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Juliann Senff posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
“The Beautiful Peninsula”
Written March 10, 2021 by Niece Julie (Taylor) Senff
Today in our hearts, we journey to the lake house peninsula where we see in our mind’s eye, the flag, now flying at half-staff, honoring the life of Daniel James Taylor.
How many people had the privilege of walking out onto Uncle Dan’s beautiful peninsula? For some of us, it was the walk toward our first ski lesson, or where we made a triumphal return shouting that we were officially “ski certified!” I can still hear Uncle Dan’s clear instructions, “Julie, sit in a chair and when you break water, stand up from the chair.” Even though Uncle Dan never once skied himself, his masterful boat skills and simple instructions helped hundreds achieve their skiing dreams.
For the sun enthusiast, the peninsula provided the perfect spot to roll out a towel and catch the sun’s rays. Uncle Dan’s watchful eye was always ready to warn you that “lobster like skin” was developing and encourage you toward sunscreen protection.
Lake visitors often had the privilege of taking a stroll up the peninsula where his “ever ready boat” waited to take passengers on the official “Lake Tour.” Uncle Dan memorized every inch of the lake and its boarders and knew every stump’s location even under the water. His insight and history lessons about the lake and surrounding area was a wealth of knowledge, giving his guests a personal and memorable ride every time.
With young and old alike, Uncle Dan could be seen with binoculars in hand, sauntering out to the peninsula avenue in order to view the nests atop the projecting stumps. Every year he anticipated the return of the majestic osprey and looked forward to the hatching of their chicks. He took great delight in sharing the awe and wonder of God’s creation with others.
In the early years, Uncle Dan let people use the peninsula as a “firework launchpad.” Colorful lights and sounds would light up the July sky, while friends and families clapped with delight from the shore’s edge and house balcony. The pinnacle of the day’s activities was being one of the few who got to ride in the boat for the “Tapps Celebration.” Uncle Dan was always mindful of our safety and made sure the life jacket supply matched the number of people in the boat. While his passengers enjoyed watching the glistening sky, he was watching out for mishaps with other boats.
On Uncle Dan’s peninsula, love was always in full bloom. For couples, the water-encompassed peninsula was the place to take a stroll, flirt, hold hands, or steal a kiss. It was the perfect location to “pop the question” while family and friends viewed and took pictures from the house balcony. Oh, the eruption of pure joy on the peninsula as loved ones ran to congratulate and hug the newly engaged couples.
Uncle Dan had a great love for his country, and the American flag could always be seen flying from his peninsula. His patriotism ran deep, and he showed great appreciation and respect for his family members and friends who served in the branches of military. Not only did he display the “Stars and Stripes,” but others were welcomed to fly their service flags, like the “Blue Stared Flag” honoring the person in active deployment. The peninsula was the beautifully groomed pedestal where he proudly displayed and lit up “Old Glory.” No other flag jetted out into Lake Tapps quite like Uncle Dan’s.
Fish tales are also a part of the peninsula’s legacy. As “wannabe” fisherman sat on its concreted walls, Uncle Dan would share his equipment and best advice, enabling others to tell their own “fish story” by the end of the day.
Uncle Dan understood the ties between parent and child, and his sprawl of land was the perfect site for that magical bond to happen. For the very young, Uncle Dan maintained a “hawk eyed” watch over the peninsula. He made sure the littlest of guests were safe with their parents and delighted in watching as little hands waved to the boats, jets and skiers whizzing by.
On the peninsula, relaxation and food were always a winning combination. Potlucks were in abundance at the lake house and the picnic experience—with hotdog and salad laden plates, napkins, mothers and babies, fathers and sons, grandparents and grandchildren, teenagers and friends all sprawled out on blankets—was like living the life of a good book. Uncle Dan’s easy-going way triggered relaxation in others as he helped people cast off the worries of life and focus on connecting with those they loved.
Four-legged friends also got to enjoy the lush green peninsula. Whether it was Uncle Dan’s own furry Bibs or a guest’s family pet, they too got to enjoy the smells, sounds, and a long run from the lawn to the water. A mix of screams and laugher could be heard from lounging guests as the furry pets returned to the peninsula for a good shake.
Often with his guests, Uncle Dan would lead them out to the peninsula where he knew they would experience serendipitous moments. He offered people the peninsula as the place to talk, reflect, ponder, dream dreams, and hope for a bright future. His outlook was positive, and he showed us how to soften the blows of life’s challenges and disappointments by peppering them with his great sense of humor.
Uncle Dan also shared his peninsula as a projecting fairway for the avid golfer. Clubs would glisten in the sunshine as putting strokes were practiced and perfected on its soft green carpet. One could say the peninsula’s putting fees were the best in town!
For the teens, he offered the hull of his boat and it’s folded down seats as a “rock-a-bye sleep experience.” Uncle Dan took many treks out to the peninsula with sleeping-bag-and-pillow-burdened teens. He always made sure the boat was securely docked and everyone got safely snuggled in under the starry sky.
A joyful spirit of teasing also abounded on the peninsula strip and dock. It was the location to go for a perfectly executed prank. Many shoes, watches, and glasses found their way into the water with a “friendly push.” Oh, the sight as the victims came up out of the water with shock-stricken faces! Uncle Dan understood that laughter was good for the soul, and he gave his guests the freedom to experience it’s refreshing effects.
The peninsula was also used as the “waiting spot.” Back in the day, parents made their children wait an hour after eating before swimming. (Where was “fact check” when we needed it?) Uncle Dan never let us kids use his word against parental instructions. He never let the “pleading-eyed faces” get the better of him. In his wisdom, he always asked us kids, “what did your dad and mom say?” We knew, we could never pull a “fast one” on Uncle Dan—and we loved him for it!
Uncle Dan’s peninsula was the site to celebrate life—birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, reunions, weddings, senior pictures, graduations, water baptisms, day get-a-ways and vacations. The peninsula and the entire property offered a five-star experience. Uncle Dan was ever attentive in making sure the grounds were in tip top shape for each and every event. Table and chairs were set out; water toys and boogie boards were placed; floating tubes were filled with air; ski equipment and lines were readied and organized in the boat; life jackets and water wings were accessible; parking slots for cars were cleared; towel lines were hung; the fire pit was cleaned and ready to light; roasting sticks were on the ready, and the brown striped boat was thoroughly inspected, licensed and topped off with fuel. While Uncle Dan’s list was endless, his character remained steady, and his servant-hearted lifestyle shone brightly.
Uncle Dan’s peninsula is the only one of its kind on Lake Tapps. Its boarders extend into the water the furthest and can easily be pinpointed from the sky. Passing boaters will often slow down as they notice its unique jetting formation. But for those of us who were given the opportunity to experience life on its grounds, it’s so much more. This special strip of land was where Uncle Dan connected us to each other and where we all got to walk, talk, learn, and enjoy life with this special man. The peninsula was his classroom, the place where he intentionally and masterfully taught life lessons, imparted wisdom, loved genuinely, served effortlessly, gave lavishly, and pointed us to God, the creator of “the beautiful peninsula.”
D
The family of Daniel James Taylor uploaded a photo
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
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