Obituary of Michael Robert Taylor

On March 2nd, 2007, Michael Robert Taylor returned to live with his Heavenly Father after a long illness. Mike was born December 26, 1937 in Long Beach, CA to Richard F. Taylor and Sarah Sumpter Taylor. After his mother’s death, he was raised by his loving grandmother, Mrs. Taylor, until his father remarried his step-mother, Frances David Taylor, whom he loved very much. As a young boy he lived with his family in the Philippines. During his stay, he marched in a parade beside General MacArthur. His father was an officer of the Army and his family was three days to sea when they bombed Pearl Harbor. He lived in California until his graduation from high school. He was accepted at U.S.C. with an offer to play varsity football. He unselfishly turned that down to help his family relocate to Redding, CT and instead later enrolled at the Danbury State Teachers College. In September 1956, he met Barbara L. Orhn at the Latter-Day Saints Meeting House in Bridgeport. He fell in love at first sight and vowed to marry her. They were married September 13, 1958 in Scarsdale, NY and thus began a 50-year courtship. He was an alumnus of Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. Mike was an avid lover of animals. He was a master horseback rider with many medals and a grand championship horse. He was an excellent swimmer and surfer. He taught countless children and adults how to swim. He loved the ocean, especially the Long Island Sound. He was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Darien Boat Club and past Commodore. During his life he enjoyed trips to Florida for deep sea fishing and after his retirement adopted the hobby of lobster fishing. He enjoyed reading and will always be remembered for his practical jokes. He was a strong supporter of environmental issues, mainly wildlife preservation and saving the Long Island Sound. He was a wonderful husband, son, father and friend. He touched the lives of many people. He was an active member of the Latter-Day Saints Church and dearly loved his country. He was the greatest grandfather in the world. He loved his family and was fiercely protective and proud of them. He is survived by his wife, Barbara L. Ohrn Taylor; his children, Desiree L. Barlow (Gary) of Kaysville, UT; Jessica A. Horton (Carl) of Brookfield, WI; and Michael R. Taylor, Jr. (Lisa) of Darien, CT. He is also survived by his father-in-law, Axel E. Ohrn and 11 grandchildren, Chad, Chelsea, Brittany, Lindsay and Ethan Barlow; Blaine, Trevor, Brock and Dasha Horton and Olivia and Alexis Taylor. He is also survived by two brother, Dennie Taylor (Carol) of New Canaan and Richard Taylor (Jan) of Concord, CA and two sisters, Jennifer Acree (Jim) and Janet Lysko (Tom) both of Colorado. He will be sorely missed by all. In lieu of flowers, it was Mike’s wish that any contributions be made towards the missionary fund of his grandson, Chad Michael Barlow, c/o Ohrn, Box 894, New Canaan, CT 06840. The service will be held Wednesday, March 7th, 2007 at the Latter-Days Saints Church, South Avenue, New Canaan across from Waveny. Viewing will take place from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM followed by the funeral service. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Darien. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820