Ron Taylor

As evening faded into dawn, Ron passed away peacefully on Monday morning, May 25, with his beloved wife, Marcia, by his side after courageously enduring more than a year living with cancer.

Ron shared a deep and enduring love with Marcia and their son Brian. Together, they built a close-knit family that remained strong through life’s most difficult challenges and it’s most awesome joys. One of the places Ron felt most at peace was along the rugged shores of McGregor Bay in Northern Ontario, Canada. As a boy, he spent summers there with his family at their cabin, learning to navigate the winding waterways, appreciate nature, and embrace the outdoors. Later in life, Ron and Marcia were able to purchase a cottage of their own on an island there — the kind of remote place only accessible to those who truly knew the waters. It became a cherished retreat where Ron loved boating, snorkeling, and basking in the cool fresh waters of the bay.

Ron passed along many of the camping and outdoor skills he learned as a child to Marcia and Brian, teaching them how to properly paddle a canoe, build a fire for a wood-burning stove, and enjoy the beauty of the wilderness. Together, the family spent countless summers and crisp autumn days exploring the remote Canadian landscape and creating lifelong memories.

Music was like a centering prayer for Ron. As a teenager, he played in a garage band and steadily developed his talents as a drummer. When he and Marcia first began dating, she happily became his “roadie,” helping transport his drum kit in her car. Through the years, Ron played with many local bands simply for the joy of making music. Marcia was always nearby, proudly listening to him play. Ron also loved attending live performances, including several Grateful Dead concerts, along with blues, jazz, and eclectic music venues that fed his adventurous spirit.

Ron was born in Detroit and grew up in Grosse Pointe Farms. He attended Vermont Academy, graduating in 1973, before becoming a Wolverine at University of Michigan, where he earned a degree in English. He went on to build a successful career at National City Bank, where he worked as an Operations Officer and Senior Project Manager. Ron took great pride in helping convert other banks into National City and valued the relationships he built throughout his career. After retiring from banking, he chose a different path, founding J.P. Foster Contracting. Through hard work, integrity, and exceptional craftsmanship in both interior and exterior painting, he built a strong reputation almost entirely through word-of-mouth referrals.

Ron and his family also shared a love of travel and adventure. They especially enjoyed vacations to Bonaire, in the Leeward Antilles, and the Florida Keys, where Ron delighted in snorkeling and exploring vibrant reefs filled with barracuda, tarpon, and countless tropical fish. Whether diving from boats in crystal-clear waters or relaxing near the ocean, Ron embraced every adventure with enthusiasm and curiosity.

Ron also had a lifelong love for dogs and a remarkable connection with animals. Dogs were always part of the family, and he cared for each one with patience, affection, and joy. It is comforting to imagine Ron now reunited with all of his faithful companions, welcomed by wagging tails and eager smiles.

Ron and Marcia shared 45 years of marriage, and together raised their son Brian, born in 1987. Ron will be remembered as a devoted husband, cherished father, loyal friend, gifted storyteller, and adventurous spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Celebrate Ron’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes. Memorial contributions may be made to SPCA of Southwest Michigan. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, (269) 375-2900.