Zachary Kyle Taylor, 39, of Anaheim Hills, California was killed in a tragic car accident on Sunday, April 9 near his home.

Zach was born in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 27, 1983. Zach lived his life in broad strokes and fine print. As a kid, he learned every detail possible about his interests, from dinosaurs to baseball cards to entrepreneurial endeavors. He overprepared to the point of ridiculousness. He was also adventurous to the point of parental apprehension. In high school, he set up an underground (literally) wrestling club with his brother, Morgan. He made the mistake of using the school printer for fliers, thus ending the legend of Basement Wrestling. Zach was a volleyball setter and an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Bonanza High School in 2001 and received a degree from Brigham Young University in 2008. Additionally, he earned an MBA from California State University, Fullerton in 2012. Zach worked at many positions at StubHub, including Operations & Events Manager for Last Minute Services. This winter, after nearly thirteen years, he left to work as an independent broker.

Zach married his high school sweetheart, Jana Burleson, (couple name: Zana) in 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jana was Zach's equal and constant—sticking by him when life, work, and even Zach were difficult. Zana knew how to have fun, from geeking out over their favorite band, Early November, to creating and carrying-on elaborate holiday traditions. They loved travel, taking their family on countless adventures, including a summer in France. Together, they were phenomenal parents to their beloved children, Banks, 9, and Kennedy, 5. Zach was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and held a firm love for the gospel. He served a mission for his church in Knoxville, Tennessee. He found peace in temple attendance and was serving in his congregation's bishopric when he passed.

Zach is survived by a family who loved him ferociously: his wife, Jana, children Banks and Kennedy, his parents Eric and Carol Taylor of Las Vegas, Nevada, siblings, Brett (Kelly) Taylor, Lindsey (James) Brown, Morgan (Kaylee) Taylor, and Rachel (Spencer) Orr, Uncle Kyle Taylor and Aunt Anne (Ed) Harris, in-laws Joe, Joy, Jami Burleson and Joni (Derek) Jamison, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Zach loved the San Francisco Giants, Anaheim Angels, and Utah Jazz. We don't know how many ball games he attended in his life, but he probably recorded that on a spreadsheet somewhere. Coach Zach mentored his kids' teams for years and was an integral volunteer for North County Basketball and Anaheim Hills Little League. He recently coached Banks on the Jazz basketball and Red Sox baseball teams and Kennedy's soccer on the Mermaids. Coach Zach had the ability to meet his players right where they were, teaching life lessons that far exceeded the fundamentals of any game.

Since he was a kid, Zach wanted to move to California and live by the beach, which he did as soon as he graduated college in 2008. Newport and Laguna beach were his local favorites. He loved taking a nap on a towel, boogie boarding with his kids, or just breathing in a sunset. When he wasn't at a game, the beach, a rock concert, or dance performance, Zach was a Disneyland regular. Over the years, he watched Jana dance in the parades, dressed in amazing Disney-themed Halloween costumes with the Burlesons, ran in Disney races with the Taylors, and enjoyed many fast-paced visits with family and friends.

Family time was all the time for Zach. He didn't wait around for things—zipping here and there to find the joy in every experience. He was a man of giddy laughs, infectious smiles, and monster hugs. His big life was too short, but well-lived and well-loved.

Funeral Services will be held on April 22, 2023 at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 441 South Fairmont Blvd., Anaheim Hills, California. Burial to follow. Additionally, there will be a celebration of life this July for Zach's 40th birthday at a private Las Vegas residence. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a college fund for his children Banks and Kennedy Taylor. Link to donations here:  www.gofundme.com/f/jd74bb-zach-taylor 

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Mary Harmon, owner. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit  www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com  .
 
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