Dad- Danny was so good with the boys, they all loved him! That ski trip they took, they loved it.

Mom- He was so pure hearted. They had such a great time on that ski trip. Danny came back and said "James went down the slopes and his only way of stopping was to crash, it was great!"  He always treated Josh like an adult before he was an adult, and he loved Danny.  He was also so good to our boys, they loved him!

By Brother & Sister Johnson

My Neighbor Danny - By Amanda (Johnson) Harris

I didn't get to know Danny for very long, because I only got to meet him after his mission. But I'll never forget how much fun it was to have him around.  He once took both of my brothers on a ski trip with him, and they had such a good time. They talked about it for weeks, and even now whenever anyone talks about skiing, Danny comes up.  I remember thinking he was so cool because he was a return missionary, and that it was so awesome that he had gotten to spend so much time in another country.  I also remember going down to the Taylor's house and Danny just hanging out, laughing and joking, there is always a lot of love in that house :)

Amanda (Johnson) Harris

My Son - Brad Taylor

Danny

My favorite memory of Danny lasts for about 25 years. Every time I think of him I am happy and sad at the same time. I think about all the great things Danny did and I am sad because I don't get to have more great memories. I remember all the camping trips, trips to Disneyland, boating, three wheeling, and all of the other things that we got to enjoy while he was with us. Then, I am sad because we don't get to have more. I love to think about what a great missionary, friend and son he was and then I am sad that more people don't get to meet him. Although he was not perfect, as none of us are, he brought such joy and happiness into our lives that I will always be grateful to my Father in Heaven for giving me the opportunity to have Danny in my life.
Danny, I LOVE YOU.

Dan…

 The Spiritual Giant ~ The Biggest Heart ~ The Happiest Man

Right there says it all, a gentle but powerful man. It is of little surprise that the need for him and his talents were so greatly needed in heaven that Heavenly Father needed Dan to rejoin him at such a young age.  His time on earth here was small, but his impact, devotion and his mission to serve was enormous! 

One Story I remember about Danny is one evening late we were discussing how dangerous our outdoor patio stairs were. A few days later we return home to find our stairs were gone, and there was Danny, along with Kyle and Brad building fresh new stairs with wood they had purchased with their own money.  He always put the need of others first.

 Dan was one of the most caring and giving people I have ever known.  He was funny and determined; he was also stubborn at times which usually resulted in getting things done.  He was fun loving and playful yet a dedicated and a loving mentor which helped many young men graduate and get back on track. Nobody was left behind or left out. There were no outsiders or underdogs when Dan was around. Everybody was included and felt both useful and important but most of all… they felt Loved!!

The qualities Danny developed while here on Earth will expand and be of great need in Heaven. Children of our Heavenly Father continue to be blessed and taught. The Love still flows. The work goes on.  The legend lives. 

 Love Aunt Lori

Danny Boy - Kyle Richardson

Of all the people that knew Dan, I was probably the one that knew him least.  Six short months I had to get to know one of the most unique individuals I have ever met.  To pick one memory is hard so I didn’t I picked a whole handful to illustrate the kind of man Dan was to me.

Kind to a fault:

Dan had a stalker; I mean a really bad stalker.  I laughed hysterically when I found out who it was and  I laughed even harder when I had the chance to watch him tip toe around her in an attempt be nice but not lead her on.  One day we (Dan, Brad, and I) were driving somewhere in my truck when we happened to pass by this individual that was in such an amorous way for Dan.  He immediately headed for the floor boards, literally.  He took off his belt and was trying to crouch down under the dash board to avoid being seen which meant I pulled up next to her and asked if she was looking for Dan.  He sat up and just smiled like it was completely normal for people to cower under the glove box.  Now anyone else would be completely justified in cursing me and my lineage for the rest of eternity but instead as we drove away he just shook his head and said, “Was that really necessary?”  I loved the way Dan could take a joke and rarely, if ever, did I hear him insult someone else.

Determined….to a fault:

The first time I’d ever gone four wheeling Dan took me down to the Green River.  As we were tooling around Dan heard a clanking noise emanating from his bike.  He immediately diagnosed the problem as something rattling around in the piston so instead of putting his bike on the trailer and calling it good he proceeded to tear his bike apart thinking to perform mechanical surgery in the middle of the desert. After an hour I thought he would give up, no.  We struggled for some time to pull the header off but something stopped us, impeding our endeavors.  Finally I grabbed a hold of the top of the motor and pulled hard and broke the thing clean off because there were two bolts still holding it on.  It’s at this point that his kindness kicked in because I would have beaten someone to death if they’d broken my motor but no he just laughed and then said, “Don’t worry I think we can fix that with some gasket sealant.”  We really couldn’t and shouldn’t have tried but we did anyway.  Finally we got everything more or less put back together and he looked down and realized the noise was just a loose fitting on the exhaust pipe.  So we finally called it a day only because at that point it was too dark to see a foot in front of our faces.

Compassionate to accentuate my fault:

Dan never met a friend he didn’t want to make, or a person in need he wasn’t willing to try and pick up.  He gathered people to him like a shepherd bringing in the reject sheep.  It was amazing to witness his utter disregard for his own needs or capacities when he would immediately promise to provide whatever someone needed in order to make them comfortable.  Whether it was a place to stay for a night or close to five months, or if it was offering to mediate between quarreling lovers , or if it was just a kind word and a smile to someone on the outskirts of a group Dan had a way of making sure that no one was at the bottom.  I love and respect him for his ability to sacrifice and willingness to serve at a moment’s notice.  My fondest memory of Dan is probably just the pure example of character and how to live a life without regret.

Kyle Richardson

Danny - Raechel & Eddy Lewis

Danny and I shared lots of memories over the years.  Sometimes he was a brother, sometimes he was a friend, and sometimes he was a hero.  I never met a more spiritually tuned man.  Many times when everyone was away it was just he and I hanging out and we'd stay up talking and just having fun.  I have so many cherished memories of the cousin sleepovers, camping trips and outings we had.  It was always so much fun!  He was always so selfless and never failed to go above and beyond any expectations.  When I met Eddy and we were dating, Dan wanted Eddy to move in with him.  Eddy said he couldn't because he had a dog.  No joke, within one week Dan had rented a new apartment that allowed dogs, and bought a dog himself (Rudy).  Eddy was blown away and he still talks about that today.  He was amazed at the great love and friendship that Dan gave him when he hardley knew him.  Of coarse, we all know the great love and friendship and example that Dan was and is.  Dan, we will always miss you and think of you until that great day when we are reunited! 

With Love,
Raechel & Eddy Lewis

My Best Friend - By RaeJean

One of my most memorable outings with Dan was of a special Christmas weekend night when we went to Salt Lake. Dan asked me at work if I would go to the Joseph Smith movie with him. I said yes, and the smile on his face and the twinkle in his eye, showed how excited he was to share the gospel with me. He acquired tickets and we went to the movie. Brad and Kara came too and we planned a full night of fun. After the movie, we went on a carriage ride around temple square to see the lights. Next, we were off to the Melting Pot for dinner. I had such an amazing time. Dans love of the gospel and his amazing love for his family and friends is something that I will always remember about him. Not a day goes by that I don't miss him!! Thanks Dan for your amazing strength, love and testimony of the gospel. You are a great example!

Your friend forever, RaeJean

Dan - By Blake & Carolyn Corbridge

One of our favorite memories of Danny is going to the Burger Bar and seeing him smile at Carolyn and I from behind the hamburger grill. He would immediately come out to the window to greet us and share his excitement of seeing us there. He then stated that he would take special care of our order. We knew that we were important to him. We could tell that he enjoyed his work there and they who worked with him enjoyed his presence. Now when we go to Burger Bar for our evening refreshment, we always comment how it is just not the same without Danny's smile radiating from behind that hamburger grill. Still, we do enjoy having and discussing the memory of him there. We miss him. He is a true guardian angel to all of us.

Blake & Carolyn Corbridge

Nephew Dan - by LaDale VanderDose

One of my fondness memories of Danny was the famous water fight on Grandma’s birthday.  That was the water fight that Bruce started.  He did throw the first glass of water.  I know I was there.   Well anyway that started the biggest water fight ever.  The whole neighborhood was watching.  I of course had to get revenge.   I couldn’t let my brother get away with throwing water at his older sister.  I was holding my own in the fight, but then Danny appeared on the scene.  I think he was secretly on my brother’s side, because every time I turned around there was Danny soaking me with another glass of water.  Then the fight was between Danny and me.  One glass after another we were going after each othert.  I got him good, but if the truth be known I was on the losing side.  He was just too fast.  I was soaking wet.  That is a day I will long remember.  I miss Danny.  I would like a another water fight with him.  I’m sure I would win this time. ( Well maybe not, but it would be worth a try)  So………………..Danny when I meet up with you again.  Watch out.  I may have another glass of water hiding behind my back. 

Love  Always LaDale

The Neighbor Boy - Katie Lightfoot Simpson

Here's my memory of Danny, kind of short silly- but it's what I remember most :)

I remember Danny frantically chasing Shadow (the family dog) around when she would escape from the yard.  Danny would always be so apologetic and polite about it, it was pretty cute.  Of course I also remember Danny playing with my little brother Kris, and the other neighborhood kids.  Danny was just an all around great guy.  I know he has touched so many lives just by who he was.

With love,
Katie (Lightfoot) Simpson

My Big Brother - Steven Taylor

One of my fondest memories of Danny was the time at Lake Powell when we broke down in the middle of the lake.  We all decided that we would get out and push, but Danny was smart enough to realize we weren't going to get anywhere with that.  So, he stayed in the boat and filmed us and laughed at us because we were trying to do this.  This is probably something I will never forget because in hind sight it's kind of funny how we tried something so dumb and Danny knew better.

Another one of my favorite memories was a time when Bradan and I where staying over at his house for some reason and he had us do family home evening.  Right before we started Danny noticed that Brad had his book mark and was telling him to give it back but Brad wouldn't saying it was his.  So they stayed at this stalemate until we started and the first scripture we read said, " Will a man rob God?" and right as Brad read that Danny said, "Will Brad rob Dan?" and we all had a good laugh.  I remember this so well because at the time I thought it was strange to have family home evening with just Danny, Brad, Bradan and me, but I was glad in the end because not only did we have a good spiritual experience, we had a good laugh.

My Older Brother - Bradan Taylor

My favorite memory would be going to lake Powell with Danny twice or always going to his apartment to spend the night or going on camping trips and sitting around the fire. Or when we went boating and a few of us just went in the boat or the times he would come down to Payson and the stories that he would tell us or just driving around in either his car or truck was always fun.

My Brother Danny - by Tara Taylor Villarreal

Danny was the best brother anyone could ask for. He was kind, sharing, loving, and an example to me. I remember growing up sharing bunk beds and one night we were up late because he was teaching me the ABC's and how to count to 100. I was so excited the next day and wouldn't stop repeating what I had learned. Danny was one of those people that you could always count on to be there if you needed someone to talk to. He always had good advice to give to me when ever I asked for it. One of my most favorite memories is the summer we went to Lake Powell and the boat died in the middle of the lake. We all thought it was because it ran out of gas so he decided that everyone should get out and push it while he stayed in the boat nice and dry.  If it wasn't the boat dying then it had to be a car/truck that didn't work. I remember getting a call one afternoon from him asking me if I could get my boyfriend's mini van to come and tow his big black truck because it had died in the middle of a street. Danny always had the wildest adventures and lived life to the fullest. I'll never forget all the good times we had. Love and miss you Danny!

Cousin Danny - Jana VanderDose May

I spent more time with Danny when he was little and I always remember how happy he was and he was so fun to be with.  One of the memories I have most of him (and which I think of every time my kids are in a mood) is one time he was just not in a great mood and your mom was having a day with him and she told him that if he didn't stop she was going to throw him in the garbage.  Of course kids being kids he didn't and so she put him in the garbage can.  Danny will always be a part of our thoughts and lives.  I am so grateful to have him as part of our eternal family.

We sure love you guys!!!  

 

Jana

Big Brother Danny - By Emily Taylor Hardy

Danny was the typical brother growing up. We had our disagreements as well as our plots against the world. We would be best of friends one minute and worst of enemies the next. But what I remember most about my brother and carry with me through day to day living is his amount of caring. Whatever or whoever he focused on, meant the world to him at the time. He would bend over backward to make sure something happened that he believed in. His commitment to his cause was unbeatable. With this determination he helped touch many, many lives, including my own. I knew that even if  we disagreed my brother would have my back the instance I needed him. We would spend endless nights up discussing how we would conquer the world and what dreams we were trying to make a reality. I look back at those talks as my fondest memories of my brother. Those late nights are when I would see the real him. I'll never forget how nice it was to have someone to talk to when I felt like the world was against me. I love and miss you Dan.

Danny - From Brittany Weight Szymanski

Danny was one of the first friends I made when we moved to Clinton the summer before 7th grade.  We went on a walk with Pongo and Perdy, and he was outside playing with Kris Lightfoot and Brandon Nott.  He invited us to play night games, and before i knew it, I found myself in a group of friends that would impact the rest of my life.  Summers found us playing night games like kick the can and ghost in the grave yard.  When we entered high school, we spent time listening to the awesome band "One Car Pile Up."  Those are some of my fondest memories.

Danny was always the first one to welcome new people into our group of friends.  When a troubled boy, Jamey Chandler, moved here from Lousianna in hopes of getting away from his friends, Danny invited him to hang out with us.  He introduced Jamey to a level of fun without getting into trouble or drinking.  A year later, Jamey entered the MTC a week after Danny did, and served a successful 2 year mission.  Danny's influence has had a ripple effect, that just keeps touching others for good.

I can't walk by one of those machines you put the quarter in and use the crane to get a stuffed animal without thinking of Danny.  I have at least 3 of his prizes that he had given to me when I had a bad day.

Something else Danny did, that will always be dear to my heart, was the Thanksgiving of our sophomore year.  My mom was going through a divorce, and things weren't too happy around the holidays.  Danny had called all of our friends together, and they had each taken left over pieces of their Thanksgiving dinners. assembled them and delivered them to our family Thanksgiving night.  I don't know how many people would be so selfless and generous to think of something like that.

I hope I'm not overloading you with things, but there are so many to share.  Here are a few of the funnier moments I had with Danny.

He gathered a group of us together one cold night our first year in college to go night skiing.  I had never been before, and I was terrified!  He showed me how to make an A with my skis to slow down and stop.  Then we got on the ski lift to the top of Powder Mountain.  What Danny forgot to tell me, was that as soon as you get off the lift, you will be on the top of the mountain, and starting to ski downhill.  I had no idea what I was doing,  and I started going really fast. I couldn't keep my skis in an A shape, screaming the whole time.  Danny was laughing, trying to help me, when finally I just made myself fall in order to stop.  I think I spent the rest of the night in the lodge, while they skied. :)

In high school we went to temple square to see the Christmas lights.  It was a cold night, and on the way home it started to snow, and the roads were wet and icy.  Poor Danny got stuck riding in the car with Brett McAlister.  Brett was known for being a pretty reckless driver.  (Sorry to tell you this one Denise!)  As soon as we got back to the Lightfoot's house, Danny came in and fell to the floor, kissing the ground.  He was so happy to be home, and out of the car of Brett's scary driving. :)

Another time I was home alone and Scream (the scary movie) was on tv.  Danny called to see if I wanted to go over to Josh Palmer's house.  I told him I was watching Scream, and I was too afraid to drive somewhere.  (Don't ask me why I was even watching it, when I am alone, and such a baby, I hate scary movies anyway!)  So, being the kind gentleman he was, he offered to pick me up.  When I got in his Bronco, he was turned around, like he was looking at something in the back seat.  I put my seat belt on, all the while wondering what in the world he was doing.  When he abruptly turned right to me, with his face a few inches from mine.  He was wearing the same mask they used in Scream.  I was so so mad at him for an hour.  He laughed and laughed.  I think I probably punched him good for that. :)

Danny was such a good friend to me, and to everyone else.  A true gentleman, and genuine nice guy.  He always made sure to ask me how I was doing, sincerely wanting to know the answer.  He was a great example of the Savior, and his testimony shined right through him.  I am thankful for his friendship.  Those pivitol years of high school is when I gained my testimony, and a strong sense of who I was, and who I wanted to be.  I am so glad I had shining examples of friends who loved the gospel and encouraged each other to do good, and make the right choices.  My life would have been much different, had I never met the boy who invited me to play kick thet can that summer night of 1994.

Message from Grandma & Grandpa Taylor

Danny Taylor was a kind and loving person.

He served a good mission to Argentina.

He loved adventures, and went camping and on trips with all our families .

He worked at Burger Bar and we would go there to get hamburgers so we could see him. We still think
of him as we pass the Burger Bar.

He was so proud of his new truck and with his clicker would turn the motor on and off from inside the house . He loved it.

We miss you Danny . We will always love you.
Till we meet again....Grandma and Grandpa Taylor