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Gary Michael Taylor, 68

Gary Michael Taylor, 68, was received into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at his home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Born Aug. 27, 1949, in Niagara Falls, N.Y., Gary married his bride, Sandy Travers, on Aug. 6, 1972. He was an amazing father to his four children: Lanel Taylor; Brian Taylor, who is married to Faye; Tami Taylor and Teri Taylor. His joy was his three grandchildren: Rider Taylor, Ally Taylor and Kyle Gary Taylor. He was loved by many as a husband, dad, grandpa, son, son-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, godfather, Gpa and friend.

Gary loved his family, the San Francisco Giants and apple pie. He worked as an electrical estimator for 15 years before retiring at 45 due to kidney failure as a result of diabetes. In 1994, he received a kidney and pancreas transplant, which gave him a new lease on life. He then worked for the Milpitas Food Pantry, where he enjoyed meeting and sharing his faith with his clients. In 2007, Gary received his second kidney transplant from his daughter, Tami, due to complications that resulted in his first kidney transplant failing.

First and foremost, Gary was a husband and dad. Family time was important; whenever possible he was at his kids’ events and spending time with them and their friends. He was a second dad to many of his kids’ friends. In 2004, he became a grandpa — that was probably his favorite title. In 2010, Gary and Sandy followed their kids to Coeur d’Alene. He hated the cold, so you’d often see him bundled in multiple layers so he could enjoy his grandkids’ activities.

Gary never met a stranger; he would start a conversation anywhere and loved to get to know his new friends. When talking about him, people would often comment on his smile — he always had a smile and loved to laugh. He loved to eat out, wait on the porch to greet people and cheat at games so his grandkids could win.

He left our lives too soon, but we are thankful for the many years we got with him. His phone calls, invites to go out to dinner and smiles will be missed by his family. We rejoice that he is sitting at the throne of his King (whistling again) and will live his legacy until we meet again.

A celebration of his life will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1700 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814. The family invites you to wear your favorite baseball jersey or shirt.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, Gary would have appreciated donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation, team.kidney.org/campaign/garytaylor, or The American Diabetes Association in his memory.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Please visit Gary’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.