‌Miles was one of the first people I met at Wayfair (back when it was CSN Stores). Miles started the same day that I did, on October 24, 2007. Miles was just a great guy and a super soul. You just knew it when you met him. Such a kind guy and a bright light. May that light shine even brighter from Heaven. Sending my deepest condolences to his loving family and friends. ‌

Christmas 2013

Miles in one of his favorite places...outdoors with his dog.

Miles playing Laili's favorite game, catch a snowball

Miles was one of my roommates 10 years ago. He was there when I brought home my new cat Robot (who yowled at both of us and jumped into the closet to hide), and introduced Robot to feta cheese for the first time (an addiction this cat has had since!). In fact, Robot would often go and hang out in Miles' room more than my own - but I don't blame him. Miles' energy and kindness were awesome and infectious. Due to busy schedules we didn't hang out too much when we lived together. We had a couple conversations after he moved out and realized we had quite a lot in common, and how funny it was we never discussed it when living together. As time went on we lost contact, but he made an impact on my life for the short time he was part of it, and I'll never forget that. Thank you Miles. I send much love and healing energy to his family, partner, and friends.

I am a childhood friend of Miles Taylor. We played soccer together for years and he was the "rock" that held up our defensive line. So sure, steady and calm. I have so many funny, endearing memories of Miles and I love the Taylor family. One time, when I stayed over at their house, their pet "snake" got loose at night. Miles thought this was hilarious. I find it funny...now. Miles used to pick me up in his old bronco and we'd cruise the street of our neighborhood (like only suburban Texas kids can do with nothing to actually do). Miles had a huge spotlight (not totally sure, to this day, why). We'd shine it on unsuspecting high school kids congregating in the darkness of empty cul-de-sacs (again a Texas thing) and they'd think they were busted. Of course, none of these ideas were mine. I give Miles full credit. It became a running inside joke with us through the years that I could never actually remember his birthday. It became so consistent that I'd get a call or email the minute November came around teasing me when the actual day was. To this day, I am always hyper aware of birthdays in November. The strong character traits that Miles showed at a very young age were humility and humor. He walked gently on this earth with wit and a unique sense of understanding. Not character traits you find in most teenagers. It made him unique and rare. To the Taylor family, Leandra and special friends and extended family members of Miles, I cannot imagine the pain you feel now. With time, I hope the memories that so many us of carry of Miles and the impact he made on our lives, will give you relief. Though our lives separated with time and distance, as many do, our friendship will always be a very special thing to me and I am so very happy and grateful to have had a chance to call Miles my friend. Love to the Taylor family. Vicky Wilkens and the entire Whitley Family (Georgie, Jim and Kristy)

For Miles I wanted to write something to honor Miles, his life and the man he was. I reached out to a handful of people to ask what words they’d use to describe him, and the response I got was overwhelming! [show page, attached] I had been concerned that what I’d write would be biased because he’s my love, but there were some really consistent themes. This speaks to the fact that Miles was genuinely Miles. It’s also clear there’s really something special about him. One person said “”there are just certain people that you know are good people even if you’ve only met them once”, another said “he lit up the room when he walked in, and it’s not easy to do that in this world”. Miles talked a good game about not feeling comfortable in a crowd and feeling nervous being around new people, but in actuality, people were drawn to him immediately. He made people feel special and important, like what they had to say mattered. Like his mom in some ways, I think you could say “he never met a stranger”- he’d come back from walking Laili around the block brimming with news about the neighborhood from the friends he met along the way. He took the time to really see and hear people. He provided comfort. He was an amazing hugger. Miles also saw the bigger picture. What I mean by this is that he had the ability to look beyond an immediate situation and instinctively know what to do. I’m thinking of a specific thing here, but there are many other examples. There was a day in the later stages of my Grandmother’s struggle with ALS where her health was really deteriorating and my family, a large, Irish catholic family, was all up in arms about how to do something to help her, everyone was talking, it was a dramatic scene. Then I look over across the room and I see Grammy in her wheelchair, laughing with Miles. He was just sitting with her, holding her hand. In all that hoopla, high emotions and high tension, he didn’t just stay away from the fray, he went to my grandmother and was able to make her smile. Miles was loving, compassionate, kind, gentle, patient. He was so patient. He was really thoughtful. Anyone who has ever shopped for or received a Hallmark card from Miles will know why I bring this up as an example of the intentionality behind his demonstrations of love and kindness. Miles was athletic, intelligent, but always humble. He was incredibly strong, and in this way I think I see a lot of his dad. He was quietly strong. He didn’t need to say a lot, or prove anything, his actions are what spoke. Miles was a hard worker. He LOVED adventures and the outdoors. He had this dream of opening a scuba diving or boating type of shop on some beach with his sister, his only concern being that he hates mosquitoes. He was spontaneous and fun. Often times, weekends with Miles began (well, honestly, in the afternoon) but they’d begin with him cooking up two egg sandwiches, and then the three of us, Miles, me and Laili, would go off on some adventure in the woods. He loved the water, he loved playing with Laili and throwing sticks to her into the water, and he loved jumping in after her whenever possible. Once we were in Maine for a wedding, and on the way home we decided we didn’t want to go home yet, we would find and kiss on ten beaches before we went home. At one point it started misting a little, it was not a beach day. What I remember of that day is the laughter, running and holding his hand, him steadying me on the slippery rocks, I remember laughing with him as we we ate dinner by candlelight, in a restaurant that only had plastic chairs. Miles was fun, he was FUNNY. He was the kind of person people wanted to be around. He was a loyal friend, generous. It was easy to love Miles, it was impossible not to like him. Miles was here for 35 years. Only 35 years and he had SUCH an impact on people. He may have worked in finance, but he was here to help people. For someone so private, it was a big deal for him to share his stories, but he did this if he thought it could help even one person. Miles embodied what it means to be a good person in this world. I fell in love with Miles almost instantly. I expected writing these kinds of words about Miles to say at our wedding. I know I will think about him and miss him every single day. But he already made so many of my dreams come true. Miles touched people’s lives in real and lasting ways and will be greatly missed. I don’t know if he knew how much of an impact he had. Miles was truly loved, and he truly loved in return. And for Bill, Vicky and Tasha, one thing I know is he loved you beyond infinity. Miles, it was a privilege and joy to know and love someone as special as you. Written by Leandra

Miles- you brought a witty sense of humor and an infectious laugh to every room. You gave epic hugs, you loved animals, and you were great at leg wrestling. You loved your friends and family and did a lot of living in 35 years but it wasn't, and will never have been, enough. You'll be missed every day, but I know that I'll remember the joy you brought to myself and to others, and the smile on your face when you were about to head out for a run with Laili. I miss you Miles. xoxo, Amy