William David Taylor ’17 of Mercer Island, died Saturday, March 4, 2017, in Santa Clara, California.

Will was born August 4, 1995, at Saint John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California, the beloved son of David F. and Kendall W. Taylor. The family moved to Mercer Island when Will was two months old. Will attended Pixie Hill Preschool, West Mercer Elementary School, Mercer Island Middle School, and Mercer Island High School, graduating in 2013. Will was attending Santa Clara University, majoring in economics, with a minor in political science. He was a proud member of Sigma Pi fraternity and planned to graduate in June.

An avid athlete, Will played many years of basketball, including four years at Mercer Island High School. In college, Will was active in intramural sports, his fraternity, and community service. Will coached many younger athletes on Mercer Island through the Boys and Girls Club and the Little Dribblers Program. He enjoyed skiing with his family, boating on Lake Washington, rooting for the Seahawks, and spending time with his many friends. He was a member of the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church.

Will was a bright, spirited, and joyful presence in the lives of those who knew him. He lived surrounded by loving family and friends, and his death will leave a hole in many hearts. He is survived by his parents, David and Kendall Taylor of Mercer Island; his sister Kathryn Carlotta Taylor of Santa Monica; his brother Michael Wicklund Taylor, also of Mercer Island; his grandmothers Carolyn Wicklund of Sun Valley, Idaho, and Janet Taylor of Portsmouth, N.H.; his much-loved aunts, uncles, and cousins; and many friends from Mercer Island, Santa Clara, and elsewhere, including his girlfriend, Paige Olson ’17. He is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Alvin Taylor and Eldon Wicklund.