Wayne Taylor

Wayne Allen Taylor

Born 7/29/1954 – Died 5/7/2024 

Age 69

Wayne was a beloved father, husband, brother, and uncle. He was globally known for his capabilities as a scientist and was a talented outdoorsman. Above all he valued family, he would often claim the wellbeing and health of his family had the utmost priority to him. 

As a scientist he won many awards and accolades for his work with the Los Alamos National Laboratory as a radio chemist. Between patents and distinguished performance awards, he became a well-known scientist and was even involved in the Russian exchange program at LANL. His work at LANL was in making medical radioisotopes, in turn this work saved many lives. His postdocs, however, were one of the things about his work that he enjoyed the most.

Not only was Wayne an Eagle Scout but as an outdoorsman he would spend his college summers in the Grand Tetons or Yosemite Valley rock climbing. He was a well-known kayaker in the Four Corners area and even went down the Grand Canyon several times. It was not uncommon for him to run the Taos box or the Royal Gorge in high water on a day off or take a weekend down White Rock Canyon.

Family was incredibly important to Wayne. Not just his own wife and children, but his nieces and nephews were also very special to him, offering guidance and a hot meal whenever possible. He loved his family and made sure to attend as many band concerts and hockey games imaginable. He would willingly take the day off to take care of a sick kid at home. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Warren and Ann, and nephew Adrian.

He is survived by his wife Lynne, children Ayla and Dustin, siblings Shirley and Kurt, Sister-in-law Chris, Brother-in-law Bob and Sister-in-law Samantha. As well as his nieces and nephews, Forrest, Nathan, Steven, Kyle, Shayna and Willow. 

Thoughtful and kind, yet stern and methodical Wayne touched many lives and will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers please donate to The National Park Foundation:

Make A Gift - National Park Foundation (nationalparks.org) or give.nationalparks.org

Service will be held:                                                               Reception to follow at:

June 3, 2024, at 2:00 pm                                                        3167 Woodland Rd                             

Guaje Pines Cemetery                                                            Los Alamos, NM 87544

901 Range Road                                                                      505-412-1346

Los Alamos, NM 87544