Christopher Leonard Taylor passed away on December 3, 2023, in Bellingham, Washington, after a battle with cancer. He was born on February 26, 1949, in Yakima, Washington, to Dorothy O and James K Taylor. He was the third born of seven children and the first of his siblings to be born in the United States, as his mother was pregnant with him when they immigrated from Canada.

Chris graduated from Bellingham High School in 1967, and his interest in security and law enforcement started at an early age. His employment started as a security officer at several Bellingham retail establishments. He supported the FBI with various operations in Los Angeles and Chicago out of high school and before becoming a police officer.

He worked for Toppenish Police Department for several years, where he met Peggy Patnode, who was working at the hospital as a nurse. After they married, he adopted her daughter Heide. Shortly after they were married, they moved to Anacortes, where they continued to grow and raise their family. He worked for the Anacortes Police Department for 13 years as an officer, detective, and sergeant. He loved his job and the community he served. He helped numerous people during their most difficult days and truly believed in policing with compassion. He always considered Anacortes his hometown and loved sharing experiences with law enforcement, even in his last days.

One of his favorite memories was working alongside his youngest brother, Officer John Taylor, in Anacortes for many years. Two of his three brothers were in law enforcement, and they were one of the first families in the state ever to have three brothers graduate from the WA State Police Academy.

After his work in Anacortes, he moved to Alaska to work as a Chief of Police, then went on to work for numerous years at Harrah's Casino in Reno, NV as a transportation manager. He won a National Award while working for Harrah's for his hard work and friendly personality. In this role, he met numerous celebrities and VIPs. He would often times call his children and let them know who he had met and sometimes snag them an autograph. Some of his favorites were professional athletes and musicians.

He lived all over Alaska in his later adult years and loved the scenery and slow pace of life but returned to Bellingham to be closer to his children. If he thought you were a bad hunter or didn't agree with what you said, he would often tell you, you were "on probation". It always gave his children and son-in-law a good laugh. He liked to tell jokes and to make people laugh.

He loved fishing, hunting, watching the news and the Seahawks, chocolate chip cookies, and cooking - his specialties were meatloaf & chili, a winning scratch ticket, and a winning slot machine. He loved to read true crime. He read the newspaper every single day. He thought it was important to know what was going on in his local community. His biggest legacy he leaves behind is his children. He was so proud of their accomplishments and would end every phone call with an "I love you. Bye-bye."

He had a big heart for helping those in need and, throughout his life, generously gave to others. He instilled this trait in his children from a young age. He always remained humble and advocated for treating everyone with respect & kindness. Good manners and proper grammar were important to him. If you ever said, "Dad and me," he would immediately interrupt you, correct you, and say, "Dad and I."

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all donations be made to HomesNOW!NotLater , in Bellingham, WA. Donations can be made through their website clicking the aforementioned link.

He is survived by his children Holly (Dave Dempsey) of Ellensburg, WA, Haley Taylor of West Richland, WA, and Luke Taylor (Alex) of Burlington, WA. He is also survived by four grandchildren. He leaves behind his five siblings, James (Jim), Margaret, Maureen, Elizabeth (Liz), and John, and their spouses, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by both of his parents and an older brother, Alan.

A private family burial will take place in the spring, and a celebration of life will be held on Friday, March 29, 2024, at 1:00 pm in Anacortes, WA at Secret Cove Restaurant. We ask that the community he served come and celebrate our dad. Rest in peace, Dad, we will miss you!

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