‘It’s all gone’: 81-year-old veteran and cancer survivor loses everything in house fire

MEDINA, Ohio (WOIO/Gray News) - An 81-year-old veteran and his caretaker lost everything they own in a house fire.

Bob Taylor’s community is now rallying around the two in their time of need.

WOIO reported that Taylor was not at home on the evening of March 22 when the fire broke out at his Medina home. His caretaker, who rents out the basement of the home, was able to get out safely, along with their dog.

“It’s all gone. Everything,” Taylor said.

The Ohio State Fire Marshal and Medina Fire Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire but believe it started in the kitchen.

Taylor’s daughter, Debbi Molnar, had to fight back tears as she talked about the more than 30 years worth of memories made at the home.

“Yes, a lot of Christmases. A lot of Christmases in the living room,” Taylor said.

However, Molnar said all that matters is that her dad is safe.

“The house is replaceable. This can be rebuilt,” Molnar said. “I can’t rebuild a new dad. I’ll take him over this stuff any day.”

The 81-year-old Marine Corp veteran has survived numerous tours overseas and beat stage 4 cancer twice.

Taylor said he is now thankful for insurance, family, and his friends who are coming together to start a GoFundMe to help.

Taylor’s best friend of 15 years, Chuck Taylor, also lost his home to a fire last May.

“He’s an awesome man. Such a good man and for this to happen to him it’s heartbreaking. It really is. My heart goes out to him because we’ve been through it,” Chuck Taylor said.

For the moment, Bob Taylor moved into a furnished townhouse so he could live comfortably while his home is being rebuilt.

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