North Ogden Community Members Gather To Welcome Fallen Mayor Home

NORTH OGDEN, Utah – If a community is only as strong as its leader, it’s obvious North Ogden’s mayor, Major Brent Taylor, made his mark.

“He is the personification of patriotism and love and service,” said North Ogden resident Loralie Holmgren, who said he made everyone feel special.

She was one of hundreds of community members who crowded Washington Boulevard and beyond Wednesday to welcome Maj. Taylor home.

“He like wanted to hug me,” Holgrem reminisced laughing. “I didn’t even know him, you know like personally, but he was always there for us.”

Some folks waited outside for more than an hour to secure a spot along the procession route to pay their respects.

“And then just to hear the tragedy. He’s coming home, but he’s not coming home how we want him to come home,” said Becky Marston, another North Ogden resident waiting for his procession to pass.

“It’s a way to teach them our love in our community and the unity that we feel,” said North Ogden resident Raney Strebel, who brought her young children.

“You never realize how close your community is until you have something like this happen,” said Marston.

While Major Taylor’s hearse passed by quickly, the memory of this moment will last a long time.

“I’m just so proud to be part of this community and to have known Brent Taylor,” said Holmgren.

So while this community may have lost its leader, the legacy he left will keep this mourning city moving forward together.