|
In Celebration of a Life:
On September 29, 2008, Gordon Taylor, a longtime member and champion of the Lower Columbia Canoe Club, died of a heart attack while rafting the Rogue River. We dedicate this page to a celebration of his life paddling with the club. |
|
A Tribute to Gordon Taylor
Today, I believe all of us who knew Gordon are mourning his loss deeply, as I am. To me, he has been a truly great friend, mentor, respected professional, and an admired individual. Most of you who know Gordon, I'm sure, are well aware of his passion to share his knowledge with anyone and everyone -- giving them direction, reminders, and guidance. Gordon is one of a handful of people who has impacted me in numerous ways I could never have expected or even imagined. I remember the day on the last couple of miles on Wilson River when Gordon encouraged me to paddle his newest, best, and brightest boat (and there were many boats). I thought this craft is a pleasure to paddle and I jokingly asked if would just like to trade back the old one he had sold me (hey, did that come with a two-year money back guarantee?). The next day, I received an e-mail from Gordon informing me how to order my own, and he later followed-up with a second e-mail asking if I had ordered that new boat yet. I never did order that new boat, but about two months or so later it came, Gordon called to inform me he was selling his perfect boat (then switching to an IK), which of course, included his outfitting as always, measured, sliced, and diced to precision, with recommendations for improvement to boot. Gordon was not one to just get down the river -- it was the journey itself that mattered -- and precision, style, safety, and comfort were his concerns, and they focused his mind. Paddling rivers seemed to be his sanctuary and he helped to make it more of mine. And there was planning for river trips, always planning. Despite his occasional frustration, Gordon loved organizing and re-organizing trips. He shared his knowledge about paddling and rivers, teaching me where to paddle when, and at what water levels. And when flows were too high (or the stars did not align), when to walk away. I remember the icy-cold morning Gordon and I car-pooled back to his house after deciding temperatures were just wee bit too far below freezing to continue onto the upper Clackamas. We had no regrets and always enjoyed car-pooling together and great conversation – discussing our work, politics, family, and life in general. Gordon truly cared about people who cared about him. I know he cared deeply for me and I could see him struggle (he was so perplexed!) by some of my own personal decisions and challenges that have resulted in me taking time off from paddling. A good friend does not just tell you what you want to hear. We did not always agree and Gordon and I could both be quite opinionated. I will miss him for the rivers we did and didn’t run. Though most of all, I will miss him because he was sincere and honest, and an inspiration for doing one’s best. I believe he would be the first to tell us we have suffered his fate long enough, he would want to ease our pain and dry our tears and encourage us to get on with the stuff of life – especially paddling rivers. Yes, most things in life are easier said than done, and Gordon, this is certainly not going to be easy. It shouldn’t be this way. Though we are left to carry on, as we know we must. I close with a quote from The Story of my Heart by Richard Jefferies: "It is eternity now, I am in the midst of it. It is about me in the sunshine. I am in it as the butterfly in the light laden air. Nothing has come, it is now. Now is eternity, now is immortal life. I shall find peace. I shall hear the angels sing, I shall see the sky sparkling with diamonds". We're all going to miss you terribly, Gordon. Wishing you the most glorious journey in peace. |
|