It is fitting that John and Evelyn Taylor will serve as the grand marshals of the 2017 Snowflake Pioneer Days parade given this year’s theme: A Tribute to Volunteers. Of the countless men and women who have contributed time, money and resources to making Snowflake a great community, the Taylors stand out for their lifetimes of tireless, selfless service.
Born in Pinedale in 1930, John F. Taylor had strong ambition for a kid from humble, rural circumstances. His determination would lead him to a distinguished legal career, but not before serving his church as an LDS missionary in Kentucky, West Virginia and Tennessee from 1950-1952, and his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1952-1956.
The great-granddaughter of town founder William J. Flake, Evelyn Flake was born in Snowflake into a family that valued civic and church service. Her father Virgil, a cattle rancher, was known to donate an entire side of beef to widows and needy families in the area. Her mother Gerda, a gifted musician, freely shared her talent as church organist and accompanist for innumerable events around town. Evelyn would follow her parents’ example of service throughout her life.
John and Evelyn met in 1946 while both were attending Snowflake High School. Six years later they were married in the Mesa LDS Temple while John was on Christmas leave from the Biloxi, Miss., Air Force Base. The beautiful family they raised–five children with 40 grand and great-grandchildren–will celebrate their parents’ 65th wedding anniversary later this year. Daughter Lynn Johnson recalls “dad taught his kids and frequently quoted the poem by Samuel Walter Foss, ‘Let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man.’”
After obtaining his J.D. degree from the University of Arizona Law School in 1961, John set up a private law practice in Snowflake rather than pursue a more lucrative career with a big city law firm. Early on, he provided his services pro bono to many in the area who could not afford legal services. His first case was pro bono defending his father-in-law in a case with the Fish and Game Department. Over his career, John served as attorney for the Town of Snowflake, Navajo County Attorney, Presiding Superior Court Judge of Navajo County and Judge on the Arizona Court of Appeals. Through it all, and particularly in his retirement, he has continued to provide free legal advice to many in need.
Though John and Evelyn have traveled the world they always feel happiest in Snowflake, where they have lived most of their married life together. Their examples of community service are legion and have touched the lives of many. They jointly served as presidents of the Snowflake Heritage Foundation, spending many volunteer hours fundraising for the Snowflake Monument and the restoration of the James Flake granary building. Evelyn served as the Silver Creek (White Mountain) Symphony Guild president and on the first Northland Pioneer College Board. Along with Flake Willis and others, John and Evelyn headed an initiative for the town to plant trees in public parks and for residents to plant trees in their yards.
John and Evelyn have also served extensively in their church. In Snowflake, John served as an LDS Bishop, Stake President and Patriarch, though he probably enjoyed being a scoutmaster more than anything. His wise and gentle approach to counseling influenced many young lives. Evelyn served in stake positions in the Primary, Young Women and Relief Society organizations. In 1978, when Snowflake celebrated its centennial year, John and Evelyn hosted Mormon Church President Spencer W. Kimball, who stayed in their home. Many recall the graciousness with which they handled this responsibility.
In 1980, John was called by LDS Church President N. Eldon Tanner to serve as Mission President in the Canada Vancouver Mission. Taking unpaid leave from his law practice, he moved with Evelyn and their three youngest children to Vancouver for three years. Later, they also served a church history mission in Laie, Hawaii.
John and Evelyn’s legacy of service to community, church, family and individuals continues to influence the lives of others in ways both big and small. Those who are acquainted with them know that they continue the daily work of maintaining beautiful flower gardens that surround their yard. Many area residents have flowers and grapevines that originated as starts from that yard.
