Timothy Taylor

All who knew Dr. Timothy Taylor would agree that he was truly extraordinary. He was one of the most kind and generous people around, and his devotion to the community he loved was unmatched. A man of faith, Tim exemplified what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord he loved. Second only to his faith was the love he had for his family, and there was nothing he treasured more than spending time with the grandsons he adored. Life will never be the same without Tim here, but he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as countless young America servicemen and women were deeply entrenched in the hardship of WWII. Those who remained stateside became familiar with rationing on common goods such as rubber, tin, sugar, and canned goods. Despite the trials around them, Robert Wilbur and Dorothy Marian (Rowe) Taylor were focused on an exciting time in their own lives as they announced the birth of the baby boy they named Timothy Rowe on August 28, 1944, in Battle Creek, Michigan. Raised in Battle Creek, he was one of three children as he was joined in his family by his siblings, Toni and Ted.

In many ways Tim was a young boy of his generation. He loved things like biking, basketball, football, and baseball in the neighborhood. Tim also developed a love for nature and being outdoors. His work ethic was greatly shaped by spending time on a family friend’s farm where he helped with chores and caring for the animals. As a student at local schools, Tim was co-captain of the tennis team his senior year of high school, and he also played football for one year in high school. He started serving others early as he was parliamentarian of their student council having campaigned with the motto, “Have gavel, will travel.” After graduating from Battle Creek Central in 1962, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 1966.

Not to be forgotten during his years as a young man was Tim’s introduction to the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Linda K. Packer, and they were classmates in high school who were introduced by a mutual friend. They began dating, and it didn’t take them long to fall in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Tim and Linda were married on September 19, 1965, in Battle Creek. Together they welcomed three children including their twins, Lisa and Lori, and their son, Andrew, into their hearts and home. As a young family they loved camping together. Later in life Tim and Linda made many trips for Mackinac Island to celebrate anniversaries at the Grand Hotel. There was also a cruise to the Caribbean Islands, and a trip to Hawaii in 2001 as well as two trips to Europe with friends. In 2015, they visited Denmark, Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Belgium. Their Yorkie, Princess, was a treasured companion and valuable member of Tim’s family.

As his family and friends can attest, Tim worked hard in everything he did. He spent nearly 40 years working as a banker including serving as president and CEO for four banks. In Holland, Tim was affiliated with First of America Bank for over 15 years where he served as president and CEO. In 2004, he received his Master’s of Management Degree from Aquinas College, and at the age of 65, Tim completed his Doctor of Management Degree from the University of Phoenix in 2010. Dr. Taylor was an Adjunct Professor for Capella University, Davenport University, and Baker College during which time he mentored students. Several of his students were also recipients of books as he loved buying and gifting books to family and friends as well as his students. His banking career came to an end in 2008 after working in the commercial banking area at Huntington National Bank. In addition to teaching, he was the managing member of his own consulting business, Axiom Consulting, LLC. Tim also participated on several boards and especially enjoyed focusing on non-profit organizations. A strong leader, he also served others in other ways including as a member of the West Ottawa School Board and Rotary. He was an active member of Fellowship Reformed Church where he served as president of the congregation, elder, and youth group leader. In 2017, he was appointed to the board of trustees at the oldest protestant seminary in the country, the New Brunswick Theological Seminary, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. In addition, Tim enjoyed golfing, fishing with his grandsons, hunting with his son, and going to rodeos in the Southwest. He was a fan of country music, Gunsmoke, and The Incredible Dr. Pol. For years they spent their winters in Arizona where Tim soaked up as much of the warm weather as he could. He was also a fan of the MSU Spartans.

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Dr. Timothy Taylor enriched the lives of so many who were near. He was a wise and humble servant of the Lord who served others without condition. With a passion for cultural diversity, Tim strived to make the world around him a better place, and through his gift of mentoring he helped countless others achieve their full potential. There was no greater gift in his life than his family, and he was so blessed to share his life with his true companion. Dearly loved, Dr. Taylor will be forever missed.

Timothy Rowe Taylor, D.M., of Port Sheldon, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday September 19, 2018. Tim’s family includes his wife, Linda of 53 years; children, Lisa Anderson (Robert) of Wyoming, MI, Lori DeLeeuw of Port Sheldon, Andrew Taylor (Stephanie) of Holland and seven grandsons (Luke & Logan DeLeeuw, Jacob & Tyler Anderson, Brady, Carson & Lincoln Taylor); five siblings, Toni (Martin) Jones of Swartz Creek, MI, Ted Taylor of Flint, MI, Richard Bucholtz (Ida) of Constantine, MI, Bill Taylor (Patty) of Battle Creek, MI and John Taylor (Debra) of Athens, MI; brother in law and sisters in law, Lewis and Karen Meltzer of Cary, NC and Vickey Post of New Port Richey, FL. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 26, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Dykstra Funeral Home – Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue, Holland. Funeral services will be Thursday, September 27, 11:00 a.m. at Fellowship Reformed Church, 2165 W. Lakewood Blvd., with the Rev. Dr. Brian Keepers and Rev. Jim Baar officiating. Memorial contributions may be given to Fellowship Reformed Church and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.