RIP: Charles W. Taylor

Posted Jul 12, 2016

ens_071216_CharlesWTaylorWe celebrate the life of the Rev. Charles W. Taylor, beloved son, husband, father and grandfather. Taylor passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 3, 2016, due to complications from a stroke. He is survived by his daughter, Joy; sons, David (Bonnie), Kevin and Paul; granddaughter, Kendall and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Fay and parents, Rev. Charles E. and Georgia Taylor. Taylor served in many roles in his career, including Pastor of Holy Comforter Episcopal Church (Washington, DC) and professor of Pastoral Theology at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley, CA where he taught numerous students how to serve the Lord passionately, until his retirement. He was full of love, laughter and compassion for all. Viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 13, 10 a.m., followed by homegoing services, 11 a.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church, 7005 Piney Branch, Road, NW. Interment Sunset View Cemetery, in California. Arrangements by McGuire.

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Comments (13)

  1. Alec &joan blair says:
    July 12, 2016 at 8:34 pm

    such fond memories of 3generations of the Taylor family when he was at CDSP and serving at All Souls, Berkeley in the 80’s. May he rest in peace.

  2. The Rev. Dr. P. Donald White, Jr. says:
    July 12, 2016 at 8:59 pm

    May God hold Charles in the palm of God’s hands. Charles was a dear friend.

  3. Eliza Linley says:
    July 12, 2016 at 10:25 pm

    Charles was my professor, advisor, and friend. He taught me pastoral care and marriage counselling, and then he married me and my husband. Charles always made us laugh; he made seminary fun. There will never be another like him.

  4. Dominic Barrington says:
    July 13, 2016 at 5:03 am

    He preached two of the most wonderful and memorable sermons during a year I spent at CDSP. He was inspirational.

  5. Rilla Holmes says:
    July 13, 2016 at 8:34 am

    He was my pastoral care professor. He said, “In times of grief and sorrow, remember that you are being paid to be the sanes one. Then be that.”

  6. Mary Goshert says:
    July 13, 2016 at 11:36 am

    Charles and Fay came to CDSP just as our senior year began; and they – and all their family — brought a fresh new breath of vitality to the entire seminary community. It’s his phrases about clergy being ‘sheep in shepherds’ clothing’ and ‘the sheepdogs of the Christian community’ that have stuck with me as an excellent shorthand for the real roles and relationships between clergy and laity. Rest in peace and rise in glory, Charles!

  7. Archbishop N. Ndungane says:
    July 13, 2016 at 2:51 pm

    A great man with a deep zeal for the Lord. I was privileged to meet with him when I was on sabbatical at CDSP in early 90s. A very inspirational, warm and welcomimg person. may he rest in peace and rise in glory.

  8. Karen (O'Connell) Gatlin says:
    July 13, 2016 at 4:02 pm

    Charles Taylor was a shining light during Seminary years. I remember my admissions interview with him well – he was kind and supportive even then. When I experienced rough patches during seminary, he was always understanding, and lent a listening ear. I remember his warm and dignified wife and parents. Though I haven’t seen him in many years, my heart is deeply touched. Blessings to his family and loved ones.

  9. Kelly Kirby says:
    July 13, 2016 at 8:48 pm

    Charles did my premarital counseling. Brian and I thought that we would be good after one meeting…but somehow he roped us into a full season of weekly counseling sessions. 11.5 years of wedded bliss later, I am still grateful for his ministry to us.

  10. Anne Kelsey says:
    July 14, 2016 at 12:03 pm

    I had the privilege of being with Charles and Fay through a very difficult time in their lives and was honored to participate in Fay’s funeral. I think one of Charles gifts was conveying to students that whatever you had to give pastorally, you would find the grace to bring God into all the situations in which we’re called to minister. Plus he had a sense of humor! May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

  11. Donn Morgan says:
    July 14, 2016 at 5:25 pm

    During Charles’ time at CDSP I had more students come to me as his academic dean and complain about his advising and his teaching than any other faculty member. Interestingly, almost every one of them became great supporters and admirers of Charles! He touched people in strong and powerful and finally very good ways. I give thanks for his pastoral ministry and his teaching.

  12. John Warfel says:
    July 17, 2016 at 8:49 pm

    Requiescat In Pace to the man who taught me all about the ministry of presence; in particular, all those helpful “minimal prompts” and the craft of listening. A man of insight, humor and genuine pastoral care. Well done good and faithful servant.

  13. Ellen Huber says:
    August 5, 2016 at 7:41 pm

    I still quote him in sermons and pastoral care. One of my favorites: “No one can ever earn your trust. You have to decide to give it.” May he rest in peace and joy, and may his family enjoy the many wonderful memories!

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