Michael Taylor

In Loving Memory of

Michael Timothy Taylor-Smith

OBITUARY

Michael Taylor-Smith was born on Clark Air Force Base, Pampanga, Philip-
pines on May 28, 1958 the second child born of Harry and Theresa Taylor. After the
tour of duty in the Philippines, the family moved to Decatur, Illinois. Theresa
relocated to Los Angeles, California with Mike, sister, Sandy and brother, Greg. In
1965, Theresa met and married Kenneth D. Smith, who legally adopted Mike, Sandy
and Greg. From this union, Mike’s younger sister Karen was born. In 1969, the
Smith Family moved to Porter Ranch, California.

Mike graduated from Granada Hills High School in 1976, where he excelled
in various sports activities and realized his artistic talents. Mike’s dream was to
become a Hollywood actor. His movie experience included appearances in Robert
Townsend’s “Hollywood Shuffle”, and “Streets of Fire”. His television experience
included, “Hill Street Blues” and “Fame”. He also had numerous acting and dancing
roles in music videos such as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and Midnight Star’s, “No
Parking on the Dance Floor”.

Mike met and married Laura Goodrich. This marriage produced two beau-
tiful children, Cassandra and Adam Smith. In 1988, the family moved to Bend,
Oregon where Mike worked various jobs to support his family. After the dissolution
of Mike and Laura’s marriage, Mike continued to provide a loving and happy home
for Cassie and Adam.

After relocating to Beaverton, Oregon in 1991, Mike developed his own
production company, Taylor-Made Productions. He became a local celebrity with a
“Comedy in the Streets” show. Mike took his show to the community, often broad-
casting live from malls and parks, inviting members of the audience to perform their
best jokes or comedy routines. The following year, he changed his focus to local
talent and community news and renamed the show “Spotlight on Oregon”.

In 1992, Mike relocated to Portland, Oregon where he founded a non-profit
youth organization called “Off the Streets”. Mike believed that the performing arts
could be used to excite and motivate young people toward positive pursuits and an
optimistic future. His organization provided a place for students to gather after
school where they could learn dancing, singing, acting and film production. The
group performed at theatres, hospitals, fairs, and numerous functions in Portland,
Oregon and surrounding cities. Mike’s organization received support from the
Oregon Association of American Women, while receiving numerous awards for his
contribution to the arts from numerous organizations. Mike continued to teach
children to perform, stress positive values and build self esteem until 1999.

Mike’s other hobbies included, photography, cooking, and dancing.
Mike created a legacy of love, commitment and dedication throughout his
life. His memories will be forever cherished in the hearts of his children Cassandra
and Adam Smith; his mother, Theresa Durand, and husband Paul; older sister,
Sandy Jett; brother, Greg Smith; younger sister; Karen Lowe, and husband Scott;
grandchildren; Ammeyonne, Mehkai and Taison; his nieces, Tara, Tiffany and
Tamra Jett; Ashley Smith; Gianna and Jordyn Lowe and a host of cousins, aunts,
uncles and beloved friends.

ORDER OF SERVICE

Michael Timothy Taylor-Smith

Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Celebrant Marsha Mendizza
Opening Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Lord's Prayer
Musical Tribute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cozette Whitney
Celebration Of Michael's Life . . . . . . . . . . . . Celebrant
Personal Tribute . . . . . . . . . . Paul Durand - Step-father
'The Lives We Touch" . . . . . . . . . . . . . Video Tribute
Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Celebrant
Poem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I'm Free

Scott Lowe - Brother-in-law
Musical Tribute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cozette Whitney
Poem . . . . . To Those I Love And Those Who Love Me

Paul Durand
Closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23rd Psalm

I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free,
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call

I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me
God wanted me now, He set me free.