Taylor Lee Burks Anderson

Nov. 21, 1985 – Oct. 6, 2016

On the evening of Oct. 6, 2016, at the University of Washington Medical Center, Taylor Lee Burks Anderson passed away peacefully from Marfan’s Syndrome related heart failure. Taylor was 30 years old. He was born on Nov. 21, 1985, at Harrison Hospital, Bremerton, Washington. He was adopted at birth by Nita Burks and Ty Anderson.

Taylor grew up on Bainbridge Island attending Bainbridge Island Public Schools and the island District’s Developmentally Delayed programs through graduation. He received a letterman’s jacket as manager of the high school football team.

He was active in Boy Scouts of America from Tiger Cubs all the way to Eagle Scout. He was a charter member of Scout Troop 1564 sponsored by the American Legion. In 2003, Taylor achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

Taylor was very active in sports, playing Little League baseball and men’s league softball. He was a lifelong snow skier spending most winter weekends at Crystal Mountain with his parents who were volunteer patrollers. Taylor loved fishing from the day he caught his first trout at Sportsman’s Club pond.

Taylor was active and a leader in the Bainbridge Island Developmentally Delayed community. He participated in Special Olympics bowling and track and field. At 6’4” tall, he helped the Bainbridge Special Olympics team the “Golden Eagles” to the State Championships in basketball.

Taylor’s favorite employment was at Seattle’s sports stadiums, Safeco and Century Link Fields. He commuted to work on a bicycle often riding the “Tacoma”.  Taylor was an avid Mariners and Seahawks fan.

In 2014, Taylor married the love of his life, Kayla. Two weeks later Taylor was struck by Marfan’s Syndrome complications. He and Kayla had been battling this genetic disease ever since then.

Taylor is survived by his wife, Kayla Renee; his sister Sonnie; and his parents Nita Burks and Ty Anderson. This gentle soul of a gentleman has passed to early from our community.

A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Oct. 23, 2016 at Grace Episcopal Church, 8595 NE Day Road, Bainbridge Island. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Heart Association or The Marfan Foundation.