David Lee Taylor, 63, of Montclair, California, passed away on April 18, 2021. David was born on May 19, 1957 in Lynwood, California to Virgil David and Helen (Farrell) Taylor.

He is survived by his older brothers Mike Taylor, wife Beth of Utah, Dan Taylor of Nevada and sister Kari (Taylor) Kissell, husband Edward Kissell of Carlsbad, California. He has several nephews and neices whom he loved dearly, Brandon, Ryan, Jeremy Taylor and Rebekah (Taylor) Giesegh, Daniel (who preceeded him in death), David and Jonathan Taylor, Cambria Bounyavong, Jessica and Colby Kissell.

David had a true thirst for life. He loved being outdoors fishing, water skiing, snow skiing and anything to do with racing, motocross was his true love. He had a long and successful career as a professional motocross racer, speedway racer, and quad racer. He was passionate about competing and loved the thrill of competition. If it had an engine he wanted to race it, even at one point in life trying car racing. David amassed many big career wins during his time as a professional motocross racer, becoming known for his ability to win the 'hole shot' at the beginning of each race. He started out desert racing with his older brother Mike, then moved to track riding where he found his true calling. His favorite place to race was Irwindale Raceway in Irwindale, Ca. where he became a staple on their winners stand. He and his lifelong friend Gary Denton could be found mixing it up every Friday night under the lights in Irwindale, times he cherished deeply and loved sharing memories of with family and friends. He had the opportunity to race all across the United States and Internationally, with some of his other favorites being at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, Anaheim Stadium and Carlsbad Raceway.

During his motor sports career he was sponsored by a family friend and mentor Dick Marconi. David and Dick formed such a bond that he always thought of him as a father figure and he often spoke of their time and trips together. It was through this close friendship that after retiring from professional motocross that David had the chance to again try his hand racing something else with an engine, Speedway Racing! He loved it dearly and took to transition with gumption in true David fashion becoming quite successful. However true to his motocross roots he was always trying to color outside the lines when it came to speedway racing and find ways to go faster. A memory that stands out mostwas a time when someone fell in front of David on the track and he bunny hopped over the guy like he was on a motocross bike. Not easy with a speedway bike... but he made it look flawless and took off again to get back in the race. It goes without saying he was not easily deterred and always found a way to make racing and life his own.

In his free time David loved wrenching on his bikes to try and make them faster. He had a passion for thinking outside the box and creating new gadgets was a fond pass time for him. During his racing career and after retirement he could often be found coaching younger kids who were learning what it meant to truly race. He loved to give back to the community that had given him so much in life. Some of his fondest memories in the sport were helping his nephew Colby race when he was younger. His brother in law Ed, Colby and 'Uncle D' spent countless weekends for years racing together throughout Southern California. Times they will all cherish for years to come.

Even during the peak of David's successful career, he always had time for family and friends and had a true love for people. If you knew David you became his friend and eventually family. His friends and family had a special place in his heart and he was known for always going the extra mile for the ones he loved. He had many lifelong friends that became family to him and were staples in his life: John and Connie, Bill, Gary D., Chuck Warren, Gary C. and all of his many sponsors. He will always be remembered for his huge kind heart that loved helping anyone who asked. David had a true givers heart and for him it never mattered if he had a lot or only had a few pennies, he would find a way to help.

David's love for The Lord gives us peace in knowing that he's in Heaven racing his fastest bike around a motocross track and mixing it up with the best of them, with his favorite dog Serenity watching and cheering him on. He will be missed so much by his family and all of his friends, but we know he wouldn't want us to grieve for his loss and to instead celebrate a life well lived.

Gone far too soon, but never forgotten. God speed David Lee Taylor, you are forever in our hearts.