Leon Russell Taylor

Leon Russel Taylor, of London, England, succumbed to Non-Hodgkin's B cell and CNS Lymphoma on the morning of October 9, 2019, surrounded in love by his family.

He was born March 8, 1977, to Michael Taylor and Millicent Lynch Taylor, at University hospital in London, England. Leon attended Kingsland Secondary School, followed by Shoreditch College of Business Studies. Leon enjoyed working for The International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF), formerly known as the Prince of Wales Foundation. He worked there for 14 years, where he traveled the world visiting places such as Mexico and Hong Kong.

Upon visiting Utah to see a dear friend, Niall Pyper, he met the love of his life and decided to start on a new journey in America. Leon married Candis Craig Basham on October 21, 2011, in Las Vegas, NV, and became an instant father to Aspen and Breckin Basham.

Leon loved politics, reading books, watching movies, playing video games, and debating all of the above. Leon was a HUGE fan of the Arsenal Football Club. He maintained that fandom even after moving to the US, rising very early on Saturday mornings to watch the matches live. When it came to local sports, he was one very proud and vocal Cougar in a family full of faithful Utes.

Leon enjoyed his time working at UPS and wished that he had worked there longer. The family wishes to thank his co-workers at UPS for the visits and support.

A special thank you to the incredible people at Alta View, IMC, and LDS hospitals for their loving care and support of Leon the many months he was hospitalized. The Taylor family would also like to thank the many caring souls that supported them in many ways since Leon was hospitalized in April.

Leon is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Candis Craig Taylor; Daughter Aspen Basham; Son Breckin Basham; Father Michael Taylor; Mother-in-law Margie Craig; Sisters Melissa, Natasha, Porscha, Chalese Craig, Becky (Quinn) Nielsen; Brothers Jermaine, Keith (Suzanne) Roach, David Craig; Nieces and Nephews Aaron (Chandini) Cooper, Kai Taylor, Oliver Chandler, Leah Cooper, Sheridan, Jaxon, and Lizzy Walk.

Preceded in death by his Mother Millicent Olivia Lynch Taylor, his Nan Esme Rock, and Father in law Stephen Derrick Craig.

"It's not the time in your life, it's the life in your time." -Bruce Springsteen

Leon, we will miss your remarkable sense of humor and your contagious laugh. 

In the words of a true Arsenal fan - Come on you Gunners!

There will be a viewing for Leon Russell Taylor Friday, October 11, from 6:00–8:00 pm at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary on 3401 S Highland Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84106. The funeral services will be Saturday, October 12, at 11:00 am at the LDS chapel on 2220 Fisher Ln, Salt Lake City, UT 84109, with a viewing before the funeral services at 10:00–10:45 am.