Fergus Dale Taylor

Fergus Taylor has gone home to be with the Lord and his beloved wife Nyleve. He passed peacefully at home after a year-long fight with cancer. He was known for his outgoing, kind personality and sense of humor. Ferg never met a stranger.

Fergus was born in Minnedosa, Manitoba to parents C. Beverly and Beatrice Taylor, moving with them to Des Moines when he was 8 years old. He attended Roosevelt High School (class of 1961) where he met the love of his life Nyleve. They were married in 1963.

Fergus graduated Drake University in 1965, and obtained his CPA license. The common theme of his diverse career is he loved meeting and helping people. Fergus co-owned car dealerships in Cherokee and Newton, and he enjoyed collectible cars. He later worked for United Suppliers and American Family Insurance in Eldora, IA.  Most recently Fergus worked for JoyRide medical transport in Des Moines for 9 years, where he enjoyed his colleagues and clients.

Other than our Lord Jesus Christ, Fergus love was his family. Adopting son Stephen in 1974 and daughter Lisa in 1977, Fergus and Nyleve attended every extracurricular sports event and band concert of their children. There were many fun family vacations. Fergus and Nyleve enjoyed eating out, listening to oldies rock n roll, Boston Terriers, and attending New Hope Assembly of God church in Urbandale.

An avid golfer for much of his life, Fergus picked up jogging in his 60’s. He completed dozens of races from 5k to half marathon, and 3 full marathons. His most legendary race was the 2005 Des Moines Marathon. Despite fracturing his hip at the 16 mile mark; his tenacity would not quit, and he completed the final 10 miles with the injury. He also ran Dam to Dam and the 2010 Chicago Marathon.

Family would like to recognize Ferg’s close friend Carolyn Beede, as well as the caregivers who were such angels during his final season: Melissa, Ty, Amanda, and especially Laura who has become family to us.

Fergus is survived by his son Reverend Stephen Taylor of Virginia, daughter Lisa (Greg) Hebert of Portsmouth, New Hampshire; grandchildren Shepard, Shiloh, and Sabel Taylor; and Tatum, Colette, and Phoebe Hebert.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 19 from 2-4pm at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, 8201 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA. Funeral service will be Monday, March 20 at 11am at New Hope Assembly of God, Urbandale, IA. Graveside committal and fellowship luncheon will follow the service.