Taylor,

Here's photo of your party Aunt Shaun, Uncle Ron and Uncle Ron Mac set-up for you @ Lakewood :) Love you!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OUR BEAUTIFUL, TAYLOR!
     I've replayed your entire life over & over in my mind the past several days from the moment Dad & I learned that John would soon be joined by a baby brother or sister to the moment you joined Dad in heaven.
     This past year without you has been weighted in agony, the grief overwhelming and the pain beyond description, but even in those moments darker than I ever knew existed there was light, there was you Taylor, always. 
     To know you Taylor was to know laughter, it was an integral part of life with you. To really know you was to understand that the laughter you gave us was your innate way of caring for us. Even as a toddler somehow you understood the connection that creating laughter was a blessing to others. When you were about 2 years old you would entertain the elderly residents when we visited Grandpa Amos in the retirement home. You would fearlessly run to them as they reached toward you from their wheelchairs. Even at that young age you seemed to sense the joy that we could see in their faces.
     You always had the desire, the calling to help others. When you were about 8 years old you were frustrated about a situation and crying your eyes out. You told Dad and I that you just wanted to help people. I believe that to be the most earnest and purest expression that I have yet to see in another human being. Taylor, clearly you knew your purpose for your abbreviated time here on this Earth. 
     Taylor, congratulations to you for fulfilling your life's mission with compassion, commitment dedication and love. You will forever remain in the hearts of your family and your extended family... your beloved friends, I know how much each of them meant to you.
     Taylor, I know that the Lord will give me the strength to survive your passing, but it is not without pain. I am striving to live my life to honor you, I still hear your words of advice and encouragement, they continue to motivate me to find my purpose too.
     I thank you and John for being the best sons a mom could ever hope for.
     Aunt Rashaun and your two Uncle Ron's took your a party to Lakewood, we know that gave you a big smile:) I'm sure Dad' BBQing for you and no doubt you're having the biggest party ever!

Happy birthday May 2nd, my precious angel -Taylor!
My love forever, Mom

(See your picture from a hike you and I took even though you were in pain with your leg, but didn't tell me until I saw you wince on the way back... always trying to make everyone happy!!)

Bro! You were such an awesome and wonderful person to be around with. You were always positive and you had such a positive outlook on everything bro. You didn't only became my roommate but a best friend--I'll never forget your jokes, laughs, and you saying "Que pasa!". I was so happy I got to live with you bro and you impacted my life in positive way. I'll never forget the good times and the days we spend working at the library, watching The Sopranos, The Wire and tons of movies we watched and having deep conversations.I'll never how you would always made me breakfast and you were always looking out for me, making sure I was on point. I'm sure you are up there resting and watching The Wire and The Sopranos and making your favorite casserole (Tay Tay's Casserole). Until we meet again brother! Love you

So sorry to hear of this.  I haven't seen you, Rhonda, or Taylor since they boys were in high school but he was a very  wonderful young man.  I am so sorry for your loss.  John and I both thought the world of Taylor.  Praying for your family that God's love will surround you.  I have lost a son too early, and know how hard it is.  God Bless you.  Colleen (formerly Morris)  Andrew Morris' step-mom.

Today I said goodbye to a close friend, still cant believe i won't hear your voice or see your face. You will truly be missed more than words can say. The most genuine person anyone could have known and I know all of his family and friends would agree. I wish you could have met baby Madsion , cause Lord knows she would have loved her uncle Taylor TayTay Layne Martin , and i remember how you told me that valerie and I would be the best parents and how you couldnt wait to see the baby, and i appreciate it and everything you always did for me, always thinking of your friends even when you werent in the same town. You always checked in on me and valerie even when you moved. I will always miss the random visits at sherwin williams when you were driving through, no matter what city i was in you always made time to visit. I will always love you and never forget you and can't wait to see you again one day. You will always be in my heart. Love You Brother. Rest in Peace.

Ronda and John,

It is with a heavy heart, that I'm sitting here writing this.  No matter what I say in this posting, it will not be enough.  It could never match the way our sweet Taylor has touched us all in so many ways.

I always looked forward to seeing Taylor, with Taylor I could always count on HI AUNT PAM being  yelled from across the room, and a big old hug and then of course the playing with my hair, messing it up and leaving me with the Taylor look.   I may of never shared this, but it was something I always looked forward to.   I LOVED IT!   Taylor made me feel loved.  No matter our age we still want to have the feeling of being loved.  Taylor made that happen for all around him. At Christmas time, my family loved being around their California cousins.  It made our Christmas and grew our family even closer.  It's been an honor to call each of you family and more importantly friends!  We are truly blessed to have one another and truly blessed to have had Taylor.  There will always be a missing link now.  Life has forever been changed for each of us.   Our first change  was when we lost Gary.  What an incredible man he was and what a amazing example he set for his boys.  His work ethics, his love for his family, his friends, and most importantly his love for you.  He set the bar high and adored you all.  Gary taught the boys how to be a friend, and to take care of the ones in need.   Taylor took what his father taught him and applied it to his everyday life,  Taylor had amazing work ethics, he knew how to love and show love,  he knew how to be a friend.  Taylor knew what it was like to see a hurting person and to make that person feel wanted and love and worth something.  Just like his daddy taught him.   When I spoke to Taylor on my last trip home, he told me Aunt Pam, I just want my mom happy.  Ronda he loved you greatly.  You and Gary did a great job.  On a personal level, I watched Taylor work so hard and never complained. Watched him mow lawns when the owner couldn't. He was amazing. 

When I got the message about Taylor, I just kept saying NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!!  It's not suppose to be like this.  Ronda you have lost Gary and now Taylor.  I'm not supposed to be writing this,  You are not suppose to be reading this, This is not part of our dreams.  I have had to do a lot of searching here and trying to figure this out, and I have not figured it out at all.  I just don't get it.  I don't understand it one bit.  Yet.... I know  that GOD has plans for each of us.  I just keep thinking that maybe GOD is protecting Taylor from something.  When speaking to you this week, you said something that has been with me all week... Gary was standing there waiting for Taylor and meeting him at the gates with open arms.  Saying Come on Son, let's have fun.  How could we wish anyone back from that?  That would only be selfish of us.  While we are here crying and missing Taylor he and his daddy are having fun on streets of GOLD.

Ronda know you are loved greatly!  We have loved your boys like they are ours, and I know you have loved mine like they are yours.  We are truly a blessed family, we may not be a perfect family, but we are family and blessed.  John, my special birthday buddy, I always look forward to receiving a gentle tender whisper and hug that was just for met.  I love sharing our birthdays together, I love when your mom says to me, you know that John is just like you Pam... What a compliment. I love you greatly and ever so proud of you.  More than you will ever know.  I speak of you often here and tell everyone about you.   John you are loved more than you will ever know.  

 Ronda, you have been blessed with two of the most amazing young men.  Gary would be so proud. Ronda you and Gary did an amazing job with your boys...  So thankful for John and Taylor to be part of my life.  Taylor will be forever missed,  yet will forever be remembered with a smile and knowing he loved each of us, just as much as we loved him.    Like I said in the beginning, this doesn't even touch how Taylor touched all of us. Like Kim said... He was our glue!

Love you my sweet cousin... Pam

Brother Tae, after learning of your passing I couldn't help but think that only the good die young. We've built many great memories and it saddens me to know that we won't be creating more. However I know this isn't goodbye but see you later. Love you brother, until we meet again..

Tay, From the day we heard, we have shed our tears so much. Yet out of that have come the many happy memories that you have left us with. The love, laughter, so, so much laughter. Your life was full. You loved and were loved by all. Over the last few days, the kids and I have shared so many Tay Tay stories. We dearly miss you , yet know that the Lord has larger plans for you. Your memories will always live within all of your family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers continue for your family

Taylor, 

For 15 years you have been one of my closest friends and a brother. As I sit here typing this, close to one week since I heard the news, it still has not fully set in. Not even remotely. In fact, I really don't believe it (nor do I want to). During the past week I have wondered, why isn't it real yet? What in the hell is going on? Whats wrong etc.. And then it hit me, maybe it doesn't need to. Just because we will gather to celebrate and lay you to rest buddy, doesn't mean that we need to, completely. Maybe it is okay to hold on. To hold on to what you represented, to hold on to the memories we shared, and to hold on to you. What if we just kept living life the way you would want us to? The way you did. What if we used our memories/experiences to enhance the world around us? To be that friend when no one else will, to mow the elderly ladies lawn down the street year after year because she can't, to do the right thing even when no one is looking, to be men/women of our words, to stand up for people who physically can't, to cherish our friends and families more than we currently do, to make someone laugh when they are having a crap day, or to take time out of our day and call someone just to simply say hi and check in? What if that is what "holding on" looks like..? If that is the case, then you are DAMN RIGHT I am holding on. I love you bro, and I thank you for being you. I thank your family for raising such a stand up gentleman. I thank them for teaching you the standards and morals that led to you being what so many of us are calling "the pinnacle of a true friend". And because of that, I will always be in their debt. Tay, you will never be forgotten. We couldn't, even if we tried lol. There is one empty seat at the round table now, and I am keeping that chair empty and the chalice full of Boddingtons for you. Thanks to you we have realized again that we never know when the Good Lord calls us home, and that we should be conscience to live our life to the fullest. The way you did. Rest easy my friend.

So heres a cheers to our friend Taylor!!! "May no shadows depress you, only joy to surround you, friends and family to love you, and God himself to bless you"

-CT

Taylor even though you are gone you will always bring a smile to my face. All I need to do is think of some of the things we did or stuff you said. You were one of the most original guys I've ever met, with all of  the words you came up with to describe just about anything to your quick witty one liners. Though laughter was not all you brought to the table. Always willing to have which ever friends back no matter if they were right or wrong. Checking in on people to make sure all was good, and if it wasn't you would do what you could to change that. You never had to be asked if you could lend a hand, in most cases you were already helping or had offered multiple times.
I have only known you for the past few years but since day one we became good friends. I remember helping you move up to Chico just a few days after we met and from then on the party never stopped. You will be truely missed my friend, one day I am sure we will meet again and more than likely you will have a case of beer and an eagerness to hear all that I have to say. Until then rest easy cause we will keep the good times rolling for you.

Taylor, 

You have been one of the greatest friends anyone could have asked for, for as long as I can remember. There isn't another person out there that has the genuine spirit and soul that you had. You have always been there for everyone in the good times and the bad, lending an ear to anyone with a problem. I will be forever grateful for the times we have shared and the memories will be with me for the rest of my life. The world is a much sadder place without you in it.  You will always be my brother and my friend and I can't wait to continue our friendship in the next life. I love you buddy.

Taylor was truly a kind, caring and compassionate person. He lived, laughed, loved and was loved! We welcomed Taylor as a member of our family.  He always asked what project he could help with. We will cherish the fond memories we have of TayTay and know your memories will forever warm your hearts.

Tay Tay, it breaks my heart to hear this news. You were such a genuine person and whenever you were around, I knew we were going to be having nothing short of a fantastically ridiculous time. So many happy memories with you and the crew down in Tahoe, champagne breakfasts, and houseboating. I could always count on you telling me to "get with it!" Wish I could have spent more time with you. Rest in beautiful paradise, my friend.

We lost one of the most high spirated, outgoing person. you could bring laughter to anyones face no matter how they were feeling never for gotten TAY TAY

Tay tay you were always such a kind friend. You knew how to make everyone laugh and have a great time. Im happy I got to be apart of your life, as you made my days better..will miss you Tay

Taylor, you were one of the most original people I have ever meet. I will miss all the crazy times and the long talks we would. I hope you final found baby Jesus and his friends.

Ronda so sorry to hear about your son and his dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Tay, 

You're the most genuine guy that I've met. My undergraduate experience would not have been the same without you. Upon hearing that you were going to be my new roommate, I realized my next two years were going to be a disaster. Little did I know how big your heart was. From teaching me the importance of sharing time with friends to the honest conversations we had in my room as I studied, you'll always be one of my closest friends. You always knew how to turn every situation into an entertaining one and that is something that I'll carry along with me. Most importantly, you believed in me much more than I did in myself to carry out my professional endeavors. I'm looking forward to another BTFO and brunch the next morning in our next life. Lastly, we brought crunk back. 

Aaaaaaa DFT, 

Skoob

TayTay, I am forever grateful for having the opportunity to meet such an amazing, happy, and unique person like you! Thank you for all the laughs and good times! Your contagious smile and ridiculous nicknames for everyone will live on forever. Heaven has definitely gained an angel!

Aaaaaaaaaa skreeetttleeeee!!!!!

It's funny to me looking back and realizing that you went from a stranger to a roommate to a best friend in a period of just a few days. I think it says a lot about the man TayTay was to accomplish that. I think it says even more to come back to Modesto in celebration of your memory to discover that you had an equally unforgettable impact on the life of just about every other person you have met as well. Tay you were a one-of-a-kind man. You possessed many great qualities. Ask anyone and I'm sure they could come up with a list off the top of their head. The best way I can think to describe you is that you were composed of pure light. I honestly don't think there was a hateful drop of blood in your heart. You were always the one looking out for the welfare of the group and I know that you will continue to look out for the wellbeing of your friends and family. Well...maybe between episodes of The Sopranos haha. 
You taught me a lot and I'll do my best to keep the spirit of what you believed in alive. 
I look forward to partying with you again in the next stage of my life. 

Much love brother.
-Skaustin

Taylor, you left us way too soon. I will never forget your personality man. You would do anything for anyone and though we didn't hang out a lot after high school I know you would be there if I called on you. I will keep a part of you with me forever. Love you bro. Rest in paradise.

Tay Tay my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sad sad time. It's hard to know what to write as we hadn't spoken for a while. We only met a few times but that was enough to know the type of person you were; kind, generous, funny with a heart of gold. You always knew how to make people laugh. You accepted me as part of your family, showed me Chico and how to party the American way. I'm glad to have known you and have wonderful memories of my time in California and Scotland with you and the family. There will defiantly be another star shinning brightly in the sky, another angel in heaven. They say the good one die young, they are right. Rest in peace big guy and keep on smiling xx

Tay you will be missed by so many people. I will forever cherish the good times we had together. I love you and miss you brother. Thank you for teaching me how to play Shoot the Moon! Those were the best times just hanging out at your place playing Dominos. Rest in peace my friend. Love always, Beanpole

My deepest sympathy Taylor was a great young man to leave this world to soon. My prayers go out to the whole family in their time of need.

It's hard for me to sit and write when words cannot possibly express the sadness I feel.  I will miss all the pictures you would send when you went to see your grandpa in Fort Bragg or your grandparents in Idaho.  I will miss family game night at Aunt Shaun's and Uncle Ron's house and all the times you helped me get my cat off the roof when you came over because I was sure she was stuck. I will cherish every memory I have of you and pray that your family finds a little comfort in knowing how many people loved you and what amazing person they raised.

Taytay was an incredible guy like no other. I consider him as one if my best and realest friends and I think most people do because that's the kind of guy he was, he was always there no matter what. He was my first friend in Chico and we always had the best times. Life will be a little dimmer without your smiling face in it.  Rhonda you raised an amazing young man and he altered my life for the better. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

This world has most definitely lost one of it's best people. You were nothing less than happy , bright eyed and full of laughter every single time I ever saw you. Many memories and I'm so thankful I have them. You will be missed Tay Tay! Xoxo

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

"Only the good die young." 
Tay Tay you were such a sweet soul and fun friend. I'm glad you included me in some of your crazy shenanigans. You will be missed by all who knew you. Rest in peace.

Tay Tay my heart aches that your gone. You were an amazing friend and had a personality that everyone gravitated toward. I will cherish all our memories together. I still think about how you gave me a ride to school every day even though I lived around the corner from Davis and laugh about our crazy curly hair. I miss you friend and pray that you are with the Lord. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Love you Tay!

Taytay! Known for that infamous fro in high school! Always so loud in the quad, having a good time. I remember when you came to my house to meet my parents, they loved you!! We went to formal together and stayed pretty close afterwards. Parties at your place we're always soooo fun! You were so sweet and such a gentleman. Always put a smile on anyone's face! So bubbly and full of energy! And can't forget your sweet impala! Haha. Taylor you will be missed so much! So many people loved you! Including me! Rip taytay

Tay Tay man brotha we were always DOING IT LIVE I will never forget the times we shared together especially VEGAS and saving us from 42 FAKE Rest in Peace Bootsie

"You girls should take off early today." Taylor would always let my co-worker Natalie and I know that he was OK with us leaving work early. Even if he wasn't our boss. :)  Ronda and John, you two are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. Taylor's life was short lived but he lived life to the fullest. Taylor, you made everyone's day a little brighter and I know you will be with your dad looking down on your mom and brother, showing them you are still watching them and laughing with, maybe at, them. Sending my love to the family, xo

Aunt Rhonda, John John and the rest of my family. I'm heart broken to hear the passing of TayTay. Growing up far from Modesto but able to come home every year. One of my highlights would be seeing the boys. Our cousins of 5 (John John, TayTay, Michael, Ronnie and myself) will be missing one of our partners in crime. But he will never be forgotten. Times like these I hate living so far away. But I have to trust that God is in control. Sending a big hug to you all. Love always Kimberly Vaters.

Taylor my brother where do I start with you.... Geeze ... Two days ago I was talking to you brother and wish on this day I woulda never stopped talking with you. We always wish we had a chance to say Goodbye before we lose the ones we love but life doesn't seem to always work that way. That's why there's words Like I love you and things like Hugs to show someone you care about them and if anything were to ever happen you know they know you love them. Tay Tay I Love You Brother I wish I coulda gave you another Hug man but I know your up above and you know brother your in my heart until we meet again. I call you my brother not because that's just what people say for slang but because you were as important to me as a brother. When we lost you man I lost a piece of me but you let me know that your happy brother and I appreciate that. So Taylor, love you homie and I'm happy to know your in a better place. I Love you, til we meet again. Three-Head!

Today I found out terrible news about one of my good friends, still cant even believe this is true. You will always be missed and loved until the day we meet again. I know your in a better place but you will never leave my heart. You were a true friend and always knew how to cheer me up even when I was pissed off. I wish more people had your heart and your happy personality. Love You Brother. Rest in peace.

OBITUARY

Taylor L. Martin

May 2, 1988 – March 11, 2015

Lakewood Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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