Taylor Phelan Mattson

If there’s anyone who lived life to the fullest, it was Taylor. He was the life of the party and the party of life. His motto was “full throttle” and you were lucky if you could keep up. Whether it was spontaneously imitating a skater at a party — with all the bruises to show for it – taking advantage of any and every hike in Utah or performing his signature dance moves like “stirring the bowl” and using his slang words like “yolo” and “gang-gang”, he never stopped.
Taylor spent his life helping the people he loved. Though he died much too young, he made a monumental impact while he lived. From the moment Taylor was born, he had a way of making everyone around him feel special. Arms continually outstretched to others, he never experienced stranger anxiety or shyness. He was everyone’s baby. Instead of crying when he woke from naps, he would smile and burst with excitement at the sight of his mother.
As he grew, he was always on the go. He’d often accompany his mom to her college campus, introducing her as “his mother” to everyone they met. She would have kept him by her side forever, but he had a world of people to love and influence.
He connected with all personalities, and was happiest around other people, especially if he was making them laugh. No one could put a smile on your face like Taylor. He had a knack for keeping in touch with friends, often leaving voicemails that lasted minutes long with jokes, words of affection, and encouragement. He spread joy with his obvious love for others, and his big bear hugs.
Taylor’s active lifestyle included playing wide receiver for the Taylorsville Bantams in 9thgrade. With his dad as his coach, Taylor and his teammates made it all the way to the World Championships in Little League Youth Conference. They had the spirit to win, despite being the underdogs. Their theme song, “Give Me Fuel, give Me Fire,” echoed their energy and their fight to the finish. Taylor knew how to work in a team, and never let anyone tell him what was impossible.
Taylor loved travelling, the outdoors, and all things adrenaline. He could often be found having Brunch at Redrock and drinking with friends.
Taylor is survived by Tim and Linda Mattson (parents), Tawni Mattson (sister), Alix Mattson (brother) and the Redwood Elite. He is preceded in death by Duane Burns (grandfather).
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