Brian Taylor

Our beloved family patriarch, brother, and friend, Brian Taylor, 87, passed away in Scottsdale, AZ, on July 24, 2025, with family at his side. Brian was born in Big Rapids, MI, on March 29, 1938, to Marvin and Margaret Taylor. He was raised in Lansing, MI. He graduated from the University of Dayton (Ohio) with a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy, from St. Bonaventure University (Rome, Italy) with a Master's Degree in Theology, and from Bowling Green State University (Ohio) with a Master's Degree in Counseling. He also graduated from the Program for Executive Development at IMD, Lausanne, Switzerland. His budding career took him to Japan as a young man where his God-given talents flourished and thrived. He was passionate and purposeful about life and was very goal-oriented. He met the love of his life, Yoko, while teaching there. They shared 45 years of a wonderful and blessed marriage and explored life and the world together. Their love and devotion to one another was evident and an inspiration to all who knew them. Until his retirement, Brian lived and worked in Japan in executive positions for several large corporations. His administrative and leadership skills were highly regarded. His language skills helped him communicate at all levels and with various populations around the world – from renowned religious and political leaders to the common, everyday person. He lived a full and adventurous life that spanned the globe and he was loved and respected by many. Family connections and relationships were very important to Brian and were powerful motivators for him to actively keep the lines of communication open with the many people he loved and enjoyed. His postcards and letters from around the world were legendary. He visited family when he could and remembered holidays and birthdays of those he loved. He welcomed you to his home, whether in the U.S. or abroad. His heart and door were always open to his family and friends. Brian was a deep thinker and prolific reader. His thirst for knowledge and adventure was unparalleled. Over his lifetime, he traveled to every continent and visited more than 170 countries with his wife Yoko. He cherished experiencing new cultures, languages, cuisines, and world views. His love and appreciation of the wonder and beauty of life and all of God's creation was profound. Brian and Yoko were generous benefactors and they freely shared their resources and talents with those in need in a quiet and unassuming manner. Brian retired and moved to Scottsdale, AZ, and continued his world travels, his love of learning, and was gifted in maintaining life-long friendships. Over the years, he and Yoko encountered numerous health challenges which they faced with great courage and a keen awareness that life was indeed a great gift. Brian was a loving, devoted caretaker of his beautiful wife, Yoko, until her passing on December 19, 2024. As Brian struggled with his numerous health issues, he fought valiantly through every challenge. He was always thankful and prayerful. He believed he was headed towards the most important goal of his life – eternity with his Lord and Savior. Brian's prayer for a peaceful death was granted. Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Margaret Taylor; wife, Yoko (Omoto) Taylor; brother, Marvin (Pete) Taylor; Sister, Sr. Marlene Taylor; and Sister, Martha Taylor. He is survived by 10 siblings: Gail Taylor of Lansing, MI; Michael Taylor of Alexandria, VA; Jon (April) Taylor of Nashville, TN; Mary Anderson of Lansing, MI; Marjorie (Norm, deceased) Haugen, of East Lansing, MI; Marita (Paul) Goings of Bath, MI; Marilyn (K. Dan) Hoyme of Palos Park, IL; Timothy Taylor of Holt, MI; Daniel (Sandy) Taylor of Haslett, MI; Marcelle (Robert) DeMarco of Rockford, MI; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:30 am, Saturday, August 9, 2025, at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church, 10755 N. 124th St., Scottsdale, AZ. Visitation will be held at 10:30 am until the time of Mass with a luncheon immediately following. Rite of Committal will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Lansing, MI. (Details pending.) Brian fought the good fight and we will be forever grateful for the gift of this man, his life, example, and enduring spirit. A life well lived, indeed. Until we meet again and can rejoice with you dear Brian… "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:6.