Michael L. Taylor

Michael L. Taylor, Mandan, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 8, 2018, at the age of 69. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 on Monday, October 15th at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E. Divide Ave, Bismarck. Interment will follow at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery. Mike was born on June 21, 1949, in Havre, MT. Following his high school graduation in 1967, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed in Pensacola, FL, Japan, Guam, and Bellingham, WA.  He married Sally Potter in 1970 and together they had four children. He began his career as a clerk with Burlington Northern Railway in 1971, working his way up to Yardmaster in 1995. From then on, Mike worked in the Mandan yard until his retirement in 2003. Mike had a gift when it came to public speaking and participated in the facilitation of Beginning Experience of Western North Dakota, where he counseled those who’ve suffered loss. Many of those he counseled became his friends. Michael met his longtime love, Barbara, in 1999. Together they enjoyed walks, going to single file dances, and spending time with her two grandsons who visited him regularly.  Mike was a talented guitarist, singer, and poet. His children grew up listening to him sing and play guitar, which are their fondest memories with him. His sense of humor, wit, and positive attitude were instrumental in his survival over his 15-year battle with numerous health issues and illnesses. He always had a sarcastic remark for his nurses and prided himself on bringing humor to the clinic staff. He was a passionate man in every sense of the word, be it in love, politics, or woodworking. Nothing mattered more to Mike than family and he instilled this value in others. Always a kid at heart, his greatest joys were his children and grandchildren. While raising his children he initiated “Treat Night”, where he allowed them to pick out any and all sweet treats on Friday nights to enjoy while watching movies. This became a favorite family tradition. His grandchildren loved visiting Grandpa’s house, as there were no rules for small children and plenty of spoiling. Many of his children’s friends viewed him as a father figure and considered his place their second home. Michael is survived by his daughter Kaycee (Matt) Boehm, daughter Kelley Taylor, granddaughters Madelyn, Avery, Stella, and Laenna, long time girlfriend Barbara Sobolik (special little buddies Rylan and Jude), sister Toni Hanson, brother Gary Taylor, and father Lawrence Taylor, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Gertrude, daughter Kristin, son Corry, and brother Kelly. Mike’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude toward his many nurses, doctors, and clinic staff, whose expertise and compassion meant so much to him.