Bruce Taylor, one of the founders of Fantasy Football Index, died recently while on a bike-riding vacation in Provance, France.
He came up with the idea for a fantasy football magazine in 1987, as part of a “Creativity and Innovation” class at the University of Washington. He served as our editor until retiring at the end of the 2022 football season.
His obit appears in today’s editions of the Seattle Times and also the Spokesman-Review.
It ran be read by clicking here, and it’s also presented below.
The obit contains a shot at the University of Oregon, which Bruce would have loved. He also would have liked the inclusion of the Smithsonian National Zoo's giant panda research program. That was his daughter’s idea. (BT’s favorite fast food restaurant was Dick’s in Spokane, which uses a Panda in its logo; his fantasy football franchise in the 39-year-old DFL has long been the “Spokane Pandas”).
Robert Bruce Taylor June 20, 1965 - June 4, 2025
Bruce Taylor media pioneer, part-time rock 'n' roller, full-time husband and father, cat lover, and beloved friend died June 4 while on vacation in France. Everyone whose life he touched has a story to share that elicits a smile, a laugh or gratitude for his extraordinary acts of kindness.
Bruce's demeanor could be sardonic, but his fun-loving soul revealed itself in bursts of infectious laughter. Highly principled and fiercely devoted to friends and family, he will be remembered forever by those who cherished him and cannot imagine a world without him.
A proud son of Spokane, Robert Bruce Taylor was born on June 20, 1965, to Mary and Larry Taylor. He graduated in 1983 from Lewis and Clark High School and went on to graduate from the University of Washington in 1988 with a double-major in communications and political science. Bruce became editor of The Daily, the UW's student newspaper, in 1986. On the first day of fall quarter, the paper printed a campus map that intentionally mislabeled buildings, sending hundreds of freshmen (and some upperclassmen) to the wrong lecture halls. "It's for their own good," Bruce told a local TV reporter. "We're just trying to teach them that they can't believe everything they read."
In 1987, Bruce and fellow journalism student Ian Allan transformed a class project into the first-ever magazine to compile statistics, rules and "cheat sheets" for an emerging pastime: fantasy football. As the game exploded in popularity, numerous competitors attempted to reproduce the Fantasy Football Index model. The pair successfully operated the business for 36 years fueled by the magazine's rabid fan base before selling the company in 2023.
In 1995, Bruce placed a personal ad in the paper that led him to Ngaire Strack. The two wed on a scorching day in 1996 at Sand Point Community United Methodist Church, which they continued to attend and serve. Son Charlie was born in 1998, and daughter Frances followed in 2000. For over 30 years, Ngaire was the ying to Bruce's yang. They traveled together often, but Ngaire's ancestral land of New Zealand remained Bruce's favorite destination.
Bruce loved being a dad. He doted on Charlie and Frances, encouraging them to explore their interests and learn new skills. The attention he showered on his children never ceased, even as they have grown into fine adults. Charlie married the lovely Aurora on April 12: "The whole thing was amazing," Bruce relayed in a text. "Charlie and Aurora's vows were incredible. Very overwhelming day."
Bruce used music to build community. His rotation ranged from heavy metal to surf punk to the British Invasion to power pop to funk. In his 50s, Bruce joined The Pioneer Squares, performing classic rock covers for friends, family, and adoring strangers throughout the Puget Sound area.
He attended hundreds of Washington Husky football games, including several Rose Bowls and the 2024 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. Bruce bled purple and gold, and took great satisfaction in the countless failures of the Oregon Ducks.
He was regularly present to comfort those suffering hardship or illness. Bruce's compassion was boundless, driving to hospitals and homes to perk up ailing friends and give their spouses respite.
Bruce died in a freak accident. The family takes solace that it happened as Bruce squeezed the last ounce of fun out of his latest adventure. His humor, kindness and zest for life will be missed by this world. Bruce Taylor is survived by his wife Ngaire; son Charlie and daughter-in-law Aurora; daughter Frances; mother Mary; brother Ggreg; mother-in-law Helen Strack; and countless other family members near and far.
Information regarding a celebration of life to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions to the Humane Society of King County, the Smithsonian National Zoo's giant panda research program, or the University of Washington's Harold E. Carr scholarship.