Roy David Taghon

EMPIRE— Roy David Taghon, 42, of Empire, went to be with his Lord after a snowmobile accident on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008.

Roy was born in Tampa, Fla., on Sept. 26, 1965, while his parents, David Taghon and Diane Novak Taghon, were serving in the U.S. Air Force.

He graduated from Glen Lake High School in 1984 and attended Western Michigan University for three years, where he studied organ music.

Roy was actively passionate about music, particularly his liturgical ministry, having played organ at St. Philip Neri in Empire, St. Rita in Maple City and Holy Rosary in Isadore. He began playing organ at St. Philip at the age of 10, and performed his final Mass there this past Sunday, before pursuing his other passion of snowmobiling.

Roy's lifelong employment at the Empire convenience store produced friends of all walks of life, thanks in no small part to his quick wit and easy-going personality.

We will remember Roy for his extraordinary musicianship, his love of his faith and his earnest zest for life.

Roy is survived and will be deeply missed by his father and mother; his sister, Kathy (Darren) Corwin and niece Katia of Cedar Springs; sister, LouAnn Taghon of Grand Rapids; brother, Fred Taghon of Traverse City; as well as a large and loving extended family.

The Taghon family will receive friends this evening, Jan. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, where a Scripture Service will be held at 7 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. The Rev. Michael Janowski, The Rev. William Lipscomb and The Rev. Donald Libby will serve as the celebrants. Burial will take place this spring at St. Philip Neri Catholic Cemetery.

In remembrance of Roy, memorials may be directed to the Empire or Glen Arbor Fire Departments; Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Guatemala (checks made payable to St. Philip Neri); or to the charity of one's choice. Envelopes may be obtained at the church.

Arrangements were made with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.