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Memorial Keepers(3)
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Michael Douglas Taphouse
October 14th, 1984 - September 26th, 2021
October 14th, 1984 - September 26th, 2021
Mike died on September 26, 2021 at the age of 36 in a plane crash in Fayette Co, WV. He was born October 14, 1984 in Cocoa Beach, FL and grew up in Centreville, VA before moving to Chesapeake, VA in 2011. Mike was a health and fitness enthusiast and personal trainer. His passion for the outdoors and fitness was contagious and loved hiking, playing tennis, basketball, soccer, and golf with family and friends.
The most devoted, enthusiastic, and silly uncle, he was known to have boundless energy for playing and running around with his nieces and nephews. On hikes with the family he would always take the hardest rock scrambling and tree climbing routes just because it was a better workout and more fun.
He loved playing chess and board games. He always said yes to helping anyone. He was creative, caring, and an avid reader of Clive Cussler and Michael Crichton novels. He was a life-long learner and competitive in a way that inspired others to be their best.
Mike is survived by his mother, Elsa Taphouse; father Doug Taphouse (Rachel); sister Cristina Taphouse Fletcher (Beau); brother Jeffrey Taphouse (Maggie); nephew and nieces, Violet Fletcher, Jacob Fletcher and Eleanor Rose Taphouse; aunt Kathy Taphouse; cousin Jing Palma and many other family members in the Philippines.
He was preceded by his paternal grandparents, Ward and Norma Taphouse; and his maternal grandmother, Carmen Marapusqui.
There will be a celebration of Mike’s life this Sunday, October 3, from 11:00AM to 1:00PM at The Venue at Cahoon Plantation (1501 Cahoon Parkway, Chesapeake, VA 23322). For those unable to attend in person, it will be live-streamed on this Memorial Page in the Events tab. This will be a joint memorial also celebrating the life of his brother-in-law and best friend, Nick Fletcher.
In memory of Mike, in lieu of flowers, you can make donations in his name to Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughter (https://www.chkd.org/Support-Us/Donate-Online/).
You can also celebrate his spirit by committing to staying healthy, active, and when going for a hike use #hikeformike.
Events
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Tributes
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Joanna Colbourne
Mike was one of the best people I had the privilege of knowing. We met at Lifetime Fitness where he never sat still, jogged around everywhere, all while wearing shorts and socks pulled up to his calves. Mike introduced me to Dayne 16 some years ago. We all had many a day playing board games in the basement and I remember him trying to persuade me that "per se" was one word ♥️ I never could beat him at chess though. What I would give for another day with Mike... I can't recall a time where Mike was upset or angry. Mike was an amazing person and he leaves us with amazing experiences and memories. I hope we all take his memories and do them justice. I will miss you so much. #HikeForMike!
Jeff Taphouse
Mike teaching Jake how to breakdance at our father, Doug’s wedding to Rachel.
Jeff Taphouse
Uncle Mike had endless energy. He never got tired of playing around and trying to make the kids laugh. ❤️
Don Carlos Padrones
I just remember going to Vitamin Shoppe when I was a skinny, 15-year old. He definitely sold me the worst-tasting, worst-mixing protein powder.. Bodytech Fruity Cereal, and you best believe he signed me up for the auto-delivery program! I completely forgot about the ADP and next year it came to my door and I was angry. But Mike was the one who did my interview to the Vitamin Shoppe and we had a great laugh about it years after because it was his job to do that and I was excited to work with both him and Mrs. Wendy and I was really sad when I heard that they were moving to the Chesapeake store shortly after I got hired there. All the times I had to close the store with Mike and all the deep conversations I had with him, and all the times I asked him for advice regarding personal and familial relationships, those will live forever. Mike was one of the most sarcastic people I've ever met and I know for a fact that he wouldn't have appreciated anyone being sad over his passing away because he thought about us, roughly in his words, "as just chemicals and food all combined". To this day, I'm sorry Mike for being late that one time, I completely read the work schedule wrong, my bad. Love you, Mike, I'm sure you are reading this in whatever Matrix world you're in right now...
Jeff Taphouse
Mike and I at Cristina & Nick’s wedding with our brothers Dayne Wills, Chris Wilson, and Ryan Williams.
Jeff Taphouse
One of my favorite memories of Michael Taphouse & Nick Fletcher ❤️. My sister Cristina Fletcher and I signed up to run a 12-mile Tough Mudder at Wintergreen in 2011. Mike and Nick grabbed the kids and took them hiking and camping the night before so they could come cheer for us on Race Day. All four of us did a Tough Mudder together a year later. They were two of the most adventurous, fun-loving people. Most of our best memories were out in the woods on hikes together.
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