Obituary

Remembering Ralph “Bud” Charles Taylor Jr.

Bud (Ralph C) Taylor, age 96, of Belmont passed away into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, October 6, 2023. He was born in Greenville, Michigan where he lived through his school days. Bud served his country in the U.S. Navy at the end of WWII as a store purser, traveling in China and Japan. He was preceded in death by his grandchildren, Kendra Groenhout and Brian Miller; niece, Holly Randall; and mother of his children, Donna Taylor. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 46 years, Diane; children, Nancy and Ken Koch, Vicky and Dave Miller, Mike and Carol Taylor, Pat and Sue Taylor; grandchildren, Brad and Trish (Jeffrey) Koch, Kasey and Beverly Koch, Kristen Berens, John Groenhout, Nicole Taylor, Julie Taylor, Jacob and Leona Taylor, Alana and Ted Otten Jr., Sean and Jennifer (Shalloup) Taylor; 18 great grandchildren; 1 great great granddaughter (she fulfilled Bud’s dream of 5 generations); in-laws, Neil and Ruth Randall, John and Judi Randall, Paula Randall, Marshall and Kelle Randall, Mark and Diane Randall, Shannon and Martin Visser; nieces and nephews; cousins; and special buddies, Larry Branagan, Marshall Penland; and many friends. Bud spent his working days working in sales in the food industry, servicing Western Michigan. He loved camping adventures, making blueberry pancakes, scouting outings, Canadian fishing trips, hunting, trout fishing, flea marketing, collecting and dealing in coins, traveling to the U.P., but most of all family gatherings. The family would like to thank the Spectrum Hospice team: Amy, Cody, Doreen and Steve for their loving care. In honor of his wishes private burial has taken place. A CELEBRATION OF LIFE/ gathering, open house will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 1-4 p.m. at Leisure Village Lodge, 5305 Circle Drive, Belmont, MI. Memorial contributions can be made to Spectrum Health Hospice or Grand Rapids Home for Veterans activity fund.

Service Information

Visitation and Funeral Details

Celebration of life/ open house

Saturday, October 14 · 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Location

Leisure Village Lodge

5305 Circle Drive
Belmont, MI 49306

Guestbook

Tribute Messages

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My grandpa Bud was a great man! -Kenton Koch

— Kenton

In the time of loss one's mind often turns to the past, we were present for Bud & Diane's wedding long ago; then all the Randall sharing through the years. We were fond of Bud, enjoyed his company, good spirits, sense of fun, devotion to family. Chance found the four of us in AZ at the same time a few years back and we laughed so hard regarding the trips we had separately experienced getting to and from Las Vegas. Life holds many relationships, we're so glad we knew and shared with Bud and Diane, God rest him now and be with Diane and his family with peace and good memories.

— Don and Elsie Randall

Always a warm, happy greeting and bright smile whenever I saw him. I will miss him SO much.

— Linda Hines Wessell

I have known Bud for many years! We were very good friends ! We worked in the food business for yearsAnd we made trips to Canada fishing! Bud lived a happy life I will miss my old Buddy! Diane I’m sorry Barb and I won’t be able to make the memorial service! We have a granddaughter getting married that day! God Bless Bill and Barb

— Bill Terrell

Bud was a special friend. I worked with him at same Co. for years. Went to Canada fishing with him a number of times. In all the years I have known him, I have never seen him get mad. He was easy going and had a good since of humour. He will be missed. Love Ya Man

— Larry Branagan

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