AUBURN – Ralph K. Taylor, 83, of Lewiston, died peacefully on Saturday, June 10, at the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice House in Auburn, after a lingering illness.

He was born in Lewiston on Aug. 19, 1922, the son of Charles and Mary (Casey) Taylor. Ralph was a 1940 graduate of Edward Little High School.

He served in the 566th Signal Co. in World War II from 1943 to 1946. His passion and talent for playing the trumpet afforded him the opportunity to play with many area big bands as well as for the Army Dance Band in Austria after the war had ended in Germany.

He retired in 1988 after 43 years as a typesetter for the Lewiston Sun Journal.

His retirement years were full and rewarding. Ralph realized his dream of owning a motorcycle and became an avid motorcyclist traveling through New England and Canada with the Mid-Maine Motorcycle Club, the Roadrunners and the Retreads (an over-50 biking club). He also enjoyed many summers as a seasonal camper at the Poland Spring Campground. His basement wood working shop also kept him busy making toys for relatives, friend and children in need.

Ralph’s commitment to veterans in need was strong, as evidenced by his recent commendation for more than 7,000 hours of volunteer service at the V.A. Hospital in Togus and his service as a VAVS deputy at the Togus VA for the American Legion. He was a member of the Smith-Tobey American Legion Post 21 in Bath and was a life member of the DAV.

Ralph will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Marilyn (Morris) Taylor of Lewiston; daughter, Deborah Taylor and partner, Lou, of Portland; stepdaughter, Valeri Maloney and her husband, Joe, of Auburn; stepsons, Clayton Morris and his wife, Gail, of Plattsburgh, N.Y., Michael Morris and his wife, Pierrette, of Auburn, and Gregory Morris and his wife, Marina, of Fernley, Nev.; a brother, Phillip Taylor and his wife, Suzanne, of Bethel; nine grandchildren; two precious great-grandchildren, Austin and Emily Redman; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; and his sister, Jean Crosskill.

In the later stages of his illness, he so enjoyed dining out and was well-known for saying to the wait staff, after receiving great service, “I think I’ll keep you another week.” His family thanks all those who helped bring a smile to Ralph’s face as his health was failing.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice team, especially nurse Karen Bourgoin, for making such a difference in the quality of his last week of life.