Brett Owen Taylor

Brett Owen Taylor was born on December 2, 1957, in Burbank California to Phil and Sara Taylor. Brett was the second child as Jeff was the oldest with Craig and Abbe coming later. Brett’s initial years were spent in the San Fernando Valley. The family moved to Thousand Oaks when Brett was eight years old. Brett was identified as special needs while enrolled in grade school and attended programs at Thousand Oaks and Rio Mesa High schools. While at Thousand Oaks High School Brett honed his social skills and became well known throughout the campus.

When the Citizens Band (CB) Radio craze hit Brett was given a CB radio to use as a base station. From this platform Brett expanded his notoriety into the greater community. Brett’s first contacts and acceptance with the business community started by helping Mark Boltinhouse at his Bicycle shop in the Park Oaks Mall. He also started visiting Ventura County Fire Station 34, which was close to his residence. Brett also developed a love for wrestling and roller derby as it was televised from the Olympic Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles.

Brett became more entrenched in the community, the Fire Department and started making contacts in the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. However, life skills were important and Brett was placed in independent living with his new residence being in Oxnard. Brett did not stay long as he self-graduated by walking away from the program and buying a bus ticket to Thousand Oaks. Brett never returned to the program or left Thousand Oaks again.

Brett did what he decided he would do with his life, serve the community. Brett gained memberships in numerous community service clubs and church groups. Through those groups Brett became an accomplished and high earning fund raiser. Brett was already well known in Ventura County’s Fire and Sheriff’s Departments, but now he had high school friends that had progressed through the ranks and brought Brett with them. Brett was now a high-ranking volunteer and training instructor. He worked at the fire academy and sheriff’s training facility. Brett earned numerous awards and medals. But, somehow, there is more. He was a football coach at Thousand Oaks and Westlake High School’s and also participated in basketball and baseball at both schools. He also worked with school security at both locations and had an honorary supervisory role at the Oaks Mall Security. He was athletic as well, winning him several medals in swimming and track at the Special Olympics in his teens.

Brett was also an avid race car fan. He attended races and worked at Ventura Raceway and Perris Raceway in Riverside County. The highlight of his attending races and working at the locations was being able to drive a sprint car around the track at Ventura Raceway.

Brett eventually was able to move into his own home located close to Thousand Oaks Boulevard businesses and was able to do independent living on his own terms. He retired from the Ventura County Fire department after 48 years but continued to work with the Sheriff’s Department. During his 48 years with the Ventura County Fire Department, he was also volunteering with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Brett passed from a heart attack on March 18, 2024, in his residence. It is believed that he passed quickly and painlessly while living the life he chose to live.

Brett is survived by his brothers, Jeff Taylor (Kerry) and Craig Taylor (Janice); his sister Abbe Stauffer (Ben); his niece Brandie Taylor (Adam), his nephew Cory Taylor (Lauren); and his great nieces Poppy and Lake.

Brett accomplished a lot in his 66 years, despite his special needs. Brett was a fireman, police officer, businessman, football coach, race car driver, and police and fire instructor. Brett lived his life on his terms and nothing could stop him. Brett went out like an undefeated heavy weight champion. We are proud of you A+!

REST IN PEACE BROTHER BRETT!