Former U.S. Olympic ski team member Roderick G. Taylor, age 70, of Morris, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday July 5, 2014. He was the husband of Carolyn ( Hall ) Taylor.
Rod was born in Hartford, CT on July 7, 1943, son of the late Leslie and Elinor (Chichester Gaines ) Taylor.
Rod graduated from local West Hartford Schools. He received his B.S. degree in Economics from Western State College of Colorado. A world class athlete and tennis pro, Rod was most recognized for his contributions to the U.S. Olympic Ski Team from 1967-1971, gaining the title of National Downhill Champion in 1970 after winning Aspen's famed Roche Cup.
He continued to compete on the World Pro Ski Racing Circuit, followed by the U.S. Masters Ski Racing circuit, medalling in both Slalom and Downhill.
In 1972, Rod bought what is now Woodbury Ski Area, a true love, and developed it into a premier recreational facility in Connecticut.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sisters Leslie (Mimi) Beggs of Rhode Island and Suzanne Abbott of Texas; a brother, Hatch Taylor of South Carolina;and three nieces and five nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Tony.
Visitation: Calling hours will be on Wednesday, July 9, at the Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 235 Main St. North, Southbury, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Services: Funeral services will be conducted at Christ Church Quaker Farms, 470 Quaker Farms Rd. in Oxford, on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. Interment will follow in Brookside Cemetery, Oxford.
Memorials: Contributions in Rod's memory may be made to U.S. Ski and Snow Board Team Foundation, P.O. Box 100, 1 Victory La. Park City, UT 84060 or Western State College of Colorado University Ski Team.Cemetery: Brookside Cemetery
Funeral: Christ Church Quaker Farms
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