View all 21 Reflections
Most Recent Reflection
Mark Thomas Taylor
5/17/1959 - 11/26/1987
25 years ago today, November 26th, 1987, on a calm Thanksgiving morning with beautiful clear skies, a California Highway Patrolman was on Patrol. He was planning an early Thanksgiving dinner with his family… he never made it home. State Traffic Officer Mark Thomas Taylor had stopped a car and was writing a “fix it” ticket when he was struck and killed instantly by an elderly lady trying to get the football game on her car radio.
In a fraction of a second, a loving wife became a widow, a beautiful little daughter lost her daddy, The Patrol lost a good man, and I lost a true friend.
The world hasn’t stopped since that day so long ago. But Mark isn’t gone. He is with us every day. He lives on in the hearts and memories of those of us who were lucky to have known him, as well as those who have seen the sparkle in the eyes of the story tellers remembering their friend.
We took Mark home to Michigan to lay him to rest, but I know, today, he is here with us on the I-10 once again. Looking out my window, the day is eerily similar to that day 25 years ago…. but today, we are not mourning you my friend... we are celebrating you memory. Sorry it took so long.
Peace and Blessings to all who remember the man, the father, the friend, as well as to those who never got the chance to know him... you would have liked him.
I miss you buddy…
Paul R. Bristow
CHP #11629R
STO Paul Bristow #11629 R
California Highway Patrol (retired)
November 26, 2012
