Burton Taylor

Burr Taylor died Sept. 19, 2026, at home in Cundy’s Harbor. Born in Syracuse, New York, Burr grew up in Maine, started a family on Long Island, New York, and then happily moved back full time to Harpswell. Burr was best known by his family for his blueberry pancakes and devil’s advocacy in all matters — sometimes more devilish, sometimes more advocate.

Burton Wakeman Taylor Jr. was born April 8, 1939, to Claire May and Burton Wakeman Taylor. He attended school in Brunswick, worked at Skillins Boatyard on Orr’s Island, and set up some lobster traps for his parents’ dinners. He attended Deerfield Academy for high school. He joined the swim team, yet pined for Maine. In short order, he attended Wesleyan University, married Frances Miller, volunteered for the draft and was honorably discharged from the Army, finished his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Teaching, and settled in Brookhaven, New York. In 1985, Burr married his longtime partner, Carol Duron.

In New York, Burr taught social studies and served as a representative for the teachers’ union at the Middle Island School District. He became a treasurer and general fixer/problem solver for various justice-seeking, try-a-different-way organizations, including Bay Community School, Bay Food Co-op, and South Country Peace Group. Each summer he sailed Down East with Carol and they gardened and readied his parents’ cottage for four-season living.

Once a Maine resident again, Burr worked part time at St. John’s Catholic School in Brunswick. He jumped into countless local organizations, working to understand the intricacies of state and local laws and regulations to best support and advocate for the preservation of the Maine waterfront and communities he loved and respected deeply. Among the organizations he volunteered with were Harpswell Islands School, the Harpswell Historical Society, Curtis Memorial Library, the Beacon Schools Project, and Mid Coast Hunger Prevention. He was on many local boards, including those of Midcoast Literacy, the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, the Harpswell Historical Society, and the Cundy’s Harbor Volunteer Fire Department, as well as the following municipal boards and committees in Harpswell: Harbor and Waterfront Committee, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Budget Advisory Committee, and Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee.

Burr is survived by his wife, Carol Duron Taylor; children, Brenda, Sam, and Amy; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

To commemorate Burr, make a donation to the Cundy’s Harbor Volunteer Fire Department, question authority and yourself, do a chore for someone else, consider others’ opinions. A private service will be held in the summer of 2027.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at funeralalternatives.net.