Terence (Terry) N Taggart

TERRY N. TAGGART

October 27, 1943 - March 23, 2017 Terry Taggart, renowned graphic design artist, fine artist, car aficionado, model-builder, and the “Idea Man” of Chagrin Falls passed suddenly in his home on March 23.

Born in California in 1943, Terry Taggart is preceded in death by his father, Norman Taggart. Terry is survived by his mother, Barbara Taggart; two sisters, Trudy (Bob) Miller and Tricia (Fred) Pfaff; and two daughters, Erin and Shannon Taggart.

Terry’s family moved to the Chagrin side of Moreland Hills in 1948. His artistic genius blossomed early when his parents enrolled him in art classes at the Cleveland Museum of Art, where he became a top student. In 1960, his family opened a hobby shop, Taggart’s Toys & Hobbies, which would go on to be a much-loved staple in Chagrin Falls. This provided Terry with endless design opportunities. He especially loved building model cars, and started winning model contests while in cub scouts. Some of his designs were nationally award winning cars that were featured in magazines. Model building was just the first of many lifelong hobbies and artistic creations. Eventually, Terry’s distinctive artistic flair would be seen throughout Chagrin.

A few years after graduating from Chagrin Falls High School in 1962, Terry was drafted for the Vietnam War. He served in radio communications for the officers. Terry chronicled his wartime experiences in lengthy illustrated letters sent home to his family. While serving, he earned the nickname “Major Swift.”

Upon returning home from Vietnam in 1967, Terry began attending Cooper Art School. Within a few months, he left to take a job with Ad Art Studios. They didn’t have a position available, but after seeing samples of his work, they created one. While still at Ad Art, Terry began venturing out on his own, forming Tag Art Studio in 1969. It became one of the first full-service advertising agencies in Ohio. These were the early days of pre-computerized graphics, typesetting, photography, and design, and Terry took full advantage of the new technology that was coming on stream.

Terry married his first wife, Marilyn Taggart, in 1972. He always regarded their road trip to California as one of the best times of his life. Terry’s first daughter, Erin, was born in 1979, followed by Shannon in 1982. Terry was a beloved father, always offering humor and support.

Terry remarried in 2008 to Joan Ebersold. Their marriage lasted six years, and they remained close friends.

Terry was an extremely talented artist and an absolute wizard at Photoshop, creating quality work from his Philomethian Street office. Terry’s work helped him to establish the “corporate identity” of Chagrin through brilliantly executed artwork, logos, maps, and signage. Over the years he produced logos, brochures, and catalogs for companies such as The Gallery of Homes, Bird Electronics of Solon, Schuman Company, Metal Fabricating Corporation, Yours Truly Restaurants and the Antique Automobile Association of America. He also designed all of Taggart’s Toys & Hobbies promotional materials. One of his most requested services was for Photage, which is an artfully crafted photo collage created for events like birthdays, anniversaries, and retirements. He especially loved to see the way his artwork could touch people’s lives.

His artistic approach to life enabled him to look at the scenes around him and see ways of solving problems and improving the environment in ways no one else saw. His love for Chagrin Falls made him a tireless preservationist who generously donated his talents to the Historical Society, Chagrin Preservation Society, Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce, Your Home Town, the Federated Church, and even the Post Office. Most notably, the entrance to Riverside Park was his design.

The last project he worked on was the downtown parking crisis, an issue he felt passionate about. Using his innate artistic ability, he developed several feasible solutions that others missed. If Terry had one last wish, it was to see this problem resolved to preserve the wellbeing of his cherished hometown.

Terry’s interest in antique and collector cars led to another contribution to Chagrin. He started the FAB 4th by the Falls Car Show in 2000, which is held at the triangle every year on the Fourth of July. The show has been popular among car enthusiasts and Chagrin residents alike, and was awarded a Top Ten award for Best Small Town Car Show several times. Terry’s childhood friend and co-contributor to the event, Mike Predina, has expressed interest in continuing the event in dedication to Terry.

One of Terry’s biggest affinities was historical architecture, particularly that of his own home to which he felt deeply connected. Some of Terry’s other interests included movies, photography, music, motorcycles, art museums, politics, and good conversation. He spoke of the Taggart’s Toys & Hobbies slogan, “The Fun Starts Here,” as what best describes his outlook on life. Terry lived life with passion, generosity, and friendship. He was an indispensable member of the Chagrin Falls community whose memory and contributions should always be honored, as his mark is forever on the town and in the hearts of his friends and family.

Calling hours are Sunday, April 2, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home in Chagrin Falls, OH

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