Taylor Forrest Elkins

May 14, 1991 -

Sep 6, 2020

Taylor Forrest Elkins, 29, passed away in Alaska, in September 2020. Taylor was a lifelong Alaskan.

Taylor graduated from South High School with competitive hockey accolades. He attended the University of Montana and University of Alaska Anchorage. He was completing his degree in geomatics/GIS and environmental science and was on the Dean's list. His leadership skills were recognized as he was asked to participate in leadership programs.

Taylor was an emergency responder and worked as a wildland firefighter, helicopter crew member and engine operator. He was an advanced tree faller, completed an advanced engine academy and helicopter operations training. He provided public safety to Alaska and the Lower 48 while serving on numerous wildland fires. As a dedicated firefighter, he had a great sense of humor and always tried to keep the situation light. During a fire assignment he had his engine crew laughing so hard that they were in tears. He had a heart of gold and liked helping others.

Taylor was an avid outdoorsman. He was a skilled fly fisherman and hunter. He loved fishing and deer hunting on Montague and Chichagof Island, and made his own antler mounts. He was affectionately called" Mountain Goat" as he easily climbed mountains. He loved skiing. He enjoyed meeting people from all over Alaska.

Taylor loved the sea. He was working on his boat operator license and took every opportunity to go fishing with commercial fishing friends. Taylor started his own eco-tourism company on Chichagof Island. COVID-19 restrictions put it on hold until 2021.

Taylor loved baking bread, gardening and canning his bounty of fish. He made great calzone. He loved history; Lewis and Clark was one of his favorites.

Taylor is survived by his parents, Craig and Cindy Elkins; brother and sister-in-law, Brendan and Kelsey Elkins and niece Melanie; sister and brother-in-law, Katherine and Logan McGinnis; grandpa, Joe Elkins; grandma, Alma Forrest; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Due to COVID-19 considerations, a private service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Angelus Chapel, 440 E. Klatt Road, on Oct. 3, 2020, at 11 a.m. A private celebration of life luncheon will be held at Kincaid Park immediately after the service. Sue Floyd, a family friend, will conduct the ceremony. The service can be viewed online: https:/www.legacyalaska.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wildland Firefighters Foundation, www.wffoundation.org.