Claude Adams Taylor, M.D. Jr.

Madison - Claude Adams Taylor, Jr., age 79, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 6, 2010, surrounded by his family at HospiceCare Madison following a short illness.   He was born on July 28, 1930, in the rural town of Morning View in Kenton County, Kentucky to Claude and Clara (Maddox) Taylor.   He completed his pre-medical work and a minor in History at the University of Kentucky.   He then earned his medical degree at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio.   While in Ohio, he met his lifetime sweetheart Irma with whom he spent 55 years of happy married life.   He completed his internship and residency in Anesthesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   He then served as a physician and captain in the United States Air Force in Amarillo, Texas.   Following that, he worked as an anesthesiologist at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia for five years, then as a professor of anesthesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for thirty years until retirement.     While at the UW he helped initiate the local modern ambulance era as the Program Director of the Paramedic Program and trained the first 48 paramedics for the City of Madison.   His long-term research interest was malignant hyperthermia (MH), a leading cause of anesthesia-related death in the operating room.   He especially enjoyed many genealogical discussions with members of affected families from Marathon County, WI and working with them to reduce the risk associated with MH.   Another interest was the use of surgical hypothermia.   But his real love was working with colleagues, trainees and members of the health care team in the care of their patients earning him the nickname of ""Uncle Claude"".   He derived his biggest professional pride from the training of anesthesiology residents, many of who are today's mentors in the field.   The UW Department of Anesthesiology was formed a few years before his residency and he was privileged to participate in much of its history.   Claude was known for his keen mind, dry sense of humor and compassion.   He was always curious about the world and how things and events connect across time and space.   Claude loved to learn about people and their backgrounds and his common opening line to find out about people was ""what's your mother's maiden name and where are you from?""   That would usually lead to a great interpersonal exchange.   He enjoyed sailing and many great family memories were created on the waters of Lakes Mendota, Michigan and Superior.  He was an active member of Luther Memorial Church for over 45 years and served on many committees.   Other interests included traveling with his sweetie Irma, classical music and opera, reading, gardening and bird watching, following the stock market and working crossword puzzles.   His knowledge was encyclopedic and we'll miss consulting with him on those stubborn crossword clues. Mostly, Claude loved his family, colleagues and friends and he will be sorely missed.   He is survived by his wife Irma (Heise); his son Claude A. Taylor, III and wife Elaine Taylor and their two children Emily and Evan of Middleton WI; his daughter Cyndi Taylor of Madison WI; his daughter Debra Taylor and her husband Paul Meyerhoff and their two children Kelly and Chris of Davis, CA; his sister Betty Allen and her husband Charles Allen of Frankfort, KY, and many extended family members.   The family would like to especially thank the doctors and staff of the UW hospital; Dr. Thomas Ansfield and his staff at Associated Physicians; the staff at HospiceCare and Pastor Franklin Wilson at Luther Memorial for their care of Claude and the family.   A visitation will be held Thursday, June 10, 2010 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison.   Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 10:00 AM at LUTHER MEMORIAL, 1021 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53715.   Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery.