Blaine Stratford Taggart

Blaine Stratford Taggart, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the age of 93. He once wrote, “Itall started on February 3, 1932, in Ogden, Utah, at the Dee Hospital. Before this date, my brothers had decided that if I was a girl, I would be named Marilyn, and if a boy, Blaine. Thank heavens I was named Blaine.”

Blaine lived in Ogden until the age of four, when his father was transferred to Twin Falls, Idaho. After two years there, the family relocated to Pocatello. A hard worker from a young age, Blaine got a job at a grocery store when he was twelve, saving diligently for a bicycle he had long dreamed of owning. The family eventually moved back to Ogden, where he attended Central Junior High and later graduated from Ogden High School in 1950. During those years, he worked part-time at Scowcroft’s during the school year and full-time in the summers.

He began his college education at Weber College but, like many of his peers during the Korean War, left early in anticipation of being drafted. Sure enough, just before Christmas, he received notice from Uncle Sam and was called to serve in the United States Marine Corps—something he remained proud of throughout his life. Semper Fidelis.

Before departing for boot camp, Blaine became engaged to his sweetheart, Susanna Allen. She faithfully waited for his return, and they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on March 12, 1954. In 2024, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

After his military service, Blaine attended the University of Utah, where he earned a Bachelors degree in Marketing and where he and Susanna began their family. Following graduation, they lived in Sandy, then Clearfield, and most recently, Syracuse, Utah. Blaine worked in sales for French’s, Lever Brothers, and Pillsbury. Later, he took the opportunity of owning and operating Taco Time franchises in Salt Lake City and Clearfield.

Blaine loved the outdoors and spent countless hours with his family on camping and boating adventures. Their first boat, purchased in 1970, brought years of cherished memories. Due to the modest horsepower of the boat—or perhaps his stature—he skied on two skis with unmatched skill. He also loved gathering around the table to play games, with Rook being a longtime favorite. Despite struggling with poor eyesight and arthritic hands in his later years, he continued playing until the very end.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Blaine served faithfully wherever he was called, including as a Bishop, counselor, and member of multiple High Councils. When asked about his favorite calling, he would reply, “I like leading discussions with those old guys in High Priests Quorum.” Blaine and Susanna also served a full-time mission in Nauvoo, Illinois, and later served together at the Conference Center on Temple Square.

Blaine’s family was his greatest joy. He and Susanna are the proud parents of Kristi (Kent) Bush, Ann (David) Geary, Julie (Brent) Rabe, Nate (Carolee) Taggart, Karin (Eric) Adams, and Matt (Meridith) Taggart. They are blessed with 28 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. Blaine was especially proud of his growing posterity and was known to suddenly—and loudly—command everyone’s attention at family gatherings to announce the headcount of those present.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Ann, his parents C. Jay and Myrtle, his brothers Albert and Jay, and his great-grandchildren Konner and Kale McFarlane.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Syracuse Utah South Stake Center, 3065 South Bluff Road, Syracuse, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. There will also be a viewing the evening before, Friday, July 11, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Lindquist’s Syracuse Mortuary, 869 S 2000 W, Syracuse, Utah.

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of service by scrolling to the bottom of Blaine's obituary page, where condolences may also be shared.