Obituary: Burton Wakeman Taylor Jr.
Burr Taylor, Longtime Harpswell Advocate, Dies at 87
CUNDY’S HARBOR, ME — Burton “Burr” Wakeman Taylor Jr., a lifelong resident of Maine who devoted decades to the service and preservation of the state’s coastal communities, died on September 19, 2026, at his home in Cundy’s Harbor. He was 87.
Taylor, born in Syracuse, New York, on April 8, 1939, to Claire May and Burton Wakeman Taylor, grew up in Maine before moving to Long Island, New York, where he started a family. In 1985 he returned to Maine permanently, settling in Harpswell and later living in Cundy’s Harbor.
He received his early education in Brunswick, working at Skillins Boatyard on Orr’s Island and helping his parents prepare lobster dinners. After high school at Deerfield Academy—where he swam on the school team—Taylor attended Wesleyan University. While at Wesleyan, he married Frances Miller, and after graduating he served in the Army, receiving an honorable discharge. He earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Teaching before beginning a career in education.
Taylor taught social studies in the Middle Island School District in New York and served as a teachers’ union representative. He later became treasurer and chief problem‑solver for several community‑focused organizations, including Bay Community School, Bay Food Co‑op, and the South Country Peace Group. Each summer he sailed the Downeast waters with his wife Carol, cultivating gardens and preparing his parents’ cottage for year‑round use.
Returning to Maine, Taylor worked part‑time at St. John’s School in Brunswick while immersing himself in local civic life. He served on a wide array of boards and committees, such as the Harpswell Islands School, Harpswell Historical Society, Curtis Library, Beacon Schools Project, and Midcoast Hunger Prevention. His civic engagement also included memberships on the MidCoast Literacy Volunteers, Harpswell Harbor and Waterfront Committee, Heritage Land Trust, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Historical Society, Budget Advisory Committee, Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee, and the Cundy’s Harbor Fire Department.
Taylor was survived by his wife, Carol Duron Taylor, his three children—Brenda, Sam, and Amy—seven grandchildren, and two great‑grandchildren. A private service will be held in the summer of 2027, with condolences and memories invited at www.funeralalternatives.net.
In keeping with his lifelong commitment to community, the family encourages those wishing to honor Burr to make a donation to the Cundy’s Harbor Fire Department, to question authority and oneself, to perform a chore for someone else, and to consider others’ perspectives.
Maine News Now.
