July 5, 1932-November 1, 2024
March 24, 2025 — Robert Wesley Taylor (Bapa, Bob, “Hobo Bob”) was a man of endless curiosity, wit, and boundless generosity. A geologist, chemist, winemaker, mischief-maker, and lifelong learner, he had a way of making the world feel both larger and more intimate at the same time. He was an incredible storyteller- not just of grand adventures or scientific discoveries, but of the small, everyday moments often overlooked. He found humor and meaning in the mundane, weaving the details into something richer and more memorable.
He read constantly and was always eager to discuss an obscure fact, a piece of history, or a discovery- whether about the latest scientific breakthrough or an archaeological wonder. It was never about showing off; for Bob, learning was life’s greatest privilege. His curiosity truly did keep him young, and his patience made him a natural teacher, always willing to explain, discuss, or simply wonder aloud.
Bob’s brilliance was recognized by the academic and scientific communities. He earned a degree in chemistry from UC Berkeley before pursuing a PhD in geochemistry at Penn State. His sharp mind took him across the world—from conducting research at the Max Planck Institute in Göttingen, Germany, to working on solar coal gasification in the south of France. He and his brother, Lenard, shared a fascination with the Great Flood of 1862, which led to a published report and a presentation at the Fortnightly Club. Later, his career brought him to the prestigious Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where his contributions left a lasting impact.
Bob spent 50 amazing years with the love of his life, Gloria Retzlaff Taylor. Together, they built a life rooted in integrity, creativity, and love. Gloria’s sophisticated grace and striking energy captivated Bob- who was raised Seventh-Day Adventist- and introduced him to the finer things in life: drinking European wines, culture, and the arts. Their shared spirit of wonder extended to their children, Aaron and Noah Taylor. As a family, they lived in France and Germany, embarked on remote whitewater rafting trips, and enjoyed many camping trips amongst the towering redwoods.
Gloria’s ambition knew no bounds. One day in the early 1970s, she came home and declared, “Bob, let’s start a winery!” And Retzlaff Vineyards was born, one of California’s first organic vineyards. It became both a labor of love and a love of labor for the Taylor family, a testament to their vision, hard work, and inspiring partnership.
Bob’s feminist spirit was ahead of its time. By the age of 25, he had decided women were not just more interesting but better company, and most of his closest friends remained women throughout his life. He admired their intelligence and strength and carried that respect with him everywhere. One of his favorite stories was attending a wine institute dinner in Washington D.C., where guests were asked to sit with lawmakers. Without planning, he spent the evening dining and chatting with Ruth Bader Ginsburg. We can’t imagine a better duo.
Bob had a sharp, witty sense of humor and a mischievous streak that never faded. Well into his 80s, he could be found riding his Vespa through mountain roads or, to his family’s horror, onto the Bay Area freeways. He never did get a traffic ticket in over 70 years of driving.
His warmth extended far beyond his immediate family. He welcomed friends and strangers alike with open arms, whether through inspiring conversation or enjoying his famous crepes and waffles at the winery.
If you knew him, you adored him. If you knew of him, you admired him. And if you were lucky enough to sit with him, you left learning something new and extraordinary.
Ever the adventurer, he is reunited with his true love, Gloria, and onto their next great journey.
Bob is preceded in death by his beloved wife Gloria, his best friend and brother Lenard Taylor, and many dear friends. He is survived by his siblings Wilard Taylor and Dorothy Steinert, sons Aaron and Noah Taylor, and daughter-in-laws Salomé and Faera Taylor. The light of Bob’s life are his grandchildren, Izzy, Annette, Payton, Wynden, and Owen Taylor.
Bye bye for now brilliant Bapa. Rest in paradise and explore in wonder.
Celebration of life planned for the 27th of April, 2025.
For details contact salome@retzlaffwinery.com
