Neil Wallace Taylor

SPRINGVILLE, UTAH - Neil Wallace Taylor, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dear friend, passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2023, after a courageous, four-year battle with cancer and a lifetime of service. He will be sorely missed by all who received his love throughout his colorful and fruitful life.

Neil was born on July 29, 1959, to Lowell M. and Marie K. Taylor in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the second of their five sons. He had a wonderful childhood growing up in Kaysville, Utah. He graduated from Davis High School, where he made many choice friends.

Neil attended the University of Utah, BYU, and the Marriott School of Management, earning a BS degree in computer science and an MBA degree. Neil had a distinguished career working 40 years in high-tech, information technology, and management jobs for a variety of companies in Utah County, including Novell and Nature’s Sunshine, before retiring in 2020.

It was at BYU where Neil met the love of his life, Jennifer Walker. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple 36 years ago on February 13, 1987. They were blessed with five wonderful children: Danielle, Matthew, Nicholas, Ashlyn (Cody), and Brodie (Abby). They also have three grandchildren: Ezra, Rio, and Hudson. Neil and Jennifer have lived happily with their family in Springville for the past 30 years.

Sports were a big part of Neil’s life. In high school he distinguished himself as a state tennis champion. He was very athletic and enjoyed participating in sports and cheering in the stands as a proud father/uncle. He also loved following the Utah Jazz and BYU athletics.

Neil loved the great outdoors. He enjoyed planning and carrying out fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping trips. His children, friends, and brothers will always cherish their memories of time spent with him in the mountains and on the river.

Neil was kind, thoughtful, and lovingly concerned for the welfare of others. He never spoke ill of anyone. He was quick to turn attention away from himself and was genuinely happier for other’s success than his own. He could be counted on to do the right things for the right reasons. His decisions were well thought out and his words carefully chosen. Neil’s keen sense of humor enabled him to deflect conflict. He navigated periods of intense suffering with dignity and grace. Neil set a wonderful example and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Neil loved his Savior, Jesus Christ, and frequently shared his testimony of our Lord, His gospel, and the Book of Mormon. Neil served a mission to Okayama, Japan for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1978-80. He served in many church callings, including three bishoprics, with unwavering faith. As an expression of gratitude for Christ’s atoning sacrifice and many other blessings, Neil was often heard to say, “My cup runneth over.”

Neil is preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law, Newell Walker. He is survived by his beloved eternal companion, Jennifer, their five children, three grandchildren, and his four brothers - Craig (Reva), Todd (Susan), Brian (Jill), and Mike (Kim).

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Hunter Valley LDS Chapel, 950 South 1700 East, Springville, UT, with Bishop Dan Bott of the Hobble Creek 9th Ward officiating. You may also attend the service through Zoom by following this link:

https://zoom.us/j/92675469977?pwd=VFdMOUd3TlNpTlFDTWhhREcrSlJEQT09

Meeting ID: 926 7546 9977

Passcode: 777559

The family will visit with friends Friday, May 5, from 6-8 pm at Spring Creek Mortuary, 737 North Main Street, Springville, UT, and Saturday from 9:45 to 10:45 prior to the funeral services. Interment will be at the Kaysville City Cemetery directly following the funeral.

To the many people who have ministered to his family in countless ways, Neil wanted to express his love and gratitude.