Clyde Taylor

Clyde Eugene Taylor, a former mayor of Livermore and LLNL engineer, died Nov. 16. He was 80.

Born and raised in Susanville, Calif., he completed his master’s degree in mechanical engineering at Stanford University.

Taylor met his wife, Ruthann, on a blind date at his fraternity’s Sweetheart of Sigma Chi dance.

After graduation, they moved to Ventura, Calif., where Taylor started his professional life as chief drilling engineer for Shell’s west coast operations. Taylor and his wife moved to Livermore shortly after, where they raised their family.

Taylor began his research career at LLNL, where he spent 20 years designing the next generation of linear accelerators for physics research. He established himself in the field of cryogenic fusion engineering (super cooled magnets).

He eventually went to work at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where he ran the engineering team that won the international competition for designing the magnetic systems for the Super Conducting Super Collider that was to be the largest physics research accelerator in the world.

After retiring from LBNL a decade ago, he continued consulting for the government and private enterprise from his home in Berkeley until he died.

He actively participated in local civic service in Livermore, including serving on the planning and library commissions, the city council and as mayor.

Taylor had a lifelong passion for the outdoors and was an avid bicyclist, mountaineer and skier. He made many organized bike trips, including Ride the Rockies and Cycle Oregon. He also made many trans-Sierra skiing and backpacking trips with friends and family.

He was a student of many subjects and had a fondness for poetry, which he often shared with his family. He and his wife shared a passion for theater and travel, and attended thousands of plays and visited multiple continents.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ruthann Taylor, three children, and seven grandchildren.

Services were held in Oakland.