Paul Henrik Taylor

Paul Henrik Taylor – 1965-2026

“He was the glue that held us all together”. We’re at a loss in so many ways, but here’s a start to honoring the life of Paul, who gave and received so much love in his short 60 years. He was born in Providence, RI to Edle and Brian Taylor, and joined by his brother and best friend in life, Eric. He attended Lutheran North Prep in Macomb, MI and found his loyal crew there – friends he kept close and cherished for life. Always a leader, he was president of Pi Beta Phi at University of Michigan, guiding them through a house renovation and loving the brotherhood of lifelong friends. He graduated from UofM’s Business School and enjoyed a long career in finance, something he was more than good at, but he was most appreciated for the vitality he brought to the workplace and the way he cared for his co-workers.

Post-college years were spent in Chicago, where he collected friends and lived city life to the fullest – getting to every Bulls, Sox and Cubs game possible; playing league basketball and football; and rarely missing a good night out. He met and married his wife Beth, and had two girls, Celia and Mia, his greatest joys in life. His corporate life was on a fast track and he made an intentional shift to fatherhood first, moving to Grand Rapids, MI to enjoy his family and a more balanced life.

When asked how to remember their dad, Celia and Mia talked about how he cherished his family, boating on Lake Michigan, and playing tennis and golf. How he loved his wife/their mom so much that it was “gross”. How his dedication to fatherhood extended to his four-legged daughters, Bob and Elsie. How smart and funny he was. His terrible taste in music. How generous and selfless he was, always taking his greatest joy in the joy of others. They remembered how he formed an unsanctioned (of course) “Indian Princess” tribe with many friends and daughters that broke every rule and lasted through high school. He operated with integrity and did the right thing, always.

He took pride in his family heritage, from his dear mom’s Norwegian roots, to his dad’s in England. He maintained strong connections with his Uncle Nigel and Aunt Meryl in Melbourne and cousin Rachel and husband Aiden in Sydney. He loved and missed his Uncle Alan, whom he visited in London and Antibes, and Tante Cissy, in Norway. He adored his Aunt Anneken and Uncle Manny in Providence, and cousins Erik and wife Marie Jo and Heidi and husband Mark. Closer to home, he treasured his relationship with his two nephews, Nick and Aaron Taylor.

How can we put into words how much he’ll be missed?

We plan to celebrate Paul this spring – more details to follow.

Donations in his honor may be made to:

The Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan (DSAWM)

160 68th St SW Ste. 110, Grand Rapids, MI 49548

Bissell Pet Foundation

2345 Walker Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544

Greater Chicago Food Depository

4100 W. Ann Lurie Pl
Chicago, IL 60632

Imagine Englewood

6407 S. Honore Street

Chicago, IL 60636