married in 1966 and was wed for 32 years, raising four children during that time.

Rick called Ramsey his home for 52 years. He was a highly respected business owner of a manufacturer's representative firm in the foodservice equipment industry, where he built many lasting relationships. Outside of work, Rick had a deep love for the outdoors including fishing, hunting, swimming, kayaking, tending to his beautiful flower gardens, collecting rocks, golfing, or simply enjoying nature. Rick was very involved with his kids and grandkids and had a special relationship with each one.

Throughout his life, Rick was also a member of Anoka Covenant Church, delivered Meals on Wheels, was a long-term member and former president of the Rum River Hills Golf Club Men's League, president of the Izaak Walton League, a memorabilia collector (especially of Lake Superior ships, rocks, and lighthouses), a military and Native American history buff, and went over the top decorating his entire home for Christmas. He was also a favorite in his neighborhood, spoiling the kids with frozen treats in the summer and full-sized candy at Halloween. When Coborn's opened its Ramsey location in 2005, it became his home away from home. With nearly daily visits to the deli and bakery, he took pride in taking attendance, reviewing grades of employees who were students, and telling endless dad jokes.

In July of 2023 he had a massive stroke that left him unable to walk and had to move into assisted living. He enjoyed joking with and playing tricks on the staff. Last summer, he got a power chair and started cruising all over town, including becoming a regular at the Princeton VFW, which he says made him feel normal again.

He will be remembered for his unforgettable sense of humor, nicknaming nearly everyone he met, his generosity, and for possessing a personality that lit up every room. Rick didn't just attend the party—he was the party.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Sr. and Ramona Taylor, sister Patricia Yanz, brother Thomas Taylor Jr., and his niece and goddaughter, Yvonne Richardson.

He is survived by his children: Sunday (David) Nelson, Nicholas (Paula) Taylor, Benjamin (Stephanie) Taylor, and Katie Taylor. He leaves behind six beloved grandchildren: Alexander, Haley, Nicholas, Jack, Addy, and Grace, as well as eight great-grandchildren. Rick is also survived by his siblings Terry, Mike Sr. (Nancy), Jim (Terrianne), and Pamela, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

A visitation will take place Thursday, June 12 at 3:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 4:00 p.m. at Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home, located at West Main Street and Branch Avenue in Anoka. Friends and family are invited to a social hour at 5:00 p.m., with a dinner reception to follow at 6:00 p.m. at the American Legion, 400 West Main Street, Anoka.

Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home - Anoka, 763-421-0220 - www.thurston-lindberg.com