Michael Scott Taylor

In this world there are so many who seem to whittle away their days as though adrift at sea with no clear destination or course. This is not who Michael Scott Taylor was since the quote which states, “Life isn’t measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away,” is a clear depiction of how he lived his life each and every day. Although the author of this quote is unknown, it could have indeed been penned by Scott himself since he lived his life by simply doing, rather than just speaking. Scott was loving and tender while being quick to show both praise and appreciation. He was truly nothing other than a man of integrity down to his innermost core. Scott’s tender heart that was laced with faith, love, and compassion for others is certainly his greatest legacy.

If one could turn back the pages of time to the year 1947, life would look a bit different than it does today. The unemployment rate was just under four percent, a first-class postage stamp cost just three cents, and Jackie Robinson had just joined the Brooklyn Dodgers who were defeated by the New York Yankees in the first televised World Series. It was also in this same year that in Lansing, Michigan, Ralph and Betty Taylor were celebrating the birth of their son, Michael Scott, on March 24th. Born as the oldest of seven children in his family Scott, as he was usually called, was a loving, caring, and helpful son. His younger sister Cathy recalls riding on his shoulders to school where she told everyone that he was her father. From his earliest age, family was of the utmost importance to Scott, and he was especially close to his maternal grandfather with whom he spent numerous hours trout fishing at the “Hide Out Lodge.”

After graduating from O’Rafferty High School in 1965, Scott enlisted in the United States Army where he served in the Military Police and was stationed in Germany. While he was there he sent home two Military Police uniforms for his younger brothers to have as their very own. Scott even playfully used the stigma attached to being part of the Military Police when at a later time he warned his “soon-to-be” brother-in-law that he had better be good to his sister!

Once he was again part of civilian life, Scott worked at Knapp’s Department Store in Lansing where he learned how to upholster. As a master craftsman, he went on to own his own upholstery shop called “Showcase Upholstery.” Scott also worked as a rep with the Big Three and in the mortgage business for a number of years.

To Scott, there was plenty more to life than work, however. In addition to being a master at his craft, he was also a master at the backyard grill. Scott was usually the one manning the grill for larger family gatherings, and he also loved making his signature crab cakes for friends and family. A Michigan State Fan through and through, keeping up with the Spartans was one of Scott’s favorite ways to spend his time. With his extensive travels in Europe, he became fond of the Mediterranean – particularly of his time spent in Santorini, Greece. One of his greatest highlights in life was his family trip to Alaska in 2005 where numerous precious memories were made. Scott’s passion for the great outdoors led to many years spent camping and fishing, as well as perfecting his green thumb in his gardens. He was also a motorcycle enthusiast who loved sharing meals with good friends.

Of all the ways in which Scott loved to spend his time, being surrounded by his family topped the list. He adored his children, Zak and Morgan, and more recently his granddaughter Chloe with whom he shared a special relationship. Scott was always stopping by to check on his mother, and her neighbors recall him always yelling, “I love you,” on his way out the door.

In so many ways, Scott was like a rare painting whose exquisite beauty seeps from underneath layer after layer. He was a great listener who shared his laughter and tears accompanied by his quiet strength with his family and friends. Scott was a man of unmatched character who was resilient and strong, while being tender and compassionate at the same time. He loved to hug and kiss “on the lips,” and to share his heart-felt laughter with anyone near. Scott also had a way with words as evidenced by every card and letter he wrote that was beautifully composed with intentional meaning.

Michael Scott Taylor was a man whom everyone wanted to know as he has been described as a good man with a good heart. His life was filled with love and adventure creating a colorful mosaic of moments that have become priceless treasures to so many. Scott was opinionated, but not judgmental, and he lived his life to love others whether his family, his friends, or simply someone who crossed his path. Scott loved traveling, gardening, and firing up the grill, but many of his greatest moments were spent with his children and precious granddaughter. His heart’s desire was to inspire the living, be good to his neighbor, strive for success, and to keep hope alive. Although his family and friends now say goodbye, they hold fast to the times they were given to enjoy such an extraordinary man.

Michael Scott Taylor died on October 6, 2009. Scott’s family includes his children, Zak and Morgan; his granddaughter, Chloe; his mother, Betty Taylor; his sisters, Nancy (Steve) Huston, Mary Ruth (Paul) Doverspike, Cathy Jo (Matt) Doretti; brothers, David (Karen), Mark (Lisa); twenty nieces and nephews; as well as his many friends from childhood to recent days. He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph and brother, Bill. For those who seek to celebrate Scott’s life, the family would like to invite you to his memorial Saturday, October 17, 2009, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church on S. Cedar St. in Lansing, MI. A time of gathering will begin at 12:30 p.m. with services at 1:00 p.m. and continued fellowship over refreshments immediately afterwards. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI or Hospice of Lansing.