Thursday, June 28, 2018
My friend Leonard Taylor was the finest embodiment of traditional American ideals and values I have known. He was honest, loyal, hard working, industrious, independent, patriotic, freedom loving, devout, diligent, self-sufficient, altruistic, generous, righteous, gracious, down-to-earth, unpretentious, calm, humble, upstanding.
When I met Leonard, all those many decades ago at the WVUCC, I was scarcely out of my teens -- still a boy. His integrity impressed me greatly and he served as a role model for my developing adult behavior. In his life-long work with youths, I am convinced he has helped shape the lives of many in very positive ways -- just as he did mine -- and that Leonard's benevolent influence will echo forward through generations.
I was honored to have known him as a friend. His passing is a loss that will be directly felt by his family, his friends, his community. But in a greater sense, because Leonard exemplified so many of the best qualities of human nature, it is a loss to the nation and to the world.
...and so... goodbye, old friend. As I mourn your passing, I salute you -- holding in my heart gratitude for your friendship and admiration for a life well-lived.
Thank you,
- Addison Fischer
