Douglas Taillard

Douglas (Doug) Raymond Taillard, beloved husband, father, son and friend continued his journey from this life to the next on Friday, September 6th, 2024 at the age of 38. He is survived by Denise, the love of his life and bride of 10 years, and his two sons, Henry (8) and Maxwell (6). Doug’s intense devotion for them was reflected back to him every day. Together they built a family and house overflowing with love. To see them all together was to see happiness, love and life the way it was meant to be. While his life was too short, it was lived to the fullest.

The list of people Doug loved - and who loved him - is long. In addition to Denise, Henry and Max, he is survived by his parents, John and Diane Taillard; brother Michael (Ashley); mother and father-in-law, Joe and Vicki Philips, brother-in-law, Joe (Tina) Philips, sisters-in-law, Christine Philips, Stephanie (Kevin) Tepper and Allison (Chris) Thomas. Many, many others will miss him deeply, including but not limited to, his Grandma Isabelle; uncles, Norman (Cindy) Harbin, Brian (Nancy) Harbin; aunts, Luanna (George) Rosick, and Sandy Taillard; as well as his cousins, nieces, nephews, colleagues and friends. 

A graduate of the University of Michigan Dearborn who went on to be a computer software salesman for Legion Technologies, Doug was a man of technology. But what he really enjoyed were low-tech tractor rides. Half of the reason he bought a tractor was to haul the kids around. With Doug at the helm, he could take them to places far away, if just going down the street. He could be seen all throughout Woodbrook and Trailwood and even 7-Eleven. He was always there when you needed him, quick to act and generous with his time and expertise. Have a tech question? Doug knew the answer. Need any kind of tool? Doug had it. Need your oil changed or your battery replaced? Doug was under the hood within 5 minutes of you mentioning it. Considering a new purchase? Doug knew what Consumer Report recommends. 

The best way to honor Doug will be to show up as he did and to notice and remember him in the beauty of simple things, like birds. He, Denise and the boys all had their own bird calls and nicknames. Henry and Max will tell you they had a pretend bird, Beaker, that showed up around the house because Mom wouldn’t let Dad get a real bird.

Doug loved to travel. He and Denise got engaged in Washington, D.C. and moved across the ocean to Richmond, England within 6 months of meeting. One year, Doug was the top salesman and won a free first-class round-trip anywhere in the world. He asked Denise where she wanted to go and she said Australia, so that’s where they went. In addition to Australia, they have traveled together to Scotland, France, Germany, Cyprus, Italy, Spain, Mexico and Turkey. While having and raising young boys put some limitations on their travel for a bit, Doug’s adventurous spirit and curiosity about the world live on in Henry and Max, who will forever cherish memories of family vacations to places like Arizona, Charleston, Disney World, and South Haven. 

In this final journey Doug carries the love, appreciation, admiration and respect of all who knew him. His family and circle was wide, but no matter how many people were at the party or gathering, anyone who was lucky enough to interact with Doug felt seen, heard and special. And if you were close to Doug, you know he was a total goofball in a world that he knew needed a lot more silliness. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

Henry and Max’s Educational Future

Make checks payable to: Michigan Education Savings Program

Write the kid's account numbers on the check in the memo line

Henry Taillard: A26788144-02Maxwell Taillard: A26788144-01

Mail to address below and we will fill out forms and mail to MESP:

Denise Taillard, c/o Taillard & Philips Families, 302 N. Sheldon, Plymouth, MI 48170

Doug Taillard Memorial Fund to Benefit Henry and Maxwell

www.gofundme.com/f/doug-taillard-memorial-fund-to-benefit-henry-and-maxwell?qid=730fb952f438cc2eb808db555970aa76