Taylor Jay Shupe tragically died at home in Grand Rapids, MI on June 11, 2023, at the age of 33.

Taylor was born on June 26, 1989, in Grand Rapids, MI to Helen (Tower) Shupe and Jeffrey Shupe. As a young child, he always showed an affinity for art, building, and creativity, making masterpieces of Legos and fabricating elaborate costumes from everyday objects.

He attended Godwin Heights Schools, where he was involved in student council and an avid volunteer, graduating in 2007. He attended Kendall College of Art and Design, pursuing his passion for graphic design. He was also a master at restoring old objects to new again, believing that every item had a story to tell.

Taylor will be remembered as a talented musician, playing guitar and bass in multiple local bands, including the Lippies, Paper Thin, and the Bloody Lips. His love for music was infectious and he would patiently and persistently offer to teach anyone he met how to play rifts on an instrument, brought out on a beach or at a bonfire. His legacy will live on in venues he loved, including the Pyramid Scheme, where he played and supported fellow musicians for years.

Taylor was a wonderful brother to his many siblings, pouring out love, patience, and joy to them for almost 34 years. There are many tales of Taylor "shenanigans" with his older and younger siblings, including games of hockey in the kitchen and pyrotechnics in toilets. He was the most energetic beach wheelchair coach and constantly adapted items, including Halloween costumes, for his sister, Anji. He would foster independence for his brothers, teaching them how to cook and increasing their confidence with each lesson.

Taylor's memory will live on through the friendship and laughter he brought to his multitude of friends. He was the ultimate food prep chef, taking hours to prepare colorful and delicious meals with love for gatherings. Taylor was the designated story teller and entertainer in his group, with one-liners and quips that his friends will remember for life. He was most recently a beloved employee of Bridge Street Market, where he leaves behind a legacy of dedication to customer service and supporting a team that he loved. Taylor was a fierce and loyal companion, who was his most authentic self when in the company of his friends, who truly were his family.

Taylor is survived by his parents, Jeff and Helen Shupe, his eleven siblings Ryan (partner, Ashliee), Brittany, Cody, Logan, Slayter (wife, Minnie) Keegan, Matthew, Hunter, Mileaha, Anjulia, Emery, brother-in-law, Chris and sister-in-law, Kaitlynn. He leaves behind two nephews, Roman and Oliver, as well as his paternal grandmother, Joyce, and multiple aunts and uncles. He will be missed fiercely by his friends, whose numbers rival the stars and include Kole, Katy, Cassandra, Krystal, Nate, Marianne, Mason, David, Ty, and many, many more.

A memorial for Taylor is being coordinated by Zaagman Funeral Home in Grand Rapids, MI, and the service is planned for Friday, June 16, 2023, at 6:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to Girls Rock Grand Rapids via Grandville Avenue Arts and Humanities. Taylor loved Girls Rock and would play at fundraiser shows to support their mission to empower girls and gender-expansive youth through music.

Please visit the following website to make a donation in his memory:

http://www.tinyurl.com/GRGRforTaylor

or by contacting Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities at (616) 742-0692