Robert Huff Taylor Jr.

SCARBOROUGH – Robert Huff Taylor, Jr. of Scarborough, died Monday, Oct. 7, 2024 in his home after a valiant fight against leukemia. He was 74.

Born in Boston and raised in Wellesley, Mass., Bob was an Eagle Scout, a math whiz, a good sailor, a better skier and the best host you’d ever imagine.

He held a Master’s of Civil Engineering from Cornell, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. His career began in nuclear power, led to time in construction and development, and ultimately to founding Crockett-Taylor & Co. He specialized in a particular niche of financial consulting which created funding for the development of affordable and elderly housing throughout the northeast.

As a child and young adult, he spent summers on Cape Cod with his grandfather. He was a sportsman in the truest sense. He loved to sail throughout his life, first at Oyster Harbors and the Edgartown Yacht Club, then racing at Camden Yacht Club and Prouts Neck. He nearly qualified for the Olympics white water kayaking in the early ’70s. He was by no means a scratch golfer but always enjoyed the game. Bob was always up for a walk in the woods, especially with a shotgun, and was an excellent shot.

In 1981, Bob met his perfect partner and swept her off her feet with a first date at the Ritz Carlton in Boston, salsa dancing and drinking champagne. They married in July of 1984. Cyndy and Bob welcomed daughter, Emily, in August of 1987. They lived in Scarborough at River View Place and later, on Prouts Neck.

Bob and Cyndy helped to found Saint Nicholas Episcopal Church in Scarborough and Bob was active in the Episcopal Diocese for over 20 years. He was president of St. James Church until shortly before his death.

In 1995, Bob committed to a different kind of church by decamping every weekend to Sugarloaf in search of first tracks. He was an elegant skier. Many can recall glances of Cyndy and Bob all over the mountain as they cruised as many trails as possible every weekend.

He loved fly fishing, especially spey casting. He traveled to New Brunswick many years for Atlantic Salmon, and to Saskatchewan for snow geese hunting. But his true passion was that of the gourmand. The family traveled all over the U.S. and Europe in search of the finer things. An excellent cook, he and Emily would spend hours crafting the perfect menu while Cyndy decorated the house and set the table for parties of 24 to 124. The house would be filled with his booming laugh as he told stories, gesturing with his hands and pausing for comedic timing. His presence will be missed the most around holiday tables.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia J. Milliken Taylor of Scarborough; and his daughter Emily Milliken Taylor of Portland; as well as his great-aunt, June Taylor Rockwood Wright; his sister, Lee Taylor Payton and brother, Stanley Chase Taylor. Many are privileged to have called him Uncle Bob, and he loved them all.

He was predeceased by his mother, June Beebe Rockwood Taylor and his hero and father, Robert Huff Taylor.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. at St. Luke’s Cathedral in Portland and followed by a reception for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Episcopal Diocese of Maine.