Barry Taylor, the co-founder of the Taylor Family Foundation, died Saturday of an apparent heart attack. He was 74 years old.

Taylor and his wife Elaine founded the foundation in 1990 to enhance the quality of life for children in Northern California living with life-threatening illnesses and developmental disabilities.

Since then, the foundation through its Camp Arroyo has served more than 40,000 children of children who attend camp on weekends and during the summer months.

Following Mr. Taylor's death, the Taylor Family Foundation issued this statement:

"It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our beloved co-founder Barry Taylor, who passed away Saturday afternoon, November 16, 2013.

"No stranger to philanthropy, Barry sat on the board of the March of Dimes for several years in the 1980s and he and Elaine held fundraisers on their behalf at their Lafayette home before founding The Taylor Family Foundation in 1990.

"Barry approached philanthropy as he did every aspect of his life - on simple, yet profound principles of good living: rise to the challenge, work hard, enjoy life, and always take care of each other. Through these principals, he not only created countless memories for Bay Area children and families in need, but also instilled a standard of giving that will live on in those who were blessed to know him."

Mr. Taylor is survived by his wife, three daughters, three sons and six grandchildren. A memorial service is planned early next year at Camp Arroyo.