Taylor VanSchoick

Taylor Alan VanSchoick, of Kalamazoo passed away surrounded by the loving care of his family on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the age of 29. Taylor was born on October 10, 1990 in Kalamazoo. He was the son of Jerry and Patsy (Evensen) VanSchoick. Taylor graduated from Vicksburg High School with the Class of 2009. After high school he was very proud of continuing his education and becoming an EMT, completing his Paramedic courses, and graduating from the Fire Academy to become a firefighter with South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority. After five years of service at PrideCare EMS, Taylor decided to change direction and pursue another love, working on diesel engines. He moved to Lisle, IL and attended Universal Technical Institute to become a diesel technician. Taylor was most recently employed as a diesel technician at Freightliner of Kalamazoo. Taylor was very passionate about many things but most importantly playing golf with his family, researching anything and everything, and working on his home. He also enjoyed snowmobiling and camping and having a lot of fun. His family describes him using the following words: brave, strong, selfless, funny, tough, stubborn, smart, talkative and even sexy. He was a Detroit sports fan in general and loved following the Tigers and the University of Michigan. As much as he liked Detroit sports, most important to him was following the sports that his brother Mitch played. He loved all genres of music from country to Maroon 5. Taylor battled health issues with bravery and with a positive attitude right up to the final hour. He never once allowed it to define him. Taylor is survived by his parents: Jerry and Patsy VanSchoick, of Scotts; one brother, Mitch VanSchoick, of Kalamazoo; grandparents: Carol Davison, of Vicksburg and Kenneth and Letha Evensen, of Vicksburg; aunts and uncles: Peggy and Todd LaPorte, of Scotts; Laura and Bill Sandahl, of Scotts; Jon and Gerri VanSchoick, of Marcellus; and Jim VanSchoick, of Grandville. He is also survived by his cousins: Kelli and Phil Campbell, Kimberly VanSchoick, Steven VanSchoick, Sarah VanSchoick, Tyler Sandahl, Kelsey Sandahl, Alex LaPorte, Aaron LaPorte and Reese Taylor Campbell; and his special Golden Retriever, Cal. He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Dick VanSchoick. A Celebration of Life Par-Tay will be held at Indian Run Golf Club, 6359 East RS Ave, Scotts on Sunday, January 26 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. A time for sharing will be held during the Open House on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Indian Run. Everyone that attends is encouraged to wear jeans and a flannel shirt. Please visit Taylor’s webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can sign the guestbook, order flowers and/or share a memory with the family. Those who wish may make contributions to Make A Wish.