Brent Arthur Taylor

~Brent’s Tribute~
Written by his niece, Meghann

Brent Arthur Taylor took the next step in his eternal progression as he passed through the veil and into the next life on the evening of October 8, 2019. After fighting a lions fight with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Brent passed peacefully to join the ranks of his faithful ancestors who continue the work of salvation on the other side of the veil.

Brent was born on December 9, 1959. He is the son of Ronald S. Taylor, who welcomed him into heaven with open arms, and LaRae Green Taylor a loving mother who continued to stand with him throughout his life. Brent grew up in Bennion Utah with a large, loud and loving family. Brent was a toe headed inquisitive kid that wasn’t afraid to pull everything apart just to see how it worked. As a teenager Brent was cool, and had the black ’72 Chevelle hot-rod to prove it. He loved fast motorcycles, loud cars and even louder music. He always had the latest records and 8 track tapes that money could buy. He graduated from Cottonwood High School and served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pittsburg Pennsylvania.

Cindy and Brent first met when their families moved into the same ward. Cindy knew that the tall blond young man that just walked in would someday be her husband. He was a little slower on the uptake but after she caught him in the screen door for a kiss his life was never the same again. He married the love of his life Cindy Lee Williams in the Salt Lake City Temple on February 4, 1983. Together they raised 6 children, Tyson and (Trina), Trevor and (Katie), Tiffanie and (Curtis), Tara and (Tom), Tristen and (Dallin), and Tami. Family was so important to Brent. He dedicated his life to his wife and children. He was quick to share affection and was often heard to say, “Has anyone told you they love you today?” He wanted to make sure everyone of them felt loved and important. The influence he had on the lives of his children is priceless.

The joy of his life came from his 9 beautiful grandchildren. Nothing made him happier than to be surrounded by their little faces, and they loved him dearly. We know that he is enjoying extra cuddles in heaven with the 3 more grandkids that are on their way to their earthly home. Brent’s love of family extended far and wide. As his family circle grew he bore witness that love doesn’t divide, it multiplies. He honored his father and mother and cared for them throughout his life. He also loved his Williams family and was a blessing to his in-laws in many ways. His siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews all feel blessed to call him family and are grateful for the impact he had on their lives. He leaves behind his devoted wife, his loving family and a garden full of fresh vegetables.

Those closest to Brent knew him as “Bubba”, a heartfelt nickname that followed him from childhood. Oxford Dictionary defines Bubba as “An affectionate form of address to a brother.” No more fitting name could have been chosen. He was a genuine example of brotherly kindness and service to his fellowmen. The name Bubba implies someone special and close to your heart. It is someone you can turn to for comfort and support. All of us can recall times in our lives when he loved and served us like a brother. Brent knew “When ye are in the service of your fellowmen, ye are only in the service of your God.” His selfless acts and generosity revealed a tender heart, fully converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and His teaching. Surely he was his brother’s keeper.

Brent’s contributions and support to his family, church, community and fellowmen is immeasurable. It was said of our Lord, “He went about doing good.” The same is true of our dear friend Brent Taylor. It wasn’t uncommon for Brent to suddenly disappear from a room, only later to find out that he had followed a prompting and had left to go serve someone in need. He recognized the voice of the spirit and had the courage to follow his promptings. He never wearied of well doing. His impact on the youth seems most notable. His quick smile and easy laugh brought the youth to him, his unwavering faith and burning testimony changed them forever. He was often put into leadership roles in the community and he was an easy leader to follow. He led with humility and charity. He lifted the hands that hung down. He helped to carry our burden and sustain us through trial. He sat in council with those that needed a listening ear. Whether in a tie or in muck boots he was there to help. Through his years of church service he contributed as Young Men’s President, Bishop, and Stake Presidency counselor. President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “Without hard work, nothing grows but weeds,” and Brent had a beautiful garden.

Through a lifetime of dedication Brent and his brothers built a career as owners of Taylor’s Bike Shop. Brent’s vast knowledge, hard work and attention to detail are an intrical part to the success of the business. Not only did he use the bike shop as a way to support his family but to help build and lift the community around him. It is common to see the full time missionaries in the shop because Brent was always eager to help them. He fixed their flats and worked his magic so that they could continue to spread the gospels good news. He also offered monetary help to support missionaries that were serving around the world. He knew that God would bless his business for his efforts to further the gospel and he knew that he needed God’s many blessings. Brent also used the bike shop as a tool to strengthen a troubled youth. He offered a safe environment where kids could gain experience and learn life skills. The course of several people’s lives were changed because they walked into Taylor’s Bike Shop.

Brent was known as the jack-of-all-trades. With his gifted mind and skilled hands it seemed there was nothing he couldn’t do. From plumbing and electrical, to W2s and 401Ks, from national news to gospel study, we could call Brent for anything, and we called all the time! Nothing was broken until Brent couldn’t fix it. The beautiful craftsmanship of his hands is left as evidence all around us. He used his skills to serve others. He remodeled his mother’s house so it could be handicap accessible. He built a whole additional room so we could sit together more comfortably as a family on holidays. He even broke down walls in his house just so he could hear his son play on a beautiful large grand piano. He did it all, he laid the tile, poured the cement, painted the wall, fixed the leak, patched the hole and made the world a better place for all of us.

When the news came that Brent had cancer, it was hard to comprehend. He was Superman and it didn’t make sense. Although this was the hardest thing that Brent and Cindy ever had to go through they both kept their firm faith in Jesus Christ and fought like lions. Cancer took Brent’s strength and his health but it couldn’t take his kindness. He continued to serve those around him with acts of generosity and an example of faith. Both Brent and Cindy were incredibly grateful to the inspired team of doctors and nurses that help them through his journey and often bore witness that they were tools in the Lord’s hands.

We will miss his sugar cookies and his new board games. We will miss his teasing and quick humor. I think most of us were told at some point that we were the 2nd most handsome person in the world… everyone else was tied for first. We will miss his big holiday breakfasts and his time consuming contributions to our family traditions. We will miss his green thumb and the beautiful fruits and vegetables that he shared with us. We will miss his intelligent mind, skillful hands and faith filled heart. The hole he leaves is vast but we know there is no grief that the love of Christ cannot heal.

This parting is not a goodbye but another “See ya later!” We are once again waving goodbye to Brent as he heads off into another mission field for his Lord and Savior. This time dressed in a white suit and tie, standing shoulder to shoulder with his father Ron as his new mission companion. Together with the righteous hosts of heaven they will continue to serve and lift those around them and continue the work of salvation until like the apostle Paul they can say, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day.”

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