The month of June, for those of us in the teaching profession, brings personal gratification in closure, breathes anticipation for spiritual renewal and enlightens an optimistic cycle for beginning again.
This past June, the death of Dr. Frank Oran Taylor IV affected that cycle.
The shock of loss rippled throughout the student and faculty community here at EUP just as the dreams for summer were beginning to settle in.
Dr. Taylor was himself seeking renewal with a trip to West Virginia where he and his friend and bandmate planned to collaborate during the few days between spring semester and summer sessions.
Then, amid graduation parties and June weddings, we found ourselves bereaving the loss of a beloved family member.
It is paradoxical associating death with Dr. Taylor, a man so occupied with life as a leader, teacher, researcher and even preacher, and who lived life at such a magnitude. Those of us who knew him wish to reject comprehending his loss; we try to defy the reality of his passing.
He was more than a professor, scholar, author, department chair, naval vet, musician, artist, sailor and racecar driver. He was above all generous, supportive, committed, a son, brother, husband, father and friend. Living life, open and honest, we students benefitted from his experience.
He has touched the future and ignited dreams, delivered truth and served to inspire.
He shared his knowledge, humor and disdain, and like most of us grappled with the usual human pain. He could envision a better world and innovated ways to make a change.
We didn't say enough how much we admired, appreciated and respected his resolve: the drive and purpose behind it all.
To those teachers who impart so much of themselves: Thank you for building within us a part of yourself. The brightness of Dr. Taylor's life, the talents and gifts he imparted, has renewed in me the spirit and optimism for beginning the cycle again.
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