Christopher Michael Taylor of Springville died Dec. 31 in Lehi, at the age of 32.
The oldest of four children, Chris was born in Anaheim, Calif., to William “Bill” and Carin Taylor on Nov. 16, 1988 and was raised in a loving home in Chino, Calif. He spent years playing soccer and basketball, boogie boarding at the beach, and brainstorming ways to make amusement parks more efficient. Hard working and driven, he graduated as Salutatorian from Chino High School and earned his Eagle Scout award. Chris got from his family a love of travel and adventure, and they traveled together to England, France, Italy, Belize, Canada, New Zealand, and throughout the United States.
Chris also loved all things Disney: the parks, the movies, the magic, the trivia. His family always held annual passes and would visit the parks for family night, in all seasons, and even in the middle of the school day after a trip to the dentist. One of the highlights of his life was a weeklong adventure to Disney World, planned with his best friend and brother, David. Further, for two years, Chris lived his dream as a cast member in California. He shared his Disney expertise with extended family and later his wife, guiding them through the parks with an insider’s knowledge. Faith was very important to Chris. Always active in the Gospel, Chris served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Romania Bucharest Mission and developed a lasting love of the Romanian language, culture, and people. In later life, he put his heart into sharing the Gospel with the primary children he taught.
Chris loved children, and they loved him. Primary lessons received his full attention, and he spent three years teaching Special Education Math to kids at American Leadership Academy. He took great joy in playing with all children, whether cousins, nieces, nephews, or the children of his friends. No one could help but smile at his amazing imagination and silly games.
Chris attended Brigham Young University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and used the skills he learned there to work on several political campaigns. While attending BYU, Chris met the love of his life, Sarah Walker, in November 2015 on the dating app Tinder, which was a constant source of laughter in their relationship. Chris loved to make Sarah smile and laugh with funny faces and goofy poems. After nearly a year and a half of courtship, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple on April 7, 2017.
Chris and Sarah lived in Springville. They loved taking walks together, building things in Minecraft, and playing board games. Spending a lot of time with their many friends was an important part of their daily life—sharing meals, playtime with kids, and even more board games. Their love for each other glowed and was evident to those around them. Although he hid his anguish well, Chris suffered a severe and deep depression. He received treatment and, in the weeks before his death, showed improvement and new healing. After a long-fought battle, Chris tragically died by suicide on New Year’s Eve.
We will forever remember Chris as a loving husband, devoted son and brother, and cherished friend. His smile softened hearts and brought out the child in all of us. He fiercely loved his family and friends, and we will love and miss him eternally. We look forward to the day when we are reunited.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah Walker; three siblings: David Taylor, Lauren (Juan) Taylor Mendez, and Anne Taylor; his parents, William and Carin Taylor; and grandparents: Claudius and Amelia Taylor and William Charles and Carole Carr.
To express condolences and share memories of Chris, please go to springcreekmortuary.com
