Michael T. Taggett, 59

With heavy hearts, we announce that Michael Thomas Taggett, 59, of Meredith Center Road, passed away peacefully at home after a short period of declining health on Dec. 29, 2023.

Michael was born June 4, 1964, in Laconia to the late William H. Taggett and Lucienne M. (Granfors) Boulanger. Known and loved by many, Mike was known as son, dad, “Grandpa Hat,” uncle, friend, Mickey and, at work, “Dave.”

Growing up, Mike was involved in many school activities, Cub Scouts Pack 55, Lucky Lakers 4-H Club, “Lakeside Swingers” Square Dance Club, as well as building race cars with his dad and brother, Bill. They later raced their cars at the Bryar Motorsport Club.

He met the love of his life, Suzanne, while in the seventh grade, graduating together from Inter-Lakes High School in the class of 1983. They were married on Sept. 8, 1984, and soon began their family, having four sons, Charles, Andrew, Joshua, and Aaron. After a beautiful 32-year marriage, Suzanne lost her battle to cancer that Mike fought valiantly by her side. They are now back together, their favorite place to be.

Mike, always known for his great work ethic, worked as a young man with his dad and brother logging and cutting firewood. He later began his career with Winnipesaukee Marine Construction, followed by Cold River Construction. For the last 24 years, Mike has been a highly thought-of finish carpenter with Inter-Lakes Builders, where he is remembered for being a great mentor and teacher, sharing his knowledge with anyone who wanted to learn.

Mike also loved to serve in his community, serving the town of Meredith as a volunteer firefighter for the last 36 years, known for his professionalism, leadership, and knowledge of the job. After accepting the responsibility of engineer in 1990, Mike was promoted to captain in 2001, serving in this position until his passing. Mike was instrumental in the new painting of the Meredith Center Station.

Mike also loved to help his family and friends, from helping build the family camp in Maine, to fixing vehicles, or building the crosses for the many veterans at the Oakland Cemetery as part of the Humble Grunt project, he was always there to help. When not working or serving, Mike had many hobbies and passions. He enjoyed fishing with his wife, Suzanne, and their kids. A special memory is the fishing trip he took with his son Andrew as well as Dennis and Mike Boulanger to fish in Canada at a camp accessible only by plane. He also loved taking hunting trips to Maine with all “the guys.”

Mike always had a “racing bug,” continuing in the traditions of his childhood in many different forms and aspects from working on cars at the Rumney Race Track with his brother-in-law, Bub Sidney, to ice racing on Berry Pond. Mike loved sharing his passion for racing with his family.

Some of his proudest moments have been helping on the crew for his niece and nephew, Branden and Rachel Taggett, with their racing at White Mountain Speedway. Along with the support of his family, Mike has been racing the last few summers at the Legion Track in Rumney with the race car he built with his family and friends, keeping the family tradition of the race number 3-T always on the cars he drove. His grandkids Colton, Preston, and Emily are following in grandpa’s footsteps with their love for cars, changing tires, and cheering on the racers.

Mike was predeceased by his loving wife, Suzanne (Sidney) Taggett and his father, William H. Taggett.

He leaves behind his sons and their wives, Charles and Kimberly Taggett, Andrew and Kate Taggett, Joshua and Brandi Taggett, Aaron and Amy Taggett. He leaves behind his six grandchildren whom he loved greatly and was so proud of, Bailey Taggett, Adalyn Taggett, Madisyn Braley, Emily Taggett, Preston Taggett, and Colton Taggett. He also leaves behind his mother and step-father Lucienne “Cookie” and Dennis Boulanger; his step-mother Ann Taggett; brother and sister-in-law William “Bill” and Christine Taggett and their family Wesley, Zachary, Tyler, Branden, and Rachel; step-brother and his wife Michael and Charlene Boulanger, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Services for Mike will be held as follows: Visiting hours at Mayhew Funeral Home at 204 Daniel Webster Hwy in Meredith on Jan. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. The funeral service will be Jan. 4 at 11 a.m. at the Meredith Center Free Will Baptist Church with a burial to follow at Oakland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wamesit Engine Company, P.O. Box 494, Meredith, NH 03253.