Matthew Jon Taylor

“All the seasons come and go. Spring is always special, my thoughts blossom with nature, my son, Matthew (Jon Taylor), was born. The same fate would befall the parents of Bethany (Catron Taylor) during the season of summer, she would be sheltered and protected like the twines of a bird nest.

Did I kiss the joy and rejoice? Yes, I saw that this is what makes me tick. The power of the world was replaced by the miracle of life.

The growing up years brought a kaleidoscope of ideas and freedom for Matt and Bethany. It was a merry-go-round existence meant for the young at heart. Their towns were so close and their environment so similar, but their paths did not cross. They walked in different shoes. One would wonder what, where and with whom would they belong?

Now they sit side-by-side, his hand touches hers, neither move, unlike the seasons. They feel the depth of love and a hunger to give, receive, comfort, forgive, understand. They found each other. A new life. Separate, but together. People gather to celebrate. They feel strength from belonging and show emotion. It makes me cry…and forever thankful.”

Matt was born in Lansing, Mich. on May 10, 1972, to Ronald Jon and Mary Margaret “Happy” (Long) Taylor. He grew up in Holt, Mich., with his younger sister, Margaret “Maggie” Ann (Taylor) Lancaster. From his early childhood (and until his very last day), he loved spending his days in a river fishing or in a quiet hunting blind, enjoying the peace and tranquility of the nature around him. Time spent with his parents, sister, grandparents – James and Margaret (Fillion) Long, Uncle Gary and Aunt Jill (Long) Sabroksy, cousins Camille Sabrosky, Jake (Kara) Sabrosky, Lucas (Samantha) Sabrosky and John Fillion were some of the happiest of his childhood. He was also deeply loved by his Uncle John (Cheryl) Taylor and many other caring aunts, uncles and cousins.

His life was marked with the most extraordinary friendships. Their days ‘running the streets’ of Holt were still a topic of conversation more than 40 years later. His tightknit group continued to spend many long weekends together on the river, up north for deer hunting or ‘Game Changer’ (AKA an excuse to ditch the families and spend the weekend reminiscing about the good ol’ days and their love of cooking and sports). They lost one of their dearest friends, Christopher C. Clark, on Aug. 8, 2021, and perhaps the only peace Matt’s family and friends will find in his untimely passing is that he and his lifelong best friend are finally reunited. Matt also had an exceptional bond with his sister Maggie (Scott Lancaster). Their support and understanding of one another grew deeper with every day of their adult lives and the loss of Matt has left an irreparable hole in his dear sister’s heart.

Matt was beyond proud of his nephews, Aidan Malone and Grantland Everett Lancaster who adoringly called him ‘Uncle Muskrat’ and nieces Gianna Elyse and Vivienne Alexa Conflitti. His deepest joy in life, however, came from his children Anna Emerson and Jacob Matthew (3/11/09 and 4/23/10 respectively). From day one, they had him wrapped around his finger. He loved them fiercely but listened to and supported them so gently. His patience and calm were everything they needed when they were sad or stressed – and his passion and pride were what they needed when they were on the baseball field, basketball court or swimming block. In Matt’s eyes, there was nothing his kids couldn’t accomplish and they felt his support and love so deeply that they not only believed it, but worked even harder to prove its truth. He leaves behind a wife who adored him for more than 20 years and will strive to keep his memory alive for their beautiful children – as well as her family who have loved Matt like a son for decades (Nancy and George Petroff, Gail and David Catron, and Angie Catron Conflitti).

Matt was loved by all who knew him. He was kind, selfless, generous, loving and beyond loyal. He will be deeply missed.

Friends and family are invited to gather to remember and honor Matt’s life on May 8 from 4 – 7 p.m. at The Hidden Gem (4230 Charlar Drive, Holt, MI 48842). In lieu of flowers, we’d offer the opportunity to donate to this GoFundMe to help secure his children’s future: https://gofund.me/1e3824b6f