Edward Jackson (Jack) Taggart, Jr.

June 30, 1941- September 24, 2018

Jack Taggart, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, Army Officer, professor. All of these roles afforded Jack the opportunity to express his deep and abiding love – love of people, love of life, love of learning. Jack was first and foremost a loving person. A close second was his total enjoyment of life and the ability to find the fun in everything. With his lightning-quick wit he also entertained those around him in his quiet and deadpan style.

Jack never had a dull moment in his life. He managed to keep that inner child that was endlessly curious and entertained by just about any and everything in the world. When others pondered our purpose for being here, Jack always maintained it was for the fun.

Which is not to say he was a lightweight, he remembered everything he read or learned. He was an expert on geography, history, science and religion. Not that you would necessarily know that as he was also humble and never felt the need to impress others with what he knew.

He lived the motto “others before self.” He met everyone on equal terms, always. These traits are among many that rightly made others see him as a true gentleman.

He was born in Washington, DC to Edward Jackson Taggart, Sr. and Margaret McLaughlin Chaney, both DC natives. He enjoyed a happy childhood in DC and Kensington MD.

He obtained his B.S. from the University of Maryland, College Park and his D.D.S from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. He loved the University and became a lifelong supporter of Maryland sports, particularly basketball. Go Terps! Upon graduation from dental school he began his Army career in 1968 receiving additional education and training, including his certificate in Periodontics and an M.S. in Oral Biology. He had two tours of duty in Germany, as Chief Clinician in Kaiserslautern and at the Wurzburg Army Hospital as Chief, Periodontics Service. While receiving his training in periodontics at Letterman and the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry in 1974 he lived at the Presidio of San Francisco. That proved to be life changing. He fell in love with the city, which was only fitting as he was devoted to St. Francis Assisi, San Francisco’s patron saint, and tried to follow his principles throughout his life.

He often thought that he could live the contemplative life of an ascetic yet found any excuse to entertain friends with parties large and small. An accomplished chef, he delighted in preparing dinners for friends. You could also find him at the center of the dance floor as he was much in demand as a dance partner.

Jack retired from active duty in the Army in 1978 but continued as a Reserve Army Officer for 36 years, retiring as a Colonel in 2001. He was proud of his service and grateful for the education and many opportunities his Army career afforded him.

After retiring from active duty he found his second career and true calling as a professor at the University of California, School of Dentistry. He was born to teach. He taught periodontics to the pre-doctoral dental students from 1978 until 1991 where he inspired many students to become periodontists. He was the Director of the Graduate Program in Periodontics from 1991 to 1996. He retired from UCSF in 2001 but continued to teach a day a week as a volunteer until 2017. In addition to the science and art of periodontics, he showed by example that the patient indeed comes first. Every day that he taught at UCSF brought him joy.

In 2001 Jack also began a private practice in Periodontics a few days a week in the office of former student and colleague, Craig Mukai at 450 Sutter. This combination of teaching and seeing patients a few days a week was absolutely ideal. He loved his students and his patients, many of whom he had been seeing for 30 years, and in return, they loved him. When he had to stop his practice and teaching earlier this year he missed them all very much

He is survived by the “love and joy of his life,” Carolyn Koster, AKA Huggie, wife of 33 years, partner, travel companion and co-adventurer of 38 years. They meant everything to each other. Together they traveled the world, explored the restaurants of San Francisco, enjoyed the theater and museums and everything else that San Francisco has to offer. In 2003 they sold their home in the Sunset, sold their car and moved to Nob Hill in the heart of the city. From there they could walk to many of their favorite haunts like The Big Four, Perry’s Embarcadero, Tony Nik’s and Original Joe’s.

Survived also by his Darling Daughters, Jackie Byrd (Tim) of Concord and Tracy Taggart of Seattle. They, too, were the joys of his life. He was extremely proud of them, their accomplishments and the wonderful women they’ve become. Another source of tremendous pride were his grandchildren, Zachary and Aynsley Byrd and Cameron and Chase Tavis. He loved watching them grow up.and delighted in their many achievements.

Jack was thankful for the love and devotion of his sisters Judy Bullis (Larry) of Gettysburg, PA and Mary Jane Humphrey of Campbell, CA as well as his brother, Dave Taggart (Mary Ellen) of Adamstown, Md. Survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, some of whom dubbed him Uncle Silliness, Jack was proud of them. And though most of them live on the East Coast, the wonderful biannual Taggart Family Reunions in Bethany Beach, DE afforded him the opportunity to watch them grow to adulthood and have children of their own.

Jack had a wonderful life, which he enjoyed every minute of. All of us who knew and loved him were happy to be part of it. But as nephew Patrick Walsh noted, “The world is a less goofy, less interesting, less fun and less loving place without Jack in it. “

The family is planning a Celebration of Life to be held soon. Contact Jackie Byrd at: taggartmemorial@gmail.com for details.

Donations in Jack’s memory may be made to: National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, 610 Vallejo Street, San Francisco CA 94133