Ross S. Taylor

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Taylor, Ross S. age 74, died from complications of Parkinson's disease and Lewy Body dementia on Nov. 16, 2017. A fine arts graduate of the University of Minnesota, he became a lifelong Golden Gophers fan. He joined the Peace Corp in 1966, serving as a health care worker in the Marshall Islands where he also established a consumer co-op and a weather reporting station. After returning to the US in 1968, he worked as an art instructor. He then attended the Ringling Brothers Clown College and traveled with several circuses for six years. One of the first zookeepers hired at the new Minnesota Zoo in 1978, he soon met his future wife Carol, also a zookeeper. Ross was the primary tiger keeper in addition to caring for many other animals on the Northern Trail. He retired in 2006. A gifted artist, Ross was known among family and friends for his quirky caricature greeting cards and lifelike animal drawings. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Lunder Taylor and son Evan; sister Norma Terry, brothers and their wives Curt and Janet Taylor, Glenn and Joan Taylor; nieces and nephews and many friends. Memorial Service on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, 5:30 p.m., Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley. Visitation at 4:30 p.m., one hour before the service. Memorials preferred to Minnesota Zoo Tiger Conservation Program, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church or donor's choice.

Published on November 26, 2017