Merlin Steven Taylor

Merlin Taylor Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Nov. 16 to Nov. 19, 2023.

Salt Lake City, UT- Our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend was born in Salina, Utah and left this world on October 26, 2023. Merlin was a collector of people - he made each person he met feel seen, heard, respected and important. Over the years thousands of people were touched by his warm spirit and kind heart. He gave selflessly for over 20 years as an iconic Santa Claus for The Road Home in their mission to end homelessness. Many children and their families grew up knowing Merlin as Santa.

Merlin was a general contractor for over 30 years. He built dozens of homes, completed numerous remodels, commercial projects and restored a beautiful home in Holladay for the 2002 Salt Lake Parade of Homes. He devoted many hours to several housing organizations and was a president for the Salt Lake Home Builders Association and the Utah Home Builders Association. He spent years perfecting his craft - gaining invaluable experience and knowledge in the construction world. Merlin converted those skills in 2006 and became an expert witness and consultant for the construction industry - he always approached his business with professionalism, integrity and quality. He was a champion to many in the industry.

Merlin was preceded in death by his father Merlin Leland Taylor, mother Sylvia High, brothers Kenneth Taylor and Donald Taylor, son Merlin Justin Taylor, granddaughter Alexis "Lexi" Adderley and stepbrother Leon Brown. He is survived by his adoring wife, Joan Taylor, they spent 39 devoted years being each other's best friend, biggest supporter and North Star. He was so proud of his daughters Jennifer (Vaiinupo) Fitisemanu, Gabrielle Taylor and Courtney (Gio) Acosta and his sisters Kristine (Dave) Woodside, Jessica (Brent) Crystal and Jayne Taylor. Merlin has 11 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Merlin felt his life was blessed to be part of a second family through his dad's marriage to Nadine Brown who brought in Joe (Lynda) Brown, Deann Schaugaard and their clan of loving children, grandchildren and great grands.

He consistently shared words of love, support and gratitude. He would often be heard saying, "I love my life". He was truly a one-of-a-kind man. He was the best of us; we will strive to honor his memory by embracing his approach to life. We love and miss you Mer. Until next time ...

Merlin donated his body to science through the UofU Program as his last act of kindness. The family will have a celebration of life for Merlin on March 19, 2024, please save the date - location to be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, kindly donate to a worthy cause in honor of Merlin; the homeless, the disadvantaged, or anyone in peril who can benefit from your assistance. If we are aware and look closely, we can see those who need help everywhere.