Gary Duane Taylor

I am sorry to hear of Mr.Taylors passing,I have only met him once, But in that one time of meeting him, I could tell he was a amazing, kind, creative, supportive, and a absolute genius. I wish I could of had more time to meet him, but for that one time that I met him it was truly a honor to meet him once. he will always be remembered the hearts of all the people that were able to meet this amazing man.
Love Milo Whitten

Mr Taylor is more than a teacher to me, Mr Taylor was one of those people that when you are going through it you could talk to him and he would understand. Time and time again he would go on a rant about the sub report, but we all knew that he just wanted to see us do better. I would miss a lot of school to ski during my 7th grade year and Mr Taylor would always give me the,"You already know this topic don't worry about it" while other teachers would give me heaps of homework. Mr Taylor always wanted to know more about my skiing and would ask to see the videos constantly. This brought me and him great joy. Mr Taylor has been the most memorable teachers because of his quotes, whether it was,"TYPE IT INTO THE CALCULATOR," or ,"MATH IS NOT A SPECTATOR SPORT,". Every time I think of these quotes I am constantly reminded of the good times that I had in his class. After lunch in my 8th grade year I would always come Into his class between Spanish class and science so that I could do "good things". At one point we did this so often that the principle would stand next to the door to his class to make sure that we wouldn't go in. Outside of school, I had cleaned up they're yard and power washed they're trashcans. Mr and Mrs Taylor helped me so much to go on my ski trips and I would be no where close to where I am right now if it weren't for them. Mr Taylor has had such a big impact on my life, and the way I live life more to be more thankful.

Mr. Taylor was my 7th grade math/science teacher. He was one the nicest teachers I've ever had. He was always talking with prior students and students that he was teaching, making you feel heard and understood. Mostly at the beginning of the day, his desk was packed with students eager to tell him their stories. I used to talk to him a lot as well, it made me feel at ease. It was so easy to have a conversation with him. He would always intently listen, which now makes me tear up a little. I'd been trying to invite him to my Emersion performances. Orchestra, quartets and big performance pieces with a mixture of little kids and older kids. But, he got diagnosed with Colon Cancer and had to be hospitalized a few days before my first Emersion that I invited him to. He never made it to an Emersion. Which makes me very upset thinking about it. But I won't get into that for this. He was an amazing person, always talking about how math wasn't a spectator sport and how if we all didn't start to use our calculators we wouldn't survive across the hall. His music box was always fun, getting to guess the songs that my classmates had put into in. I didn't know most of them, but it was still fun. Another fun memory from last year was when he got ducked for April Fool's Day. When I walked into his class, I just saw him sitting in his chair, smiling while looking at all of the duck's scattered around his room. Some of my classmates had spread rubber ducks everywhere in his room for April Fool's Day, they let every student take one home. I still have mine, a vampire rubber duck, who has a special place in my room. Mr. Taylor also gave my friend and I 'Happy Pi Day' circle papers. They weren't stickers, just pieces of paper with a pi logo in the center and text surrounding it. The last thing I'll add with my memories is the butterfly hiding. We spent a lot of our W.I.N. time placing butterflies around the room. They were meant to be hidden, then discovered later on in the year. I have all of the items, the rubber duck, the pi paper, and the butterfly all in a special place in my room. The day that I was able to stand in his classroom again made me feel terrible. It wasn't his classroom anymore, it was Mrs. O'Hara's. I have nothing against Mrs. O'Hara, I'm very happy that she's back teaching. But, it just felt wrong. The fact that all of his stuff was gone, it just felt empty and hollow. Mr. Taylor was an amazing teacher, I'm so glad that I had the privilege to be taught under him as his student. I'm so thankful to him for all of the things he taught my class, even through his Colon Cancer he still tried to be there for us.
We love you Mr. Taylor
TA

I walked into Mr. Taylor's class as the new kid in steamboat only knowing two people in the grade. I couldn't of gotten a better teacher. Mr.Taylor was Kind, Funny and loved to laugh. He didn't only teach us math and science but how to be a better person. I remember I was talking during a test and after a threat forgiven of a 0 I walked out a better person, he had that effect on you, he made you better. Mr. Taylor was that one teacher that before he left would have a crowd of more former students than current in his classroom every morning. He was the kindest person you would ever meet and had infinite lessons to share. I will always remember his joy, "Math is not a spectator sport" and to find good things in every day. I feel incredibly Lucky to of had Mr. Taylor and will always remember him.

Mr. Taylor was the nicest and kindest person I have ever met. I met Mr. Taylor on the football field when he was the only person who wouldn't yell at me, the only person who actually helped me get better. When I would go into Mr. Taylors classroom they was this kind of love that no one else can give the kind were it made you feel special in a way that no one else could. I remember this one time he was in the middle of a lecture and I walked in and he stopped the entire lecture just to talk about my ski season, just to make me feel important. I want him to know that his kindness has impacted me and many others lives, and will continue to shape them.

Dear Mrs. Taylor,

I am so deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Taylor. I don't know if you received this, but I wanted to reach out and send my condolences to you and your family.

I didn't have Mr. Taylor in the classroom, but he was my football coach last year. He had such a positive impact on the rest of the team and me. We all learned so much from his leadership on the field, and the strength he showed later in his battle with cancer is a sign of his character.

Even though I wasn't in his math or science class, everyone my age and older, all the way up to maybe even some seniors in high school, knows his famous saying: "Math is not a spectator sport." It’s become a phrase we all use, and it’s a testament to the impact he had on the entire school, not just his own students. He really pushed us to be involved and give our best effort in everything we did.

I heard that you may have moved to North Carolina recently, and I hope you are doing as well as possible while you settle in. Please know that the school community and his former players are thinking of you.

With deepest sympathy,
Tyler Sloan

I have waited several weeks to write. I think it has taken me this long to accept this new reality, this world without Gary. Gary was my teaching partner and dear friend for three years. We were a tough-love mom/fun-forgiving dad partnership. I learned that it was impossible to meet with him in the minutes before school started because his classroom was swarmed with kids telling stories, sharing videos of their ski tricks, and just generally soaking up Gary’s love and attention. At a school that prides itself on forging strong teacher-student relationships, Gary was our flag-bearer. I think the hardest conversation we ever had was when he recognized that he couldn’t simultaneously fight cancer and teach seventh grade. He cherished every moment he had with his students. In the months leading up to April, he still asked about the students, their sports and classroom accomplishments, their friendships and their travels. After weeks
of discussion, the students and their families decided on a fitting tribute to Gary. There is a new outdoor classroom space being renovated this summer, and next fall, students will be able to sit on Gary’s four season, weather-proof bench. The plaque accompanying his bench will include two of his favorite sayings, “Math is not a spectator sport” and “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” Gary made me a better person, teacher, and friend. I miss his presence in my life, but I know the seeds of his wisdom are planted deep inside me.

There are so many things about Mr. Taylor that I love but two things especially were his humor and his kind heart. To start of I met Mr. Taylor for the first time in 6th grade when i was sent to his classroom as opposed to going to the office. I remember walking into that classroom prepared to just sit there and I walked out with half and understanding of slope (y=mx+b) and praying that i wouldn’t be in his class next year not knowing then that he would be one of the most influential parts of my life. So 7th grade comes around and of course i’m in his class i sit down and he looks at the attendance then looks at me and says in his amazing southern accent “I remember you”. After those first few weeks with Mr. Taylor every single student absolutely loved him. Everyday he would say one of his famous quotes like “Punch it in the calculator” or “Math is not a spectator sport”. Mr Taylor was also very easy to talk to. Even tho he was my teacher that didn’t stop me from telling him all of the middle school drama. Every single morning of late seventh grade and early eighth i would skip out of walking with my friends to tell him everything going on in my life. He would always ask questions and he always listened and knew how to make me and my peers feel special the second they entered his classroom. Every morning so many of us 8th graders would come in to see him and talk to him you would think that it was the queen of england sitting in his chair drinking diet coke. He was that loved and admired. Things that Mr taylor have told me through my short time of knowing him have stuck with me and will stick with me forever. Mr Taylor will always hold a very special place in my heart. His words and actions will continue to inspire me as long as I live and i’m so grateful I got to meet a person as kindhearted and caring as him.

My father first and foremost was a man of God, a man you could depend on no matter what, and a man who always held himself and those around him accountable. You could not ask for a better example of a virtuous person who was respectful and never condescending. I don't think my dad was ever late for an appointment, never failed to show up or hold to his word. He gave me a shining example of what it means to be a man and how to positively impact your community. Despite him leaving us so soon, I know his students, friends, colleagues, and family will forever have a piece our hearts filled from the impact he had. In the 28 years that I knew my dad, he never once failed to do and say what he thought was right in the eyes of God and will be welcomed with open arms. He gave me an absolutely shining example of what a strong marriage and partnership looks like with my mom. A standard I can now set for myself is purely a reflection of the love my parents shared, in sickness and in health being tested to its maximum capacity, they passed the test God set in front of them with ease. None of us will ever be the same without him, a testament to the lessons he taught and the laughs he gave. His laughter and joy was truly infectious, whether it be the songs he would sing while my sister and i would get in to fights or his unforgettable "sayings" that will be passed down whether we like it or not. It is an unexplainable feeling to know I won't hear him say my nickname that only he and my mom called me. I will value and always remember the love he gave me throughout my life and do my best to be the person deserving of it.
The relationship my dad and i had is hard to articulate, but i think he made everyone feel that way. His connection with people was genuine, made you feel seen, heard, and valued. He was so good at making the small things you cared about feel important and interesting. My dad made certain that I was a nerd just like him. One of my fondest memories is when he pulled me from school to go watch Star Wars in theatres and have a meal together for no reason other than we both loved it. So much of what my life is now directly comes from the things we did together, friends, jobs, doors opened, all because of him and the time we spent together. I miss you and I always will.

It has taken me a while thinking through all the memories since Gary became part of our family and what was so endearing to me about him. When he and my daughter got engaged they were still in college, as though they knew there was no time to waste. They were a perfect pair and already felt that certainty.
In the years to follow, Gary always put Beverly and their two children first. It was his nature and how he looked at life, how he focused on others and made friends easily. And everyone loved his unique sense of humor too.
I'll never forget the twinkle in his eye and impish grin playing on his lips when he was about to tell some outrageous story to amuse you. Or his wild imagination as it conjured up a Bigfoot sighting or predicted something incredible about to happen.
His serious, devoted side is just as memorable. He loved his students and being a teacher with even more to teach than academics and sports strategy. He really cared about them individually, their lives and accomplishments and their futures..
I loved being in the kitchen with Gary cooking. He was so talented and willing to share more than the recipe. Patiently he made sure I understood little details or an ingredient he added to make it even better.
Gary's strong faith in God helped him to trust the Almighty's timing. He and Beverly found peace in the hardest of times. They were thankful for the years in Colorado where they discovered their happiest place together with Libra.
I have no doubt that we'll see Gary again waiting to greet us with his wonderful smile on the other side. We love you, Gary.

I had mr taylor in seventh grade as my math and science teacher, but his class was never about learning. It was about the memories and connections we made because of him. Mr taylor always gave me a place to go to in the morning, lunch and peer mentoring. I would go in to his class during the last period of the day and he would help me with my math work and I would help his class. Mr taylor wasn't just an ordinary teacher, he always tried his best to make sure he had a connection with each and every one of his students. I was fortunate enough to be one of the students he had a very close relationship with, after I left the school to move up to the high school me and mr taylor would always chat about our break, weekend plans, and even just how school was going. Those conversations will forever be held in my heart. Mr taylor was such a loving soul and since I had him as my teacher my life has forever been altered in a positive way.

I got to know Gary through Bev. He was friendly, kind, and so easy-going. When he came to the middle school, we all immediately loved him, and we were so happy to have him on our staff. I loved that outside of school, I always saw Bev and Gary together. It might just be grocery shopping at Safeway, but they were obviously best friends as well as husband and wife. I am so glad we had the time we did with the two of you. Bev, I am happy you are back in North Carolina with your family, but you are missed.

How do I even write this? My best friend, Gary Taylor, was the love of my life almost at first sight. After our first date, we were engaged in one month. When he knew, he knew. Okay, we waited a year to get married, but when you meet your best friend/soul mate, you just know.

Gary and I could talk for hours and hours. Most new couples can do this, but we did this for 35 years. We loved raising our kids (Ty and Kaley) together in North Carolina. But, eventually, I asked Gary if he wanted to move to Colorado. He was ecstatic! He was very much up for the adventure to get out of the NC humidity and into the Colorado mountains. Colorado definitely delivered. We enjoyed ten amazing years exploring, hiking, camping, biking, skiing, and just everything outdoors. I never saw Gary happier!

During these 10 years, we found Steamboat Springs in 2021. If you have never been, book a trip. It doesn't matter what time of year (well, avoid mud season), this place is our paradise. Gary thrived as an adventurer, a teacher, a coach, a husky dad, a husband... he was truly happy. Then... the cancer journey began.

On October 7, 2024, Gary checked himself into the hospital. He was very sick. I am not going to share his 18-month journey here. I will tell you, God took over. He gave Gary the most amazing Cancer Center (probably on planet Earth... just saying). The Jan Bishop Cancer Center staff are AMAZING. They treated us like family. They fell in love with Gary's infectious personality, and I truly believe every nurse smiled a little bit more when they were assigned to this sweet man. He took an interest in knowing about all the nurses' families, travels, adventures, etc. He was so selfless. They loved him and, by default, loved me. Going for treatments was never depressing or a chore. I kinda looked forward to it... and the best view of Mt. Werner... not a bad day.

Now his story is over. We are the survivors. He loved all his students. He loved Libra and me. He loved his family. There is a big hole in my heart that will never be filled. I am so thankful to be the only one who lived his cancer journey from start to finish. We had so many REAL conversations. Saying goodbye is not hard for me. Gary never wanted to be a burden to anyone. He didn't want to live forever. My heartbreak is having to let GARY go. I don't have my "go to" person to share all the things with. I know I will miss him for the rest of my life. But... please remember all of these things...

* His laugh (listen to that second video)
* His love of Bigfoot and Aliens
* Look at that last photo in the slideshow... That is Gary on his moon pod (which he loved), and you will see his beloved Jackalope in the background.
* He loved his Libra!
* His sense of humor.
* His desire to have a skull for an urn... yep, made that happen.
* Steamboat, I will scatter some of his ashes on the CORE trail in June. Think of him as you enjoy the beautiful Core Trail and the River. Probably gonna happen near the Mountain Lion statue as you enter town.

Gary, I love you forever. Until we meet again. We used to be the three musketeers... Now, Libra and I are "Two Sweet-Peas in a Pod"... you get it, G!

It has taken several weeks for me to sit down and write a message about this amazing man. As I read each tribute I couldn't help thinking, "how did he do it, how did he make each person he touched feel special"? The answer is, that is exactly the person Gary was. I had the honor of knowing Gary as a teacher to my child, and has a human who had to navigate the difficult world of cancer. What I witnessed, in each of these settings is a person who represented the good in all of us. He had grace, humor, and a realness that allowed us to share tears and laughter. Beverly, you also embody all of these things and would silently take all of it in. You were so constant and steady. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives. Thank you, to both of you, for showing my little person that teachers can believe in her, even when school is hard. I will miss you both greatly, but when I think of you it will bring a smile to my face and a chuckle in my belly, as the world is a beautiful place and you both saw that in the hardest of times.

Gary, my beloved son. First I want to thank God for giving me the privilege of being your Dad for fifty seven years eleven weeks and four days. I have so many precious memories of you during that time, especially.the things we shared together.

I remember how you loved the visits to your grandparents' beginning when you were at a very young age and continuing throughout their lifetime; how all your neighborhood friends came to our house to play because you always freely shared your toys; how your elementary school teachers made comments to your Mom and I about how high you grades were in citizenship. and what a perfect young gentleman you were, a trait that you displayed through you life.

I remember the dozens of Virginia Tech (GO HOKIES) football games we attended at Lane Stadium while living in Dublin, Virginia. At one Va Tech vs VMI game, it was so cold before halftime your Three Musketeer candy bar was frozen solid when you attempted to eat it. You wisely suggested "let's go home" which we imediately did, I remember all the fun times your Mom and I had for three years traveling with the Pulaski County High School Marching Band as chaperones while you were a trombone player in the band.

i proudly remember you as a member of Pulaski County Life Saving Crew where you first began "serving your community". I remember responding to so many accidents, medical and rescue calls with you from the time you joined at age sixteen and became the fourth member of the response team with Ronnie, Fred and I. Imbedded in my memory is the stop at Hardee's following a late night call when, while waiting in line to place our order, Fred experienced "THE INFAMOUS ATTACK BROOM" and his "rabbit like" hopping around trying to avoid it. It was hilarious and prompted your "signature laugh" heard by everyone in the resraurant. You and I had so many laughs as we reminisced about that event throughout the years that followed.

I remember our preparation for and in June 1987 our family's relocation to Johnson City,Tennessee where you enrolled at East Tennessee State University and where you met the love of your life, Beverly Pendergast. I remember the morning following your first date with her, you said to your Mom and I, "I dated the the girl last night that I am going to marry." Your prediction became reality when Beverly and you were married June 1, 1991 and from that point became "two as one"

I remember you leaving for basic training at the Naval Trainingg Center Orlando to fulfill your committment to the United States Navy made prior to developing the relationship with Beverly. I remember your Mom, Beverly and I traveling to Orlando to attend your basic training graduation cermony and me picking you up several weeks later at the Meriden Naval Air Station at the completion of your Administrative training as a Personnelmam. How handsome and impressive you were in the Navy uniform.

Such fond memories I have of you and Beverly relocating to North Carolina; you reentering college and receiving your degree from East Carolina University, where we became avid ECU football fans.(GO PIRATES).and attended many football games where the pregame tailgating in the parking lot was almost as much fun as the game; our frequent trips to Raleigh where your family grew with the birth of our grandson Ty in 1997 and two years later our granddaughter Kaley. Those meals you prepared were out of this world.

I remember all the fun times at Cellar 275 and the joy of seeing you working as owner/operator of that establishment with Beverly by you side as always, the two of you as one.

I remember the mixed emotions, although not a total surprise, I had receiving the news that you and Beverly were planning to move to Colorado.Springs, Colorado; later the excitement you showed with you relocation to Steamboat Springs achieving your long-term dream of living high in the Rockies, your version of Paridise on earth. I will always cherish the memories of the
several four-day and three-night road trips your Mom and I made to Colorado to visit with you and Beverly.and the building excitement each time,as we neared our destination. Again, the meals you prepared were out of this world.

The most gratifying memories in my life are those of seeing you find your true calling in life when you entered the teaching profession and settled in Steamboat Springs, where you were so happy teaching, coaching football and just enjoying life with the love of you life, Beverly and your canine soul mate Libra.
You were always so proud of your students, whom you so affectionately called "Your Youngins" and their accomplishments both inside and outside the classroom.

Gary, my precious son, when you went to be with Jesus a large part of my heart went with you leaving a hole that will remain there until this earthly body is gone and I join you in Heaven.

Until then Gary, I will end our conversations as I always do, "I love you son to the moon and back".

It’s almost impossible to choose from 57 years of precious memories to share. My mind is flooded with every minute we shared. To have you as our son is the greatest gift God has given us.

I will miss our Sunday afternoon phone calls. We always shared our activities, especially what each of us was cooking for Sunday dinner.

Another special memory is the love and compassion you had for your family which you always shared. You always stayed focused on the positive and was always determined to protect them from all the negative things in life.

You loved being a teacher. You shared how much you loved your students and were so proud of their accomplishments both in and outside the classroom.

I remember from the age of eight you were a dog lover. “Meatball “ who was with you for 16 years was your first pet. Next there was “Simi” who was your family’s companion for so many years. We were able to share sister pups for 17 years. “Abby” for your family and “Chloe “ for us. We shared stories about them every time we visited or talked on the phone. They were so much alike and so much fun together. Your next “fur baby “ Libra became your canine soul mate. I will always think of you and your adventures together hiking in Colorado.

In closing I just want to say: Now that God has taken you to Heaven he has the best son; the best husband; best dad; the best GPa; the best friend; the best teacher; the best cook, and best pet dad…..
God now has the BEST of the BEST! The heartache of losing you will never go away. The memories of yesterday are now and always will be in my heart. Until I join you in heaven, as I always end our conversations. “ I love you son to the moon and back “.

Mom

Thank you for sharing Mr. Taylor with the boys of Steamboat. His calm and "chill" demeanor were the perfect fit for middle school boys. He was Thomas' favorite teacher at SSMS and although Calvin only got to have him for a brief time I believe he would have been at the top of his list also. We hope you find joy in your memories and that he lives on in those that loved him most.

Gary became part of my family almost 35 years ago when he married my sister, Beverly. In over three decades of memories with him, I can’t think of Gary without hearing his unmistakable laugh in my head. He could always make me laugh whether he was telling some outrageous story, teasing my kids or just laughing in his unique way. He was fun to be around and everyone loved him. One summer when our families rented a house at the beach, Gary put together an amazing luau themed birthday dinner for Bev. That man could cook anything! There were tiki torches, leis and “the lads” dressed in their oversized Hawaiian shirts. When Gary opened his own wine shop, I used to go and hang out with him during the slow times and help wash some wine glasses and chat. I feel fortunate to have had those ordinary everyday conversations with him. As I look back, they mean so much more now. Most recently, I was blessed to be able to go to Steamboat and celebrate what would be Gary’s last Thanksgiving. I had visited a couple of times when they lived in Colorado Springs but it was clear that Steamboat had his heart. I will never forget how his eyes lit up when he saw some of his students at the local Turkey trot 5k my brother Brent had talked me into doing. Gary came to watch and I know he was low on energy but there was a distinct spark when those kids came over to talk to him. No doubt he left a lasting imprint on so many lives. Love you so much, Gary.

Gary is the brother I never had. I loved him sooooo much and he made me laugh, especially with his laugh. From the times in Johnson City when we went to community college together (when he actually went) to the Burlington days and the fun parties and long nights staying up talking about life, the fun times with all our kids, beers upon beers and cheers after. The BOC and making fun of Sweet Pea and her love for the Buster soundtrack. Playing video games when Bev & G let me stay with them during my internship in Greenville, NC. “I never had such an easy victory !”

Gary always listened, he lived to laugh and poke fun at Bev to get her goat (she often took the bait), his stern views on politics were always a fun challenge and just being with Gary made me happy.
He always listened and was engaged. He cares about everyone and cooked the shit out some damn good food. He did it because he wanted to please others and I’m sobbing writing this. I miss him dearly and this past couple years I feel so blessed to have been able to spend time with him and learn what was so important to him. He loved his family and always wanted the best for them. He lives life in the present and not the past. The mountains were his place and when I saw how much his kids / students loved him as we ventured around Steamboat, I knew he finally found his calling. They meant the world to him and he loved my sis just as much. Gary will always be remembered and I will cherish the time we had together. May you rest in peace and have fun up there with the Angels G, I love ya!

I remember the first time I met Gary was when he was interviewing for his position at the middle school and I kept thinking about how he seemed like the kindest soul and had a true passion for science and teaching kids. He also mentioned that he used to teach at Ft. Carson in Colorado Springs, and strangely enough his first job as an educator was at the same school that my sister worked at! Gary always made a point after that to ask me about my sister and wondered how she was doing.

After that I worked with Gary in 7th grade teaching math and science. He always made my day because he was just so happy to be at work, and it always so cute to see him and Bev get to work together in their Jeep. Also, you could tell how much his students truly loved him because there would always be students in his room at the start of the day and during lunch. Many of the times, they would be there to get advice about something or to just catch up.
Something I wish I would have told Gary was that he reminded me so much of my dad and having him at work , just made me feel like I had a Dad at work.

As my father in law, Gary will always be a special person in my life and that of my family. We wouldn’t be here without him.
The very first time I met Gary I flew to Steamboat Springs from Raleigh with Kaley (my girlfriend at the time), a ring in my pocket, and nerves words can’t quite describe. I knew I was in a difficult situation, seeing as we didn’t get to visit nearly as often as we would’ve liked. With Kaley and myself on the other side of very serious conversations about getting married and starting a family, unless I wanted to wait another 6-12 months to ask for his blessing I’d have to muster the courage now! After hearing stories of Kaley’s past relationships and how Gary viewed them as not-so-great for her, I was concerned I’d end up as another cut from the roster. I was relieved and energized after we hit it off during our first few days of our visit. We had a ton of similar interests - camping, love for outdoors, food, and bushcraft - not to mention our shared opinions and perspectives. All of which I only wish I could have explored and bonded with him more. But he must have seen something in me; something of a gut feeling of trust and transparency and that he could believe my words despite my lack of time to show my actions. On the 3rd day of our trip, Gary and I hopped into his Jeep on a coffee run and I knew this was a great moment with just he and I. I asked him for Kaley’s hand in marriage, and he was elated. We shared emotions and stories, expectations and realities, rules and intentions which I will remember for a long time. Without Gary’s trust in me and his ability to see who I am in such a short period of time, I wouldn’t have had his blessing to marry my wonderful wife, Kaley. We wouldn’t have brought two beautiful little girls into this world. For this, I am forever grateful for his trust in me and his willingness to accept me into his family to soon create our own. I am only regretful that I didn’t have more time to spend with him doing the things we both love with the people we both love. My last promise to Gary was that I would take care of his girls, and with the faith he had in me to stay true to my word, I will forever uphold that promise.

GT!! Thank you for always letting me call you that!! Your initials also mean GIFTED and TALENTED-and you were both! My heart always felt happy when I got to see you in the arcade, and I loved chatting with you about our students.
I wrote this in the card to you, but want to share it here as well. My memory is of a PD day; I had the good fortune to be assigned a seat next to you.
We had to write our reflections on our WHY? (all educators know what I am talking about!). Anyway, I was writing my reflection and I looked up. Gary was done in 30 seconds-he had written ONE sentence. I couldn't see it but was SO curious what he wrote!
Time came around to share, and we got to Gary. In his Southern drawl, he said "I just love youngins". That was his WHY and that embodies everything I know about him. He TRULY loved our students and they loved him too. Our school is different without the Taylors, we miss you! But you both are legendary and will always be a part of the spirit and family of SSMS. You are both so loved.

Although I never met Gary personally I had known of him and his sweet wife Beverly for years as they were my daughters best friends.
Any time my daughter could make a trip from Colorado Springs to Steamboat she was excited to go. She loved the quiet morning walks with Gary, Libra and Guinness. She loved the food Gary prepared and the joy and laughter he provided.
Even when he was so near the end he gladly and patiently took my phone calls as I was worried about my own health and wanted his advice. He was so encouraging and helpful. He and I had quite a few laughs together. He will be so truly and deeply missed.

Oh Gary… My Bestie in the Westies 🥹 🏔️🏞️ we became friends in the strangest of ways. A memory I’ll never forget!🤣 I knew then that we would be close. The same phenomenons that we both think are awesome was so fun to talk about and watch different episodes about! Our journey with Christ in our Bible studies and all of our wonderful dinners that you made us! Thank you for all the wonderful memories! 🤗The good laughs the great walks with the dogs! I hope you rest easy in heaven and watch over all of us especially me on my hikes with Guinness! I love you and Beverly with all my heart and know I’ll be here for her! 🤍🪽🫶🏽 🥹

Mr taylor was my 7th grade math teacher and honestly I learned more then just math in class. Mr Taylor was a great role model and mentor. Mr Taylor left an impacted on me that I still stand by to this day. My favorite memory with Mr Taylor was when he was trying to figure out brainrot terms. He will always be remembered in the hearts of all his students and I know everyone will take the kindness he gave us with them for the rest or their lives.

I was fortunate to know Gary at ETSU as we were both members of Sigma Chi. He was a great guy and I have fond memories of late night philosophical discussions in the Fraternity House living room on a wide variety of topics. We didn’t always agree - but we always respected the opinions of each other. He was so smart. I hadn’t seen him in a number of years but David Diboyan would keep me updated anytime he talked to Gary. Prayers and condolences for Beverly and all the family.

I had Mr. Taylor as my seventh grade teacher, but he was so much more than that to us. Mr. Taylor left a lasting impact on me and he taught me so many lessons I’ll take with me for the rest of my life. He had such a passion for teaching that inspired everyone in the class. He would be so exited to teach us every day and he never failed to make us all laugh. One of my favorite things to look back on is how many inside jokes we had. One that comes to mind is the when he told us he was trying to convince his daughter to name his granddaughter Wolfgang (no surprise that one didn’t make her top ten). Or how much he loved funny car videos like on the first day of school in his class when he was laughing so hard he started crying while watching one. In addition, Mr. Taylor was able to make a personal connection with every one of his students. Every day even after seventh grade was over me all his other past students would come to visit him before their classes started just to talk about how life was going. I am truly grateful to have had his guidance in my life and his impact went far beyond his classroom. I know every one of the students he ever had will carry on his kindness, humor, and passion with them for the rest of their lives.
A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning. -Brad Henry

Many of my memories of Gary are from when I was much much younger but there are a few core memories i will remember with him. I’ve been best friends with his daughter since I was 8. There were many times we’d ride in his jeep to tumbling class and would get mcdonald’s in the morning. Very shortly after I became best friends with his daughter, I’ll never forget Gary and my dad hitting it off and trying to convince our young, gullible selves that they knew each other before we met and wrestled gorillas together. They always gave these tales to us that we truly believed. I will also never forget how much he loved and joked about aliens and bigfoot. He would always send me random texts of just an alien emoji when i was younger. if ya know, ya know! He will forever hold a place in my heart as almost a second dad to me.

One of my favorite memories is being on the phone with Beverly and Gary always making bird sounds. It never failed. He always did it. It always made me laugh and even though I wasn’t on the phone with him- I was on the phone with him too.
So many memories of hanging at the NC house- we hung in the kitchen often and Gary would always stand. I would often say, don’t you want to sit lol. Nope. He loved to stand- for hours we would all just hang out and chat. His cooking was the absolute best! Our families have spent dinners together, checking out his Delorean, getting veggies from his garden, Super Bowls, and hanging at the Cellar.
I always felt welcome at the Taylor house and part of the family. Our families always got along well and enjoyed time spent together.
Gary- you will be missed and I know you have left your footprint in the hearts of so many.

Gary was my dad. There are more memories than I would ever be able to write down on paper. Some I don’t even realize are memories until I am given a reminder, but there are some that shine so bright that I instantly think of them when I talk about him.
When I was growing up, every Saturday morning we would be up way before my mom or brother. He would always ask me to go to bojangles with him. One thing about my dad was that he absolutely hated eggs. If you even said the word he looked like he might throw up. Most of the time they would get his order wrong and we would have to wait for them to remake his steak and cheese biscuit with NO egg. We always sat in the living room and picked a movie to watch while we ate.
Another special memory was him helping me move in to my college dorm room at ECU. ECU was so special to him and he loved pirate football more than most things in life. He got to reminisce on his time as a student while we were there. We got to relive some of his favorite things, like Cubbies and the UBE store. He was proud that I was following him in going to ECU.
A final, and most meaningful memory to me was getting the opportunity to fly him back to North Carolina in his final days. The way I witnessed his strength in overcoming such a long journey will forever hold a place in my heart. It was one of his final goals and there was nothing going to stop him from achieving it. It was one of the hardest things he would ever have to do but he showed resilience, strength, and kindness throughout the entire journey.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to know him and learn so much from him. I am proud to have had him as my dad and am so happy to see all of the lives he touched along his way.