Age 53

Michael "Mike" James Taylor, born in Garden City, Mich. on May 10, 1965, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on January 27, 2019. He was diagnosed with esophageal adenocarcinoma on March 7, 2018.

Mike is survived by his wife, Amy (Preisach) Taylor, children Zachary (Elizabeth) and Zoe Taylor, parents James and Paulette Taylor, and sister Sherry (Taylor) Mifsud, as well as his nephews Robert Lashbrook, Nicholas (Mariah) Mifsud, niece Taylor Mifsud, and great-nephews Liam and Nathan Mifsud. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Vern and Ruth McNeven and Clayton and Shirley Taylor.

Mike's first big plan was to be a pilot for the airforce. He took part in ROTC and started in the U.S. Air Force in 1983 but was honorably discharged in 1988 due to back problems. Over the last few years, his favorite pastime was flying quadcopters and recording bird's-eye-view videos. He took steps to create his own business and dreamed of collaborating with a network of copter-flyers and video editors. He was so proud when he earned his Federal Aviation Administration license to fly his quadcopters in national airspace, and would joke that he finally became a pilot.

Mike and Amy married November 12, 1994, at Golden Rings Wedding Chapel. Their first child, son Zachary James, was born June 28, 1995, and their daughter Zoe Marie on October 4, 1999. During that time, Amy was a homemaker while Mike finished his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at Lawrence Technical University in Southfield, Mich., going on to work as a design engineer at automotive supplier companies such as Alcoa and Fujikura Automotive.

With his family, Mike was very goofy with a unique sense of humor. He often tried to pull pranks and surprise his family members, especially his wife. He loved to cook meals and try new recipes, and especially enjoyed barbecuing. In the summer, he liked to go camping and boating with family and friends.

Mike was fascinated by science and was never satisfied with the "common understanding" of mainstream science. He strived to understand complex ideas and explain them to his friends and family, especially his son Zach.

Michael was beloved by his family and friends, and all are invited to join them at a visitation on Saturday, February 2, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Santeiu & Son Funeral Home in Garden City. Military honors will begin at 1 p.m.

ln lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Angela Hospice at https://www.angelahospice.org/donate/ .