A letter to Taylor by his older sister Savannah Cracraft-Partlow
My baby brother, Taylor Lester Partlow-Wilson, lost his life after a hard-fought battle with a debilitating brain disorder, schizophrenia. He was a beautiful person, inside and out. He was wickedly smart, he loved to draw, and listen to music. He loved animals, playing video games, and fitness. Taylor was so cool. He tore down hills on his long board and parkoured ALL of Salt Lake City.
When he got sick, he couldn’t do many of the things he loved so much, any longer, but he was still amazing. He spent his last few years hanging out at home with mom, visiting with family, and cooking for and attending every family party. Mom and Tay did puzzles together, built and decorated an intricate miniature dollhouse, and even started making some (delicious) mom and Tay hot sauces.
Taylor would hang out with my son Mason when we visited and play cards or watch YouTube videos with him. He would also listen to music with mom, Dave, and I. He loooooved a good joke. I would hug him every time I saw him and say, “Hi baby!” he would squeeze me back and say “Raaar!”.
He pushed mom to be a camping mom for him, and she did it – we spent the summer tent camping together. I was looking forward to so much more of that. In late August, we had our last camping trip, and I helped Tay catch his first fish.. his last fish. Taylor, I am grateful that I got to know you again so well these last few years, to have had the opportunity to spend that time together. You are loved. And you will be missed.
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A letter to my dad Eric Wilson
You are a fantastic dad Eric. To Ali, and Taylor, and to me. Growing up with you was a beautiful childhood, full of outdoor adventures, kite flying, midnight bike rides, road trips, hikes, gardens full of ripe tomatoes, sanding and sawing noises- improvement of our home. Trips to Barnes and Noble, books, and vacations. Action-adventure movies. Hand built and so thoughtful presents. Puzzle making. And safety. You and mom worked so hard that we could want for nothing. Rain drops on tents in the Summer. Breakfast over a campfire and a big smile on your face when we woke. You housed Ali through her turbulent teens. You housed Taylor even at his sickest and scariest. You continued to parent and support me when I was the most difficult bratty teen too.
You are not only a good dad, you are a FANTASTIC one. Taylor loved you so so much. And so do I.
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He is survived by his mom Laura Partlow, dad Eric Alexander Wilson, sisters Savannah Cracraft-Partlow, and Alexandra Rosin Wilson, his nephew Mason Cracraft, and a loving close-knit extended family of many aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, who all loved him.
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All are invited to attend his viewing from 6:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Larkin Sunset Lawn (2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84108).
A celebration of life will take place early January 2024 in Salt Lake City, UT. Please text Laura for details at 801-828-8781.