Richard Taylor

I heard the two of you speak at MONA's Out and About last year after a day of canvassing against the amendment to ban civil unions and same sex marriage. I was deeply moved by the love you two shared. I also felt great respect and gratefulness for the sacrifices Richard made for our country during WWII. Ray, please accept my sympathies.

I am saddened by Mr. Taylor's passing. It was my privilege to get to know him and Mr. Vahey. My condolences to Mr. Vahey, along with my admiration and respect for his loving care.

Ray, I have to commend you and Richard for sharing your life with the world. Although you don't know me personally, I was there when you testified at the capital. I testified too. By your simple statement of publicly speaking you helped ALL of us in this struggle for equality. My family benefits because of you and Richard. I am very sad to hear of his passing, but know that there are many of us out here so grateful for your lives, your love and your honor. Thank you and Bless you both. Goodbye Richard.

I will never forget sitting down to a meal with Richard and hearing his stories about the war, about growing up, and about your wonderful relationship. He so clearly felt a zest for life -- for reading, for music, for beauty, and for justice. He was -- and remains for all of us -- a hero.

It was both a pleasure and a privilege to have known Richard Taylor, who was among that increasingly rare breed of true "American Originals."



Richard was a fierce individualist with no tolerace for hypocrisy and injustice, an engaging raconteur with a remarkable repertoire of stories from his encyclopedic knowledge of history and his own vast life experiences, and a gracious host with a warm and welcoming smile and a sharp wit.



Farewell, Richard. You will be missed by many.

How sad it was to hear of Richard's passing. Richard, with his partner were a fine example of pride in the most admirable sense. Blessings on Ray and all of his family!

Ray,



Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of (if only briefly) the beautiful life you and Richard have shared for the last fifty years. I cherish you both very dearly, and feel grateful that you've become a part of my life.