Obituary of William Merritt Taggart

William M. Taggart Jr., 80, of Santa Cruz, California died peacefully June 21, 2016. All of his blood relatives, along with his sister-in-law, made the journey to share their love and respect with Bill during his final days and hours. Bill's career included being a full professor at Florida International University in Miami, FL where he taught for 25 years in the Business School. Also at FIU he conducted research from which he developed the course "Decision Styles in Management". He helped students appreciate the different manners in which people think; which in turn can help people work together effectively. Barbara, Bill's ex-wife was also quite engaged in the accomplishments noted. Bill's professional passion evolved with research and development of the "Personal Style Inventory", a central component in his work to identify and nurture one's intuition. He carried that commitment into retirement when he moved to Santa Cruz CA where he further developed a website focused on the intuitive self. In Santa Cruz he met and spent the happiest years of his life with his soulmate Sally Real. Their cremains now rest side-by-side in a beautiful fountain garden at Santa Cruz Memorial. The family acknowledges the exemplary care Bill received from the people of Safe at Home, Sunshine Villa, and Hospice of Santa Cruz. Special recognition goes to Shannon Danato who was the first person to care for Bill when he began assisted living and continued with him right to the end. Bill is survived by his son Kevin, daughter Deborah, granddaughter Sarah (the apple of his eye), son-in-law John, brother Ed, sister-in-law Judith, nephew Aaron, and step-nephew Ian. Please consider Memorial donations to your local Hospice.You can locate your local Hospice by calling their central number, 1-800-658-8898