April 25, 1931 – March 19, 2025
Retired Siskiyou County Sheriff L.E. “Bud” Taylor peacefully passed away on March 19, 2025. He was 93 years old.
Bud was born in Placer County to Ernest E. and Adeline Taylor. He attended Auburn High School and after graduation he joined and served in the U.S. Navy. After being honorably discharged he moved to Mount Shasta, where he was hired by the Siskiyou County Sheriff office in 1955. He met and married the love of his life, Elizabeth A. “Betty” Davis in Mount Shasta on October 12, 1957.
Bud was the south county deputy covering Mt. Shasta, Weed, Dunsmuir and McCloud from 1955 to 1971 when he was promoted to sergeant. Some of his many and varied duties were overseeing the Livestock Patrol Program, and he was the leader of the search and rescue team. He participated in over 100 search and rescues having made 33 climbs on Mt. Shasta. Some of his rescues included rescuing a German Shepard from the Scott River to physically carrying a man, piggyback, across Bolum Glacier to awaiting aid. In a major flood in Dunsmuir, he spent seven hours in a raging Sacramento River taking people living or stranded to safety.
Once promoted to sergeant, he and his family relocated to Yreka in 1973. In 1975 he was promoted to Captain, and in 1976 he became Sheriff. Before retiring in 1986, he had many accomplishments including but not limited to holding instructor certificates in police officers firearms training, hunter safety instructor and chemical agent instructor. He held POST certificates in basic, intermediate and advanced categories including civil disorder and technical mountain training. He was the explosives and boating officer as well as the deputy coroner. Bud was a member of the Western states Livestock Investigators, National Search and Rescue Association, California Deputy Coroners Association and California Boating Officers Association. While serving as Sheriff, he designed the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s office and jail as it is today, with retired Sheriff Charlie Byrd implementing construction. Bud was the president of the Siskiyou County Peace Officer Association, and was selected Peace Officer of the Year in 1975. Once retired, Bud enjoyed hunting and fishing, but his love was raising his horses.
Bud was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Betty, in July, 2024. He is survived by his children, Judy Cumming of Lake Shastina, Nanci (Mike) Hamilton of Klamath Falls, Oregon, Larry Taylor of Colusa and Sarah Taillon of Cottonwood. He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
No services will be held per his wishes.
Memorial contributions may be made to Madrone Hospice, 255 Collier Circle, Yreka, CA 96097 in his name.
sourced – Girdner Funeral Chapel
