Taylor Lee Schipman passed away on February 18, 2025 at St. Vincents Hospital in Billings, Montana. The doctors claim his cause of death was cardiac arrest due to complications with his type one diabetes, but we all know he checked out because he’d learned that he would not be able to stream the 3C & 1B District Basketball tournaments while in his hospital room.
Taylor was born on June 25, 1984 in Kalispell, Montana the first born son of Larry and Patti (Schriver) Schipman. He spent his first years of life in Kila, Montana where he terrorized his dog and welcomed his little brother and sister, Trent and Shoni, to the world. At the young age of four he was diagnosed with diabetes and spent the rest of his life ignoring that he had it. From then on, living on borrowed time, Taylor lived his life to the fullest making lifelong friendships and memories along the way.
Taylor moved to the family ranch in Circle, Montana when he was in second grade in 1991. On his first day of school at Bo-Peep Elementary he was very worried about meeting new friends and whether or not he’d have anyone to play with at recess. He came home and excitedly reported to his mother that he had made five new friends. After that he got really good at making friends.
Playground football and basketball turned into a passion for sports that some might argue was more of an obsession. At a young age Taylor was found studying plays, scrutinizing defenses, and even writing his own playbooks. While excelling as a Circle Wildcat athlete in multiple sports, he found his true joy in coaching and strategy. His first coaching position was coaching a travel team for his sister when he was only a junior in high school. And just last week, before his passing, he expressed his desire to begin an AAU basketball program with the goal of helping Circle Wildcats get basketball scholarships to larger colleges.
Taylor received high marks academically at Circle High School and attended both Dickinson State University as well as Montana State University-Billings. Some people are book smart and some people are street smart, but Taylor was both. He was always the smartest person in the room. He was always the wittiest person in the room. He was always the funniest person in the room.
Taylor left his mark around the town of Circle with his many roofing and siding jobs. He started working construction as a teenager working for different contractors, but eventually started his own contracting business to support his coaching addiction. He was meticulous in his work, but even more meticulous in the shaping and mentoring of the young men that worked with him. He wanted these young men to be able to one day put a roof over their head, learn work ethic, and become the best version of themselves.
Coaching and mentoring the young men and women of Circle was Taylor’s life ambition, but the true love of his life was Mikenda Seymour. They shared a love of basketball and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of the young athletes they coached. A long awaited marriage proposal was greatly celebrated by Taylor and Mikenda’s family, friends, and athletes. Mikenda stood by his side on the basketball court, supported him while he coached football, drove them on all their adventures (not very well according to Taylor), took care of all his doctors appointments and medications, and loved him more passionately in their seven years together than most experience in a lifetime.
Taylor was the most engaging, caring and humor-filled individual to pass your way. He will be painfully missed by his family and friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Rob and Marge Schriver, Darrell Schipman, and Helen Cameron. He is survived by his fiancée Mikenda Seymour, parents Larry and Patti Schipman, his brother Trent Schipman, his sister and her husband Shoni and Will Townsend, nieces Ember and Hazel Townsend, nephew Henry Townsend, his faithful dog Moxy, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, future in-laws, and friends that were like family to him.
Taylor’s loved ones would like to set up a scholarship fund in his name for Wildcat graduates. If anyone chooses to designate their donation to this scholarship an account will be set up at Grasslands Federal Credit Union.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m at the Circle High School Gymnasium. Following the funeral service, a reception will be held at the Circle Country Market. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday February 28, 2025
Circle High School Gymnasium
1105 F Avenue
Circle, Montana 59215
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday February 28, 2025
Circle High School Gymnasium
1105 F Avenue
Circle, Montana 59215
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Karen And Clay Taylor and family says
Our deepest sympathies to Mikenda, Larry, Patti, Trent, and all family and friends of Taylor. He was one sweet and special young man and will be missed by so many.. sending hugs and prayers to all of you. Our daughter, has fond memories of her friend also.
Karen and Clay Taylor and family says
Our deepest sympathies to Mikenda, Larry, Patti, Trent, and all family and friends of Taylor. He was one sweet and special young man who will be missed by so many. Sending hugs and prayers. Our daughter Crystal has fond memories of her friend also.
Jackie Boysun says
My sincerest condolences in your loss of Taylor. He has left his mark on many. His memory will live on.
Denise & Bert Stambaugh says
I am so sorry to hear this ! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this extremely difficult time. Lots of love and hugs.
The Stambaugh’s
Lisa Stroh says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Taylor and Mikenda’a families. May you find comfort in knowing how much we care about all of you. God bless!
Robin & Lisa Stroh
Rosalie Bryan says
I am so sorry to hear this. He was a nice young man and a lose to the community. Thinking of all family and friends at this terrible time.
Dusty Elmore says
To Mikenda & all of Taylor’s Family-
I had the privilege of getting to know Taylor through my husband, Zach- in the short encounters I had with him he certainly was a fun-loving guy who definitely brought a light into any room he walked into. I have shared a couple photos from mine and Zachs wedding in 2012 which doesn’t even begin to capture the human being he was to so many adults and kids alike.
Please know that Zach and I share in your grief, and we will continue to keep you in our thoughts in the days and months ahead. In another time, and a happier place, we know you’ll see Taylor again.
Zach, Dusty & Adelyna Elmore
Kathy Aakre Ruddy says
Patti and Larry, and entire Schriver and Schipman families – my sincere condolences to you. I never got to meet Taylor, but I have heard so many wonderful things about him and how much he was loved in the community. May he rest in the loving arms of Jesus and may your family have solace in knowing that you will be together again in time.
Leroy Kirkegard says
My sincere condolences to the family. RIP Taylor.
Whitney Sullivan says
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Taylor.
My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones. With deepest sympathy, may you find comfort and peace.
Pauline and Myron Gackle says
Patti, Larry and family, We are very saddened in the loss of Taylor. We are praying for the peace of God to fill your hearts and may His presence comfort you.
Amber Breitbach says
I remember Taylor as a thoughtful and kindhearted young man when we were in school. His genuine nature left a lasting impression, and it’s heartbreaking to know he’s gone too soon. My heart goes out to his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him. May Taylor’s memory be a source of comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Greg Berger says
My heartfelt condolences go to every member of Taylor’s family. This young man touched so many lives in the Circle community and beyond. Words can never take away the pain, but keeping those memories alive can help ease it. Every time I hear a story of him, I get a smile not only on my face but my heart also. Taylor was a great guy who was loved by many and had given so much of himself to anyone who was in need of that one thing most of us rarely ever get, a true friend. Rest in Peace, Taylor, rest in peace!
Harley and Jackie Becker says
So sorry for your loss, may God hold you and comfort you.
Aaron & Jessica Bradley says
So sorry for the loss of Taylor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
Larry, Patty, and Family,
We were so sorry to hear about your loss. Our deepest sympathy to you and all your family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
Jeff & Kim Sukut says
Patti,Larry and family, we are so saddened to hear about Taylors passing. May God bless you and comfort you during this difficult.time.
Bonnie Holbrook says
So sorry. Taylor was such a sweet person and a kind soul. He lit up room when he entered. May God give you all his comfort on the loss of this fine young man. He rests with Jesus now. 💔
Ronda Idland says
How can there be words for the emptiness in your hearts! Taylor was a very special young man that was full of fun and knew no stranger. He coached many kids that loved and truly respected him deeply! As parents and siblings, friends your memories of Taylor will be ones to hold on forever until you see him again!
With all our love and prayers from the Kenny Idland family!
Jason and Michele Mickolio says
I am so sorry for this great loss. I have heard so many wonderful things about Taylor. I wish I had known him! No doubt in my mind he had a positive impact on everyone who new him. Peace be with all of his friends and family who are greaving at this time. Hold tight the presious memories. Press into Almighty God & seek what is avalible for all.
Marty Haggerty says
Larry Patti and all your family so sorry for your loss. Much to young God must have needed some extra help he will be missed by all.
Donna Underberg says
So very sorry for your loss. If there is anything we can do please let us know. Send hugs to all.
Ken & Bonnie Nelson says
To the Schipman family and Mckendra, Ken & I are so very sorry for your loss, we got to know Taylor when he worked on our house, he was a special young man and will be missed by many..you are all in our thoughts and prayers. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Deanna Robbins says
To the Schipman family ,we are so sorry for your loss.Our prayers are with all of you.
Tom & Lorna Schumacher says
So sorry for your loss! Hugs prayers to all the families 💕🙏🙏
Ron and Kathy McFarland says
Ron and I did not know Taylor but he must have been a pretty remarkable young man. We are so very sorry for your loss. Prayers that God will wrap His loving arms around you to comfort you and bring you peace knowing you will be together again someday.
LaVern Schillinger says
I am sorry for your loss.
Terry and Brenda Pawlowski says
Larry and Patti our hearts are saddened with this news. Taylor was truly a light amongst us all. May his joyful memories hold family, friends and acquaintances together in this loss.
Taylor rest in peace ♡
Mike and Cori Radakovich says
Larry and Patti and family,
Our hearts are sad for you guys …… Taylor will be missed deeply by so many. Our family was fortunate to have known him and were inspired by his toughness and can do attitude and his warm sense of humor. Our prayers and hearts are with you. The world has lost a good soul.
Mike, Cori , Collin and Robbie Radakovich
Roscoe and Sharon Schmidt says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Taylor’s entire family.
Judy Hawkinson Fuchs says
My sympathy for your loss of Taylor. He was such a neat kid in school when I knew him and his continuing to coach kids was selfless. The local kids loved his attention and the community will miss him
Dave and Rachel McCloy says
Thinking of you at the loss of your loved one. It’s not easy loosing a child no matter the age and also for siblings. Our prayers are with you as you travel on, find comfort in all the memories. Dave and Rachel
Kemp Family says
Condolences to Family, Friends and Community. Thoughts and Prayers.
RIP Taylor
Shann Schillinger says
This is heartbreaking and I’m thinking of all the family during this tough time. Truly, always enjoyed catching up with Taylor every time we crossed paths. Great dude, that will be missed by all.
Les and Barb Schipman says
To Larry, Patti, Shoni, Trent and Mikenda,
We are so very, very sorry to hear about Taylor. We remember him as a little boy, and growing up. He was an awesome young man and left his mark on so many lives! So young, so very sad.
Please know that we are thinking of all of you and sending prayers to you all.
Rachel Sullivan says
Taylor you will be greatly missed. You were a great friend and was always funny and could make anyone laugh. So very sorry for your loss to his family, friends, and everyone that knew him. Sending prayers.
David Goodale says
Taylor Shipman Family,
May your memories carry you through this difficult time. Taylor will live on through his legacy of coaching kids. He will never be forgotten by those that he mentored and coached. Sorry for your loss!!