Fred Taylor, 74 of Albany passed away Wednesday.

Fred was born in San Pedro California on September 28, 1940. He was raised by his mother Edna and by his grandparents. He joined the Marines as a reservist and learned how to repair helicopters.

After leaving the military, he took got a job as a forklift mechanic. Soon, he was a standout field service forklift mechanic with a family. After his marriage ended and losing custody of his 3 children, he decided that Los Angles was no longer his home and to drive north to Alaska to start a new life. On October 18th, 1973 on his way north, he picked up some hippies who miraculously led him to Jesus. From that moment, he had a unique relationship with his God. At this point, Fred decided to start a new Forklift repair business in Albany, Oregon (Santiam Forklift). Soon, he was rejoined by his children. He raised his children as a single dad when that wasn't the norm. Because of his dedication to Christ he would preach Jesus to anyone who would simply stand next to him. Fred never remarried.

After a tough battle with Liver Disease, Fred died peacefully at home with family.

Fred is survived by his stepfather Pete Rickalo of California; sisters Tanis Rowles of Brownsville Oregon, Kathy Weir of California, and Julie Stettler of Utah; daughter Audrey Ellertson of Wisconsin; eldest son Greg Taylor of California, and his youngest son Doug Taylor of Albany; along with 6 grandchildren. His impact on this world will be remembered by all who came in to contact with him. He wasn't perfect, but one thing he always said was that he was "forgiven". Now he is with the Lord for all of eternity.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16 at Oak Creek Christian Center in Albany, interment will follow at Willamette Memorial Park. AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling the arrangements ( www.aasum-dufour.com ).