A Sad Day for Genealogists
Earlier today, I received an alert by e-mail that Ryan Taylor a genealogist and librarian who worked at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and often taught on genealogical subjects, was missing. I did not know Ryan Taylor; I may have met him on my one visit to the Allen County Public Library. I have vague memories of a helpful staffer who resembled his picture.
I had too little time, and was too focused on learning more about one of my family's mysteries, to recall clearly anything beyond my triumph in solving one more bit of that mystery. Yet all I have learned of him today from those who did know him convinces me I wish I had met him, and had the chance to really talk with him.
Tonight, I recieved another e-mail. A body had been found. Although positive identification has not yet been made, the description matches that of Ryan Taylor. At this time, foul play is not suspected. I felt it would be disrespectful to his memory, and to all he has done for the genealogical community, to fail to note his passing.
I am sorry, I would much rather have had a less depressing subject for my next post. Yet some days are like this. Other days overflow with joy rather than sadness. I hope all of my loyal readers have known far more of the latter than the former, yet sooner or later the former days will come. Life goes on, but before you go on with your own life, please say a little prayer for Ryan Taylor and for his family and friends. And perhaps another that I may have occasion to write with a less heavy heart next time I post.
I had too little time, and was too focused on learning more about one of my family's mysteries, to recall clearly anything beyond my triumph in solving one more bit of that mystery. Yet all I have learned of him today from those who did know him convinces me I wish I had met him, and had the chance to really talk with him.
Tonight, I recieved another e-mail. A body had been found. Although positive identification has not yet been made, the description matches that of Ryan Taylor. At this time, foul play is not suspected. I felt it would be disrespectful to his memory, and to all he has done for the genealogical community, to fail to note his passing.
I am sorry, I would much rather have had a less depressing subject for my next post. Yet some days are like this. Other days overflow with joy rather than sadness. I hope all of my loyal readers have known far more of the latter than the former, yet sooner or later the former days will come. Life goes on, but before you go on with your own life, please say a little prayer for Ryan Taylor and for his family and friends. And perhaps another that I may have occasion to write with a less heavy heart next time I post.
posted by The Wandering Author | Permalink: 2:34 AM
5 Comments:
Another respectfully written memorium. RIP.
Oh, WA. I'm so sorry.
Yes, I will say a prayer for him and his family.
Just keep going with your journey, a step at a time.
take care.
Oh that is so sad...I'm very sorry about Ryan. I also have been to ft. Wayne's library several times. I live only about 50 minutes from Ft. Wayne so we go there often..
Sending my Prayers to his family.
oh. wow. : [
i can't stand all this death. People are supposed to die eventually, but why does it always happen to the nicest people?
The memorial tributes you write are outstanding; I think the most impressive thing is the personal touch you add.
Genealogical research has proven extraordinarily difficult for me between Italy and Poland. Different spellings of names is a challenge. I've had problems with records at Ellis Island not being necessarily accurate. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get off on a rant.
I feel fortunate to have been able to find my great grandfather who came from Poland - grandmother's father - and my great grandmother who came from Italy - grandfather's mother - but no luck beyond that beyond their names.
Long delayed updates to my family site are being put in place. Maybe that will spur further research.
I hope, Wandering Author, that you didn't mind a bit of personal take on genealogy. It is, I think, a tribute to one who was an expert in the field. Who else would better understand?
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