Michael Lee Taylor, 71

April 24, 1953, to Feb. 16, 2025

Michael Lee Taylor, 71, of Murray, Idaho, passed away peacefully in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Feb. 16, 2025, due to complications from influenza and COPD. He was loved as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.

Mike was born in Babylon, N.Y., and was the first of six children to Lee and Addie Taylor. The family moved to Coeur d’Alene in 1958 and then settled on a farm in Careywood, Idaho, in 1959. The farm is still family-owned and operated. Mike attended Southside Elementary School in Cocolalla and graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1971.

Mike learned firsthand how to be a good mechanic, working side by side with his dad to fix old farm equipment to keep it working. He especially loved working on vehicle engines, and he had a special interest in resurrecting old trucks. He loved driving everything from cars, trucks, motorcycles and snowmobiles to heavy construction equipment. He particularly enjoyed riding his motorcycles and snowmobiles. In his retirement years, he enjoyed winters in Arizona in his old pick-up truck and trusty camper, traveling with his faithful dog pal.

Mike’s first job out of high school was working as a farm hand in Clark Fork. After that, his driving skills and vehicle repair expertise led him to a career in road construction. He worked for several paving and road construction companies and became an expert blade operator and lead foreman. He spent the last few years driving truck for Steve Lamb, Inc., where he was lauded as “the best truck driver ever seen there; he could spread a load so evenly that the grader had little left to do.”

In 1995, Mike purchased his home and acreage in Murray, Idaho. He lived there until his health made it necessary to move to Coeur d’Alene in the last couple of years. The cabin on his Murray property is historically significant as it was one of the first residences in Murray and the only one still standing. Of course, Mike built the ultimate mechanic’s garage and enjoyed many hours working on his endless supply of vehicles.

Mike married Linda Logan in 1976, and they raised daughters Gina and Sheila and step-daughter Sheena. Mike and Linda divorced but remained friends and companions until Mike’s death. Mike is survived by Linda Taylor in Coeur d’Alene, daughters Gina Barron (spouse Brian) of Careywood, Sheila Becraft of Sacramento, Calif., and Sheena Yarbrough (spouse Steve), also of Sacramento. He is survived by nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and his five siblings Kathleen Taylor of Sagle, Idaho; Maureen Taylor Regan (Don) of Moscow, Idaho; Eric Taylor (Mary) of Careywood; Tim Taylor (Julie) of Potlatch, Idaho; and Patricia Taylor Ponappa of Careywood (Tilak, Kodagu, India). Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Addie Taylor of Careywood.

Memorial donations in Mike’s honor may be made to www.nvf.org. 

A memorial service is being planned for the spring of 2025. Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. Please visit www.yatesfuneralhomes.com for service updates.