Roy Taghon Obituary

Dave was truly a kind Soul and wonderful person to be around. Always having a good word of encouragement to all and the epitome of Ephesians 4:32 Condolences to his family and many friends. - L.G. Overmyer

Dave, Diane & family ~
No matter how my day was going, I could count on leaving the corner gas station with a smile. How Roy could hum those show tunes while pressing the keys of a cash register like a piano -- AND be ready with something witty to say by the time he hit the TOTAL key -- was anyone's guess. He was such a whirlwind of positive energy. Looking forward to hearing more about the music scholarship program in his name.

Roy was the most upbeat, positive, optimistic person I know. He opened his heart to all people who passed through his life. I would like to try to honor his memory by being more like him.

Even though I only saw Roy about once a year, I always looked forward to catching up with him and getting a dose of his optimistic, friendly spirit. He will be missed terribly, and I will always, ALWAYS think of him whenever I drive into Empire. He was truly an Earth Angel.

Roy meant the world to us at the Empire EZ Mart. Roy along with his family created a great tradition in Empire at this location. Having Roy being part of our Blarney Castle family was wonderful. We miss him terribly and we know that all of our customers will find a huge void on Taghon's corner without him.

Sincerely,
Bill McCarthy

Roy was one of the few people we knew that couldn't wait for the summer to end and the snow to fly!
He was a great guy and our entire family will miss him greatly.

We will truley miss Roy on Saturday's nights when we go to mass. He really new how to play music so well. Nobody will ever replace him. You will all be in our thought's and prayers.
Bryan and Rhonda Brzezinski and family

Dear Taghon Family. We were shocked to hear the unfortunate news of Roy. We just found out after receiving the Enterprise on January 28 in Cincinnati. I, as a Theatre organist, watched Roy grow into his music.I spoke to Roy about it every summer as I fueled up at the corner mart. He was well aware of the theatre organ as well, mentioning Lyn Larsen, Ron Rhode and other organists. Even as we are only summer vacationers in Burdickville, we will miss his outgoing personality as well as the music at St. Philips. We are so sorry for your loss.

It was with great sorrow that I read of Roy's untimely passing on the American Snowmobiler website. I had the pleasure of racing snowmobiles with Roy back in the early '90's, and remember him as a fierce competitor with a quick wit and a ready smile. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family in their time of loss.

A week later, I'm still thinking about Roy as that oak tree in your front yard that has been there forever, but must one sad day be cut down. The landscape will never look quite right again.
In high school band, there was no doubt in my mind that Roy carried the whole ensemble. We tuned to his coronet, marched to his step, and who needed to really know their part of the fight song? Roy carried it.
When I married, I actually changed the time of my wedding so that Roy could play for us and still be to mass on time; I couldn't imagine any other musician accompanying Mary Boissoneau.
After my son was born, for some reason whenever we attended mass, the organ would make him start howling! Roy actually played a little softer out of deference to the poor kid, with a smile on his face.
The absolute best part of Christmas Eve mass for me was Roy's post-communion rendition of 'Silent Night'...so lovingly played and holy as the chimes asked the babe to sleep in heavenly peace. I ask the same for Roy.
Then again, he's probably up there getting on God's case...More snow! Did you find everything okay? Is that it for today? We gotta go! I'm late for the Seraphim's lesson!
I will miss Roy and am better for having known him.

Dear Taghon family,
We were so sad to hear from my Dad Marty Van Houzen of Roy's passing. I didn't know him well as others but I do remember his quick wit while working at "The Corner".
Your family has been a blessing to ours for many years, and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
We'll take comfort in knowing Roy is "Snowmobiling in Heaven".

Dan, Karen, Katlyn, & Derek Van Houzen

As I have been reading the wonderful words written by so many caring people I have come to realize how little I knew of this wonderful young man. I am saddened to think that I missed the chance to get to know better someone so loved by so many. Roy was my Nephew. I knew he loved Empire and Music and that he Snowmobiled...I had no idea of the true passion he had for all of life. Thank you all for sharing your stories and insights about my Nephew Roy. I know him better through them.

Didn't know Roy very well but always feel a connection when it's a GLHS alumni. I'm sure when my dad and mom (George Rosinski/Janice Lautner) hung with his parents there were times when we were all together.
I'm so sorry for your loss and truly way too young. Only God knows best and we may never understand. May all the wonderful memories help comfort you as the days carry on!!!

Roy was a wonderful young man from a truly special family. We pray God comforts you during this time of sadness.

Mr and Mrs. Taghon, Fred, Louann, Kathy-

I am so sorry and deeply saddened to hear about Roy. After reading all of the entries posted here though, I hope the kind words on what type of friend he was to everyone, will help to ease your sadness and pain.

As I think back to growing up in Empire and spending most of my free time with the Taghon clan, so many of the great memories I have involve Roy.

The funny thing about those memories, is unlike so many other memories we have which seem to also include bad memories, there are no bad memories of the times I spent with Roy.

No matter what it was we were doing, whether we were working at the station, heading to the drag races, going to TC, Grand Rapids, sleeping under his car at Indy, or just down at the beach, with the way Roy was, he made everyone want to be his friend.

As I sit here thinking back to some of those memories and even though this is a very sad day, Roy and the memories I have of him are making me smile and laugh inside, just like he used to do 20 years ago.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Now that life is slowing down after a most fantastic celebration of Roys life, all we can say is THANK YOU ALL for the most sincere outpouring of LOVE we have ever experienced.
You will all be in OUR prayers of thanksgiving.
All these warm memories of Roy will surround us with the strength and joy to carry on.
What a wonderful tribute to Roy!!!!

Sorry for your loss. Your Family is in our prayers.
The Grubb Family.

Loving God--Loving Family--Loving Friends --That was our Roy!!!
The music will never end, Dave , Diane and family!! Yesterday we were sad--today we will keep praying and celebrating!! They say a good example is the best sermon and we received the best from our Roy. Sleep well , nephew.
Uncle Eric and Aunt Karen

Dear Diane & Dave,

I was so sorry to hear about Roy’s passing the other day. I know in my heart how this must feel for each of you.

Roy truly was an exceptionally good hearted fellow & I shall miss his unique character that brought many smiles to all of us who got to watch him operate at warp speed & with quick wit.

We all are the poorer for your loss, but indeed all are the richer for his having been with us at all. For this I’m ever so grateful for you two having brought Roy into the world & being such wonderful & loving parents.

Please accept my most heartfelt condolences & do take solace in the knowledge that Roy touched many people in our village in the very best of ways that only a fine nature as his could.

With respect & love, your friend,

Joseph Heringlake

Dear Dave, Diane and Family,

I was so sad to read the announcement and story on the passing of your son, Roy. I did not know him well. I am a summer resident and 35 year visitor to Glen Lake. I have been a customer of your store for many years. I observed Roy growing up and interacting with the customers at your store. I did not know of his love of music and snowmobile riding.

However, interacting with Roy at your store was a real upper. If Roy couldn't make you feel good and upbeat, no one could. What a wonderful young man. He will be missed.

I share your pain in having lost a son at a younger age. He is a real loss to you and to the greater community.

Prayers are with you.

Bob Lavety

To the Taghon family... Roy's spirited personality and comic antics brought a smile to my face without fail. I am glad to have known this kind young man for a short time and enjoyed every brief moment we shared. Roy was a unique, kind individual who will not be forgotten. His passing is a sad loss to the community and all who knew him. With deepest sympathy to you and others he loved,

To the Taghon Family: I am truly sorry to hear about your loss.

Dear Taghon Family, We have been visiting Empire for 30+ years and even tho residents do not know us, we know of them. Roy was one of those people. He was so nice all the time! We knew Roy thru seeing him play the organ at St Philip's and of course at the only service station in the village! One time after mass, we told him how much we enjoyed his music. He was so modest, did he know what a talent he had? Our family and friends will be shocked to learn that one of the most familiar faces in town is now gone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Sincerely, Dan and Jeanne Ernst, Empire, MI and Franklin, IN

Dear Dave, Diane and Family,
We were both deeply saddened when we heard of your loss. Roy always had a great attitude and outlook on life. He always managed to bring a smile to our face when we were in his presence. Both of us are grateful to have known him. He will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

We are truly sorry for your loss.
Although we didnt know Roy very well, we sure enjoyed his smile and spirit as he walked into our Restaurant in downtown Maple City (Pegtown) Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and the entire community. God Bless

Dear Dave, Diane, Kathy, Luann, and Fred,
We can only imagine the loss you are all feeling at Roy's passing. This guestbook is full of tributes to Roy and how he touched people every day by just being who he was and using the gifts he had been blessed with to bless others. His kindness is an example to each of us to follow. He was a special man from a special family. You are all in our hearts & prayers. Keep in touch Fred - we love you.

To the Taghon family: I was shocked and saddened to hear of Roy's death. Pat Alonzi contacted me from Florida to let me know. I will always remember Roy for his happy smile, and for always finding him bopping and singing when I went in to the convenience store. He will be greatly missed. God Bless you all.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Roy. He was perpetually friendly, understanding, and kind. His smile was always genuine and he made one's day brighten just by talking to him. His absence in the community will be greatly felt, and our prayers are for him and with his family. We know that God is now receiving his own personal organ performance and loving every minute of it.

Ever since the news of Roy's passing reached us, a filmstrip of my "Roy memories" has been rolling in my mind: He has a smile on his face in every frame!

He is truly missed— we send our love and prayers back to the family and Roy's friends.

The pipe organ at Holy Rosary Church will never ring out so joyously, nor sound so glorious, without Roy at the keyboards. The consummate musician, the artist of the ivories ... we are so grateful that we had him with us for even the short time that we did. He touched all of us with his music and his professionalism, especially the choir members.

Only the Lord will be able to help us find a suitable replacement. Hopefully He'll rely on the expert advice of one recent new resident from Empire Michigan, whom our Lord will soon realize knows his stuff. Our loss is Heaven's gain.

May Roy rest in peace. Our prayers and condolences to all the Taghon family... thanks for sharing Roy with us.
Very respectfully,
Judy and Glenn LaCross

We are very sad to have heard of your loss. Please know that you are in our prayers.

Tonight I like to think that Roy is probably sitting in the old cottage on Drummond Island with Fred and Reva...with a roaring fire in the fireplace (but wearing wool sox just for insurance)...maybe roasting marshmallows…listening to that old staticy radio…maybe playing cards…and watching the big boats with all their lights on cut through the ice on the big lake outside that big window.
(maybe reading all the words of wisdom that were written on the walls of that old outhouse)
My love and best thoughts to all the Taghon family. Roy's service today was a real testament to the many, many, many lives you, and Roy, have all touched, and the magnitude of Roy's life and goodness.
Godspeed, Roy.

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.

I will always remember just last winter standing shivering and stamping the snow from my boots and saying how much I hated winter and Roy responded with " Are you kidding? This is the best" He was always smiling and upbeat. My deepest sympathy to your family,Dave and Diane.

Dear Dave & Diane,
It has been many years since I have been in Empire. I was shocked to read (in a local newspaper) of Roy's accident/death & want to express my deepest sympathy. I am sorry for your loss & pray you will experience God's comfort now & in the future.

All the Mesches are devastated by this tragic loss. Roy was a true local hero, and he will be remembered by all in Empire and beyond. My deepest sympathy goes out Dave, Diane, Kathy, LouAnne and Fred. With love-

DEAR TAGHON FAMILY, ALL OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS TO YOU AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME. ROY WAS LOVED BY ALL.
THE KOZAL FAMILY

To Roy's Family: We will keep you all in our prayers. We loved Roy and he was always a constant in the changing priests at our churches. We have loved him since he started playing at St. Rita's with Father Chad Zielinski. He played for us at our wedding and was SO kind and wonderful. It was such a blessing to listen to him every Sunday. He really will be missed.

My deepest sympathy to all the Taghon family. Fred...as the days and weeks go by, may you discover some of those "special moments" that let you know that Roy is always with you.

Roy had the St. Philip Neri spirit.
Energetic,witty,kind adding bright-
ness to our lives. A perfect musi-
cian. Never a negative word from his mouth. A true Taghon. We join the others who miss him.

Dave,Diane and Family. So sorry to hear about Roy, Right now I am in New Jersey to help out my daughter in law with the kids while Pat is in Kuwait. I ask the Lord to bless you and keep you, we don't know why but the lord gives us a certain amount of time on this earth and he wants us to come home. You did a good job raising Roy and I know he wouldn't want you to grieve but keep going forward in his memory. When I get back to Michigan I will give you a call in April. Until than I keep you and yours in my prayers. Love Ya.

Gerry Galla

Roy always made me laugh and smile every time I had the fortune of seeing him around Empire or at the gas station in the morning. I always looked forward to seeing him and hearing his quick-witted thoughts on the world around us. He will be terribly missed.

Roy helped make Empire a community for me. Although my husband and I no longer live in town, We both consider Empire our “home.” We both have known Roy for 15+ years and always enjoyed that he still worked at “Taghons” even after it was sold to BP. He always made me laugh with his quickness on the register and jokes at the counter. I have yet to come across another person who is overjoyed when it snows 8+ inches in Northern Michigan. Roy’s laughter and personality was truly unique and an inspiration to all who came across him. Dave, Diane and Fred, our condolences are with you. Heaven truly has a wonderful angel above.

Dear Taghon Family,
Roy was a great person and I knew him to have a competitive side which I admired. He was very smart when it came to tuning a snowmobile. He always had a great attitude and outlook on life. I am glad I knew him and considered him a friend. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Dave, Diane, Kathy, LouAnne, and Fred - you are all in our prayers and thoughts through this time of sorrow.

This may be an overused and corny saying, some might even consider it an oxymoron when it refers to Roy's passion of snowmobiling but I always did and always will think of Roy as the gentleman and the scholar of snowmobiling.
Somewhere in eternity they will be chasing Roy's taillight as some of us still on earth were fortunate enough to do. I imagine the comments to be the same....'Man, he sure is running good today !'
Family and friends... find comfort in you memories of Roy.

How truly unfortunate that God has called Roy home. My wife and I had the pleasure to know Roy through our friends the Andres.' For several years, we looked forward to singing with Roy at St. Philip's during our Labor Day gatherings, and at other times when we vacationed in the area. For several years, Roy even had a Men's choir made up of our golfing crew that visited after Labor Day. Roy was a wonderful, spiritual, personable, and talented man. He used his gift of music to praise God and serve others. Our visits to Empire will be less enriching without Roy behind the counter at the station and moreso without Roy in his place at the organ in St Philip's on Sunday morning. We pray that Roy's family will find peace in this loss in knowing how many lives he touched beyond the village of Empire. Certianly the family can feel blessed that God gave them such a wonderful son who brought beauty and kindness to so many in his lifetime.

Roy was easily the most sincere person I've ever known. He not only "talked the talk" but "walked the walk". He meant what he said, and his word was as good as money in the bank. If you were his friend, you were blessed beyond belief. His upbeat attitude was something contagious. If you were in a surly mood, Roy had the ability to make you realize that life was just too short. He would get you to lighten up and just enjoy this ride we call Life. That ability is a rare trait. Something that will be sorely missed.

Dave & Diane, Be proud. You raise a wonderful and caring Human Being. God Bless your family. Bodes

My heart goes out to you Dave, Diane, Fred and the rest of your family. Roy was a truly unique and uplifting person. He will be greatly missed. I will never forget the enthusiasm he expressed in everything he did; always with a smile and boundless energy.

Dear Tagon family ~
Our deepest sympathy to all of Roy's family. We will always remember his kind smile and quick wit ... his spirit will remain in our hearts ~ God has a new angel!
With love,

Dave and Diane
We are very sorry to hear about Roy. He was a highlight to our visits to Empire. We will miss him.
Jim and Connie Andres

Dear Dianne, Dave and Family:
Though we didn't know Roy well, all of our encounters with him reflected his positive and amazing outlook on life. He always brightened our day whenever we ran into him at the gas station, and we know he had the same effect on others. We will all miss him. Please know you are in our thoughts.

Diane, Dave, and the entire family.
Such a shock to read of the untimely passing of a truly talented and kind person. He will be sadly missed, but SO joyfully remembered.

Roy's ever smiling face at the corner will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathy to Roy's family, friends and the Village of Empire.

Dave, Diane and family.
Even though we've been gone from the Empire for the past 8 years, Roy left a lasting and enjoyable memory for me and my family. One of my fond memories was at the celebration of the opening of the Empire Museum. We got Roy to play the piano and had a sing-along of old tunes that he must of played by ear. This was one of many enjoyable contacts we had with Roy over the 17+ years we lived in Empire. May we be together again "Some other Day"

My deepest sympathies at the loss of your son. My mother and dad, Fred & Agnes Delonnay so enjoyed his music at church and were so proud that their church had such a quality organist.

The Lord has called one of the good ones home. I wept as I read Roy's obituary today, it reads as a true reflection of the fine young man we all knew, liked, and loved. Roy's likable personality and light-hearted character were one of the privileges we all shared living in the small community of Empire. Roy was always ready with a timely tidbit to lighten things up and leave you laughing, as he hustled about the station, taking care of business and customers. He will live on in our hearts and fond memories forever. My thoughts and prayers are with the Taghon families, especially Dave and Diane. With deepest sympathy.

To Roy's Family:
Our hearts are overflowing at Roy's passing. He will be so very missed!

Elizabeth & Joe Verschaeve

With our deepest sympathy. We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Roy was a pleasure to know and real sportsman in racing.

The BP station in Empire was still ‘Taghons’ to me because Roy was there. He always asked about the movie I was returning –he would say: “worth watching”? He never failed to buoy my spirits on those wintery days heading into Traverse City for work. He loved the snow and wouldn’t tolerate too much whining about it. His ability to meet the changing needs of priests and parishioners as St. Philip Neri's Music Director is proof his kind and oh, so gentle, nature. Truly, he was part of the fabric of our community and will be so very missed!

My deepest sympathies to the Taghon family. Roy was truly one of the nicest people around. He always had such a great smile everytime I saw him. He will be greatly missed.

Thinking of your family at this sad time.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.Roy's wonderful smile and kindness will be missed, Roy played piano for our wedding and we will always have that in our heart's and a great talent he was gifted with. Roy was always there for my snowmobile questions to go and visit him and tracey in the shop he will be greatly missed.

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Dear Taghon Family:

Roy reflected so well your family spirit and outlook.He greeted life so openly and warmly. He is missed.

The Hargreaves Family

I have known the Taghon family all of my life. I babysat for Roy many years ago, he played the organ at my wedding and he was the happiest person at his work place. I will forever remember Roy for many reasons. All of Empire will miss him. My heart goes out to Diane, Dave and the entire Taghon family.

Dear Dave, Diane & family,

There are no words to express how deeply sorry we are for your sudden loss. We have fond memories of a nice person who always had a smile, extended kindness and took time to be helpful. May you find comfort in your countless memories. God Bless.

With Deepest Sympathy,

Jim & Xenia Martin
(Nephew of Virgina Barker)

To the Taghon family.
Roy will be missed by all. He was a very talented person in so many way's. I can't think of a time that he wasn't smiling and enjoying life, as well as bringing joy to others that were blessed to have known him. Some of my fondest memories were of the Taghon family enjoying life together, be it Christmas carols at Grandma's or those great trips to Drummond Island. All of wich were enlightened by Roy playing an organ or piano and having fun with his friends and family. Roy truly enjoyed life. My prayers will be with you and your entire family during these times.

after being gone for 15 yrs in texas it was so nice to run into roy again as we talked for quite a while about old times and the fun we had. im glad i got to see him one more time. he will be missed. my thoughts and prayers go out to the family. god bless

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Novak and Taghon Family. I have known Roy as long as I can remember. He certainly could make a bad day better by simply greeting you. He helped to make Empire home and I will miss seeing him when we are back in the area. His music was always something to look forward to when going to mass on Sunday and I will miss hearing it. He was a wonderful person and one whose presense here on earth will be missed. And he will make heaven even more blessed. Certainly God has chosen a wonderful Angel. Dave, Diane, Lu Ann, Kathy, Katia and Fred and the rest of the family we are praying for you!

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Music Ministry has lost one of its good ones! Roy - May the angels lead you into paradise and may the martyrs welcome you to the Holy City, the new and eternal Jerusalem!
The Taghon family will continue to be held in thoughts and prayers.

Roy Taghon was a gentle loving person and he will be dearly missed. So Sorry for your lost my heart goes out to the family and all who knew him.

My heart is filled with sorrow this untimly passing of my friend. He always made me smile. My thoughts and prayers will be with Mr. and Mrs. Taghon and the entire Taghon family
Eva Humphries (Sweet)

Each and every day was brightened when we encountered Roy. We will miss him deeply. Our love to you. We wish we were with you.

I will remember Roy's buoyant spirit, his energy, and his love of classical music. Where else could one go to a gas station and hear a Bach Brandenburg Concerto, but right here in Empire with Roy at the cash register. Roy introduced me to Riverdance and an overseas group, The Tap Dogs. He had such a wonderful sense of rhythm and musicality. I once suggested to him that he should consider taking tap dance lessons. He seemed to ponder that idea. What a fine musician! What a good person! Roy will be fondly remembered by so many. My sympathy to Diane and Dave and all of Roy's family.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Dear Taghon Family,
I have such fond memories of Roy playing trumpet in the high school band. He had so much talent and was so very kind. I am sorry to hear this sad news. We are keeping you in our prayers.

As I write this I am reminded of the bright smile, quick wit and generous heart that was Roy. I had the pleasue of cantoring with him during the summer months. It is unimaginable to think of St. Philip's liturgies and not to see and hear him there. My prayers and deepest sympathy go out to his family, his parish and those who knew and loved him.

May all the wonderful memories of Roy be a blessing unto you.

To the Taghon family - So sorry about your loss. I graduated with Roy and have many fond memories of him from our years at Glen Lake. Roy had a great sense of humor and was always a very caring person. That's what made him so special. May your hearts be comforted.

How BLESSED we all are, to have known you.

WAS A PLEASURE KNOWING YOU. YOU WILL BE MISSED!

Dear Taghon Family,
We are so saddened by the loss of Roy. He was always so happy and witty, such a shining and positive personality. He made a trip to the gas station entertaining! Roy didn't know it, but he provided me with a sense of comfort because he was always willing to go out to the pump and assist my mom with filling her tank. Roy touched so many lives. God be with you all in this painful time.

I've known Roy as long as I can remember and that whole time he never failed to make me smile with his antics at the cash register. He was a great person and one of the people that makes Empire such a unique place to live. His presence will be missed, but not forgotten.

While I sat in mass this past Sunday listening to Roy play, all I could think about was how incredibly talented he was and how much I enjoyed listening to his music. I could have sat there all day and just listened. Roy was the organist at my wedding and accompianed me while I sang at a few weddings. I never felt nervous when Roy was playing, I always knew he could keep me on track and the mass moving along. My condolences to all of Roy's family. He will be missed, as will his beautiful music.

To know Roy was a gift in itself. Over the past 17 years he has been one of my best friends. Roy, Dave, Diane, Kathy, Darren, Katia, Lou Ann & Fred have been an extention of my own family. I know Roy lived life to the fullest and left us doing what made him happy. He will never be forgotten. His best friends will continue on in life with Roy in our hearts everyday. May peace be with you Roy; as to the entire Taghon & Novak families and all of Roy's friends.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

Dear All,
We are so sorry for your loss. Roy was a fantastic person and will be greatly missed in our little town of Empire.