"I am so sorry for your loss, I am sure he will be greatly missed!"
In loving memory of
THOMAS JOSEPH TAYLOR
February 10, 1934 - April 27, 2014
Thomas Joseph Taylor of Marquette, MI left this world peacefully Sunday morning at the age of 80. In his last days, Tom was surrounded in his home by all of his children and many grandchildren. Tom was a devout Catholic and member of the St. Peter's Cathedral, participating in Eucharistic Adoration and attending mass frequently.
Tom was born February 10, 1934 in Newberry, MI, the son of Pat and Marie (Surrell) Taylor. Tom was an accomplished high school and college football player and coach, earning college All-American honors and was inducted into the U.P Hall of Fame, Albion College Athletic Hall of Fame, and most recently into the Newberry High School Hall of Fame.
Tom proudly served as a military policeman during the Korean Conflict. Following his service, Tom earned a Bachelor's Degree from Albion College in 1958 and a Masters Degree in Education from Northern Michigan University. Tom began his career as a football coach and educator at Clarkston High School in Clarkston, MI. He then moved on to Albion College, first as a line coach, then head coach and assistant professor of physical education. In 1973, he moved to Marquette and was employed at NMU as football coach, then in the financial aid department until his retirement in 1994.
Tom was respected throughout the community and was a strong role model for his family. As a runner, Tom competed in the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City, MI and fostered a 30-year family tradition of participating in the Big Bay Relay. Many children and grandchildren began their love of sport and fitness at the hand of their grandfather. Tom loved to attend his family's sporting events and would travel hours to encourage and cheer from the stands.
True to Yooper form, Tom loved fishing and hunting. He especially enjoyed going to hunting camp with his good friend, Bob Pecotte, and the rest of the crew. As a diehard Detroit sports fan, Tom stood by his Tigers and Lions teams through thick and thin. After retirement, Tom and Dorothy wintered in Florida for 15 years, where they loved spending time in the warmth, staying active and perfecting their golf swings.
He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Dorothy, five children; Debra (Gordon) Haughey, Lynne Taylor (Steve White), Kathy Taylor, Tom (Marilyn) Taylor, and Terry (Kim) Taylor. Tom is also survived by thirteen grandchildren; Jessica LaVallie, Scott Lavender, Brent Haughey, Erin Neumeyer, Jared Haughey, Krista Hill, Jennifer Lemirande, Susan Skougard, Britta Trepp, Joergen Trepp, Paul Taylor, Gina Taylor, Michael Taylor, and eighteen great grandchildren. Tom is also survived by his beloved sister, Jean (Dick) Kratochvil, cousins Matt and Jim Surrell; and numerous nieces & nephews
Tom will forever be remembered for his devotion to his Catholic faith, love and adoration for his wife, love for his family, story-telling, and sense of humor.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at 12 Noon at St. Peter Cathedral with Rev. Msgr. Michael Steber officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the mass in the Bishop's Room of the church. Interment will take place in Park Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post #44.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom's honor to the Peter White Public Library, 217 North Front Street, Marquette, MI 49855.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"Brian Hammar I am so sorry to hear that Tom passed. I am sure he was surrounded with love his last few days. Tom was a great man who I respected very much and always appreciated his wonderful stories. He will be missed."
"Dear Dorothy and family, Jan and I just heard about Tom's passing last evening from Lanny Leak, a football teammate of mine at Albion College where, as you know, we both played with Tom. It was a special privilege to know Tom. He was an outstanding athlete, leader and friend. He set a wonderful example for all of us on and off the field and we all benefitted from that relationship. I have no doubt that he is now with Jesus, at peace, and reunited with family and friends who passed before him. Especially with Morley and Fritz at the chalkboard putting up X's and O's. Our healing prayers and love go out to you and your family. Love, Jim and Jan"
"We wish to extend our deepest condolences to Dorothy and all our nieces and nephews and extended family. We know Tom was greatly loved and will be missed by all those left behind. Tom will now pass on to his final resting place and join the rest of the ancestors. Tom was a private person and so is Dorothy, so we are learning more about Tom now than we knew when he was alive. Tom was a great role model to all athletes and like Dorothy he encouraged all couch potatoes to keep moving. We can appreciate the hard work it took to stay committed to a marriage of 60 years, especially with their many moves, travels and large family. May we all hope and encourage others to have such good fortune. Their example encouraged Larry and I "hang in there". Dorothy and Tom made a great team. All of our families can learn a lot from their example. Dorothy put her heart and soul into all her many roles; mother, grandmother, teacher, cook & gardener and also a soul mate to Tom. Dorothy and Tom had some excellent role models as did all our families in their parents. We honor and thank Dorothy's parents; Frances Mae & Dexter D. Fossitt and Tom's parents, Marie & Patrick Taylor. May Tom's soul rest in peace and may the Lord bless and keep his family surrounded with his love. Linda & Larry St. Ours"
"Dear Dorothy and all of your family, I will not be able to extend my sympathy in person as we are out of town but I want you all to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. GOD BLESS!! Agnes (Potvin) Beerling"
"Debbie, Gordy and family - our sincere condolences to all of you. Jeff & Lorene"
"Barb and I send our condolences as we think of you and pray for you. May the peace of God comfort and keep all of you as you go through this time of grief."
"Dorothy and Family, It was with sadness today when I received a note from Liz Fraser about Tom's passing. Tom had such a great influence in my life. I am so thankful for the time that he spent with me as my football coach at Clarkston High School, which included directing me to Albion College. While at Albion I was thrilled when I heard that he was coming to Albion to be the new line coach. So I was blessed to not only have Tom tutor me in high school but also in college. Ruth and I, as newlyweds, always looked up to you and Tom and your marriage and family. I will always remember the times when we were invited over to your home for dinner. (Just one of many Great Memories at Albion) I thought I might share a few of the things in my life that have come about because of Tom's influence in my life. I was a teacher and coach at Okemos High School for 36 years. After retirement I taught 4 years at CMU. My son attended Albion College where he also played football. He has gone on to be a very successful high school teacher and coach. I presently have the privilege of being one of his assistants for football at Perry High School where he is the head coach. Dorothy, Ruth and I are so thankful for the influence you and Tom had in our lives. We now have 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren and spend a lot of our time cheering them on in all their various school activities. We are so thankful that we know that life is eternal and that families are a key part of our Heavenly Father's plan. Bob and Ruth Porritt"
"Tom Taylor was a great person and fabulous teammate. My Freshman year was Tom's Senior year on the Briton football squad - he taught me many things but what I'll never forget was the lesson on the best technique for blocking a 250 lb (large in those days) defensive tackle - "just grab his shirt and fall down in a direction away from the refs" - it sometimes worked. Tom didn't need those kind of tricks - he was the consummate outstanding talented football player - strong, smart and fast. And Tom was always encouraging and helpful. My condolences to his wonderful family. He will be missed!!"
"Deb, Gordy & Family: We were very saddened to hear of Tom's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy and know you are in our thoughts and prayers."
"My thoughts and prayers are with the Taylor family. Tom Taylor influenced me greatly for the good. I am grateful to have been a student and player of Tom Taylor."
"we wish to express our conolences to Dorothy and family at the loss of their Husband and Father. May you take comfort in the words of Jesus; \"I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me,though he die,yet shall he live,whoever lives and believes in me,shall never die.\""
"Thank you for sharing this obituary and letting us get to know Mr. Taylor ~ My prayers are with my sister Marilyn and Tom and everyone ~ ~ ~ I will think of your wonderful family Tuesday during the hours of the funeral Mass ~ ~ ~ Peace and Light "
"I've often thought about Tom over the years as life went by after I played football at Albion College in 1961-62. Tom and I became acquainted then and we used to enjoy testing each other during a weightlifting program that he was involved in in those days. I was made stronger and more determined by his competitive nature when we would stand face to face and hand the bar and weights back and for the after completing our repetitions of curls to see who would wear out first. I dont remember who did, but I've often thought what a good training method that was for strong competitive young men. I enjoyed it very much. I never saw Tom after Albion College football days, but I kept track of his athletic honors as the years went by, especially his induction into the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame. As we look back at things we would have liked to do, but didn't I should have contacted Tom then and congratulated him. I have lived in Calumet since 1971 and why I didn't make contact with Tom being so close all these years I dont know. Im sure we would have had a lot to talk about. The short time I did know Tom was enough for him to encourage me to pursue my interest in athletic competition and Im thankful that I had the opportunity to share what time I did with him. It has provided me with good memories throughout my life. Im always honored to have known men who've made athletic competition and fitness an integral part of their lives. Tom certainly was a man who exemplified that lifestyle. That lifestyle has sustained me these many years too and I still find enjoyment in Senior Olympic track and field competition. I respectfully send my condolences on your loss and please know that I will remember Tom as a man who I was privileged to know for a short time, but who remains in my thoughts these many years later. My loss is that I never made that contact to get to know him better. Richard (Dick) Dana"
"Kathy, so sorry for your loss. I know your Dad meant the world to you. He sounded like a wonderful man."
"Kathy, Debra and Family, So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts. Sue Hornbogen, Kurt Simandl and Dani Simandl"
"My sympathy to the extended Taylor family upon the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. I have fond memories of attending Albion College football games with Tom's children when we were growing up. I know he will be greatly missed by loving family members. Love to all. Kathy (Fraser) Maguire, Greenville, MI"
"My condolences to the Taylor family. I am sure your loved one is resting now in heaven. - Carolyn and her daughter, Anna"
"Our thought and prayers are with all of you."
"My prayers to your family at this difficult time. Walt always liked working with Tom at Albion College. May your many happy memories keep him close to you. Caroline Swyers Albion"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time , but know that when i had Coach Taylor when at NMU he was a great man and Coach and i will never forget him :) thanks"
"Sending prayers thoughts and condolences."