Gordon Frank Taylor

Gordon Frank Taylor, 82, passed away following a sudden illness Feb. 17, 2008, at home in Wasilla with his daughters at his side.

A celebration of his life will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2101 N. Lucille in Wasilla.

Taylor was born March 14, 1925, in Yakima, Wash., and was a World War II veteran who lived in Alaska since 1969, and most recently Wasilla since 1994. He retired from the Social Security Administration after 30 years of service and was a recipient of the Red Cross Volunteer of the Year Award. He also enjoyed traveling.

Taylor was well known for his efforts to establish the Mat-Su Chapter of the American Red Cross and his service throughout the communities of the Mat-Su Valley. He was ready at any hour of the day or night to give help to those who suffered losses from fire or flood. He spent several years serving on the leadership Council of the American Red Cross.

He is survived by his daughters, Victoria Perrault of Granite Falls, Wash., Kimberley Freeze of Arlington, Wash., and Laura Huff and Lorraine Miller of Wasilla; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren (with three more on the way). Taylor was predeceased by his wife, Carol, and parents, Frank and Emily Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mat-Su Chapter of the American Red Cross, 931 W. Commercial Dr., Wasilla, AK 99654.

Valley Funeral Homes and Crematory of Wasilla and Palmer assisted the family.