Update on G.T.

Glad to hear that Gary/G.T. can come home Carol, and I wish him and all his family Eternal Peace and Love. His place is ready I know, for in this world he prepared it so well, with all the Kindness and Love he so freely gave. The door is open Gary, go in Peace my friend, and I know you will be there to Welcome me with a Big Grin, when my time comes.

 

AbbySue, you have said this so beautifully. Gary is a magnificent man and has been a wonderful friend. I wonder if he knows how many lives he has touched and also influenced in his gentlemanly way. I am blessed and honoured to have known him and to call him friend. God bless you Gary, we love you.

Being a little pragmatic through tears, I found this that I had shared with Gary some time back. *sigh* This is just too much.

The Messenger

Weep not for me
now that I have passed.
Remember the laughter, the affection, the joy
not just the recent tears.
Cherish the memories, our hopes and dreams.
Hold fast to the love that we shared.
Be happy with the time we spent together
and being anew.
For I am not really gone,
I am closer than ever before.
As the morning sun rises
and throughout the busy day...I am with you.
Until the setting sun disappears on the horizon
and we watch the day turn into night...I am here.
You may feel a faint breeze stir round your head, while you slumber
as I gently kiss your forehead, "Good night."
The stars that shine so brightly in my heavenly sky
help me watch over you and keep you from harm.
I am the wind in the trees
and the song of a bird.
I am moonbeams in a midnight sky
and a glorious rainbow after the storm.
I am morning dew
and freshly-fallen snow.
I am a butterfly flying overhead
and a puppy happily at play.
I am a smile on a stranger's face
a gentle touch
a warm embrace.
Listen to the wind for my message of love.
Watch the sun rise and set in the sky with me.
Feel my essence encircle you with warm memories.
Open your heart to know...I am not gone.
Reach deep into your soul...You will find me.
I am here.
Have no fear.
I am with you,
Always.

Much love, Susan

 

I really have nothing more to add, except I feel like I need to say something. Gary is an amazing man, and will always be so even when he is taken from us. I can picture him at home for his final days, surrounded by family and love, and the good wishes and love from those of us who knew him even for a short time. I can honestly say that my life has been enriched by his presence, and I wish him godspeed on his next adventure.

Your entire family is in my thoughts, and I hope it gives at least some small comfort for you knowing how very many lives he touched and influenced for the better.

 

I am more of a lurker than a poster here, but I have always enjoyed GT's posts. Some of them I didn't "get" though only becuase they were playfull inside jokes between himself and another member or two.

Now for what I really wanted to post. I know this is going to be a trying time for you and yours, but hospice care is wonderfull. They were great with my grandpa and the rest of my family when he was in the last stages of emphysema . So take some solace in the fact that he will be made to feel as comfortable as possible.

 

We were fortunate to meet Gary in real life, twice for me. What a wonderful guy, and an example of how life should be lived.

He once posted this poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, which I had never heard before, and thought it should be put to music. My band will hopefully be recording this year, and this song will be dedicated to Gary.

Requiem (and Epitaph)

Under the wide and starry sky
Dig the grave and let me lie
Glad did I live, and gladly die
And I laid me down with a will

This be the verse you grave for me
"Here he lies, where he longed to be
Home is the sailor, home from the sea,
and the hunter, home from the hill"

I'd say he lived this as perfectly as anyone can.

Thank you Lord for letting us get to know Gary. It's no wonder you want him home with You now.

Eric
​

 

I am noted for the "Lost" people thread and Gary was one of the people I had chosen, back when. It was threads like that, that actually I found out just how special some of those people were. Gary, is so very special to me and I will miss he greatly.

Gary, for what it's worth ... because of your words, countless messages and caring actions ... you will never be lost as you own a special place in my heart. (((Big Hugs)))

 

Was just stopping in to see how folks were doing and I'm saddened that this is my first post in a while.
My best wishes to GT and his family.

 

I am not very good with words, or expressing myself, about the very many people, on this site, who contribute so much to all the others who visit here. I have already missed, and will always miss GT’s ever insightful posts and replies when I check in to see what is happening. I am not a religious person, but, GOD BLESS, GT !!

 

I'm thinking of ya, G.T. Hope you are not in too much pain.

God bless,

Clanger.

 

I'm glad to hear that Gary will be able to spend his final days at home. Again and again we can all say that Gary is a very wonderful man who has brought many blessings to so many people. I will miss his wisdom and humor and can't wait to meet up with him in heaven. Gary, we love you. God Bless and Much Peace to you.

 

Even though I might get into trouble over this I feel as though it should be said...

I knew G.T. back about 2-3 years ago when I had a different name... he had helped me with alot in PM's and I knew him as one of the wiser people in my thoughts.. I left talking with him with an arguement... Please tell him Ku-sama said he is sorry.. I just hope I don't get re-banned for comming out and saying this... I truly know how well he is loved and how much of an impact he can have on someone's life... he will be missed by me and everyone who knows me... he truly led me to be a better person...

 

**weep**

Nice idea Star, except it will make us all cry all over again!

:cry

I as well will cherish the CD's GT sent me.

 

I'll vote for that. I think that it would be a fitting tribute for as much as he helped everyone.

~C

 

You should go take a look at all the threads that GT posted in that are still around. Some of them made me chuckle out loud.

Just go look under all his posts or under all the posts that long time members created. It's definitely worth it.

Looking at those threads reminded me of the GT we know & love, and I don't feel in the slightest bit guilty about smiling. I know he'd approve.

 

I stared and read the replies for a few hours the other night I couldnt compose myself enough to think of anything to say,I didnt know Gary that well but had the pleasure of some great discussions which I will always remember

I hope you find what your looking for Gary

Richard

 

I have read tis entire thread several times; and every time I get all choked up and teary-eyed.

I have not had the pleasure of personally meeting Gary, but the few times we did exchange PMs, left me that more enriched by his wisdom. Gary was always considerate of others few points; no matter how far removed that few point was from his own deeply held views and beliefs.

Gary's clear, concise and powerful way with words has left many in awe. He has had a profound impact upon many users here, and has caused others to reevaluate their position with his words.

Gary, you are missed. It is obvious that you are blessed by god; and he is now calling you home.

Godspeed

Kevin

 

I have been reading this thread in silence for a month now and need to speak. This is GT's son, Aaron. You all need to know how inspiring you have been to me, along with this forum.
You all know Gary to be a great guy and I agree. What you most likely don't know is that from age 12-25 I had no contact with him. I spent the better part of my life not capable of letting my guard down as a kid stuck in the middle of a divorce.
When I heard he had Cancer last year, I had an urge to send him an email letting him know that I had no hard feelings. I trully thought he needed to know that before the end, that, and that he was always in my prayers and loved. I didn't really expect a reply.
Of course he did reply and I had the opportunity to meet him last 'fathers day.' Ironically, just a few days before going to visit I found out that not only was I meeting MY father, but that same week, I found out I was going to be a father too.
Since then we've hit it off, over 14 years apart, and it's amazing how similar we are dispite the gap. Both geeks, have an affinity for bad punns, and willing to go the extra mile for friends. We've played an MMO (City of Villians) all year, as he had 2 goals left in life. 1 to see his grandson, and 2 to reach level 50 in the MMO :0)
Well, life is not without it's bumps. I am happy to say that as of 10:26AM this morning I AM a father of a beautiful baby boy. 1 hour later gary's Sis called saying GT'll most likely not see out the day. (I am writing this more to cope than anything, but some I'm sure will see the painful irony of it all).

So far I haven't heard anything so I'm hoping he's still with us. But none the less, I've come to a realization. I may have missed having Gary in MY life, but maybe that's OK. In the time he would have (I'm sure happily) spent rearing me, he spent that time sharing his life with all of you. I have only an incling by your posts how deeply he has affected you all, but what you have made abundantly clear is that he is loved, and that means more to me right now than you will ever know.
My prayer is that what wisdom you sought in Gary not be abandoned but shared. As you learn, never forget to keep teaching others and as you teach,never forget to keep learning! Be a Seeker in life. Be content in the now, cherish what you've had, hope for the future but always know you can make a differance in someones life NOW!

He did have one last request of me to pass on last time we talked. Major Geeks sent Gt a 'Gett well package' on behalf of all the post's. (since sending a card around the world to get signed is very unlikely). He recieved it, and wanted to say 'Thanks.'

And for referance, my son will know of his grandpa, and all the friends he has made around the world.

Thank you all, and God Bless!

Aaron Taylor, Son of Gary Taylor, Father of Joshua Taylor.

 

Hello Aaron
Congrats on the newborn

Life sure does has a lot of twists & turns
Hang in there

 

Hey Chesskin so very glad to hear that you have a "New" baby boy, man talk about the universe unfolding a new baby is born and his grandpa is leaving. I think that would make your Dad so proud. I just hope that Gary, has one more lucid moment to hear and absorb the great news it will make his journey so much easier.

Years from now there will be Geeks here to welcome Gary's Grandson with open arms, and great stories about both his Grandad and his Dad.

"My time has come, but smile my son, for from my ashes a new life has sprung", would be something your Dad would say Aaron.

 

Congratulations on your new boy, Aaron! I did know of your separation from Gary, and I know how very happy he was when you reconnected...and how proud he was of the man you've become. In fact, your reunion inspired me to try harder with my own father before it is too late for us.

Although the end is near, know that your father will live on in the hearts and lives of many of us...those who had the distinct pleasure of meeting him in person, and those who only got to know him online. He's an amazing man, and I can only imagine that you are also.

 

Thank you for sharing! Sadness mixed with happiness, must be a strange day for you! Congratulations on your son, that is wonderful news! I hope G.T. gets to hear the news before it is too late!

 

That is great news about the birth of your son, Joshua, Aaron! Congratulations to you and your wife on that! And congrats to Gary on becoming a Grandpa, too.

I too, knew of you and your dad's lengthy separation, and although Gary is usually a very positive thinking person, I know it was something that did used to bother him at the time. It was one of the few things in life that did. I am also very familiar with that situation, as I haven't seen or heard from my son either in many years. I don't even know what he looks like nowadays. My future is still unclear, but I will say that your dad's situation, and eventual outcome has given be inspiration, and hope for the future. In fact one of his posts towards the end was one of support and encouragement along those very lines. One of many good things I owe to Gary.

I sincerely hope that he remains with us long enough to know that he has a healthy grandson. I do remember the M.M.O. videogames he played with you, and how much got a buzz out of it.

Never truer words said, and that is indeed the creed I have and will continue to live. For a long time I was bound by the past and worried by the possible future. Nowadays, I've realised that each day is precious gift, as are those around us. And no day is wasted, unless we waste it by being miserable and negative, regardless of circumstances.

Just as you have done your father proud, I’m sure that Joshua will do likewise.

People like Gary remind me that there is much goodness still in the world and in humanity. We just have to open our eyes to it. Like many that knew him, I’m the better off for it. And I thank Gary for allowing me to be part of it.

Good will and blessings to all.

~ Barry. A.K.A.hantom.

 

Thank you Aaron, your Dad was so happy when you reunited. He told many of us about the day you got back together and took great pleasure playing the video games with you. He was like a kid again himself. I'm so happy you got to know him again. Congratulations on the new son. Gary I'm sure is very proud of you and the man you've become.

 

Having been at the other end of that situation, I can tell you that you getting back into his life was probably one of the happiest moments in his life. Good for you!!

 

Aaron,
Thanks so much for sharing with us. Indeed, one of the only things Gary wished he could change was losing contact with you, not being able to see you, and it was one of the first things I thought of when we learned he had cancer. We would pray for him every night with our daughter (Kolya, 6 years old at that time) because when he came here to visit, he made such an impression on her. And Cindy and I would privately pray that he could see you again. We were so relieved when he was able to do that.
I hope you and your father had enough time to reconnect, tie up loose ends, and that you have closure on any questions you had. I'm so sorry you were stuck in the middle all those years...I know that's not what anyone wanted.
So, congratulations to you and your wife on the birth of your son, Joshua. What a fitting name. Joshua tore down walls, you know.
You will be in our prayers, take care,
Eric

 

Congratulations on the birth of your child! Joshua is such a fitting name for your son.

We were all in the know of the background between you and your father, and when you guys got together to play City of villains, he was so excited and posted pictures here, and we were excited with him.

Your story is inspiring, b/c I haven't had real, meaningful contact with my father in almost 6 1/2 years because of divorce. I've spoke to him on the phone and saw him a few times, but each time I have contact with him, I feel like I barely know him. I keep telling myself we'll have a relationship someday, and I hope that its not due to the same circumstances.

 

Congratulations to you and your wife on the birth of your son. I, like the others, hope that Gary knows he has a grandson.

You and all your family have been so wonderful on taking the time to keep us updated and for that i am so thankful.
Take care and know you are all in my prayers.

 

Congratulations on the birth of your son. Sincere Sympathy for your father. God Bless you all.

 

Welcome, Joshua Taylor! Congratulations Aaron, to you and your wife. I know that Gary was thrilled to learn he was going to be a grandfather. He was also very happy when he reconnected to you. What a wonderful Father's Day it was for him last year. I hope that you will continue to take comfort in knowing that Gary blessed so many with his kindness and wisdom. We can all take comfort in knowing that Gary will be restored to perfect health in a perfect place. Remember your father fondly and enjoy your son; striving always to be a wonderful father for him.

 

Picture Gary posted of his family, for you who missed it, I don't know how to direct you there perhaps someone else does. It's in (Lounge (Off Topic) Family Photos. I forgot the number.

 

I'm too new to this site to have gotten to know Gary, but I'm certainly moved by the sincere sentiment, that I've seen expressed for him here. Because of that, I like this place a whole lot more. It feels like family.
To Aaron (aka Chesskin), congratulations and best wishes. Your Dad is a Legend.
-John

 

Congratulations on your new son. God bless you all.
Everything has been said already. All I can add is we
will all miss your dad so much.
Even the ones that only met him online feel like he is
a part of our families.
I hope you will continue to come to MajorGeeks like Gary did.

 

I can say for sure, that when Gary told me about getting back in touch with you, and being back in your life, It was without doubt,, the the happiest I have ever seen him. It changed him,, in a very good way. It was as if a major part of his life had been gone, and suddenly returned.
Hell,, I better stop right here. I'm trying to type through a stream of tears. Not a good thing.

 

Congratulations Aaron on the same arrival of your baby. Yet more hope and love for the world knowing that a grandson and son of Gary's still walk this earth. I hope you can find some peace and comfort through your son at this very extreme emotional time in yours and your family's lives

 

Aaron, I know what it is like to reconnect to your father as an adult. While we never had a true disconnect, I went through something similar with my father a few years back where we finally put aside all the BS and just sat down and talked. Knowing how it feels, I have to say that I am glad you had the chance to do it before it was too late. Congrats on the little one (no, it doesn't get any easier) and hope you will stick around here as well.

My best to you and your family, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.


jim/Calltaker

 

I grieve with you Aaron - I lost my father Jan. 8th. We were "separated" by Alzheimer's for about 4 years, but I recieved a Christmas miracle when we went to visit and he recognized not only me, but my wife and son as well, and we had a couple of days of lucid conversation before he slipped away. Treasure the time with your father and your son - it all passes far to quickly.

 

Congratulations on the birth of your son, Aaron. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I was glad to read that you had reconnected with your father - as a father myself, I have no doubt this has provided him with more comfort then anything we can say or do in this forum.

I do not know G.T. personally, but I feel I do know him in a way via his writings in this forum. I believe him to be an intelligent, articulate, and deep feeling individual. I am so sorry that he and your family have to go through this. I recently lost a brother to cancer, and I have never felt so helpless and angry in my life as during that time.

God bless all of you.

Tim (Natakel)

 

I can second that. He was soo floored, and he was so excited. He talked about you before that, and how much he missed you. He didn't think you wanted him, and then suddenly he had the only thing he wanted most in all the world. I'm so glad he got you back, even if just only for a time.

Congratulations on being a father now... theres so much that now you'll understand when you thought you already knew.

I'll miss him so much... I really wish we could have met before he left us.

 

After reading all the posts here made by both Gary's sister and his son, I must admit to being glad that Gary at least knew he had a healthy grandson.
As others here, I've come to appreciate Gary's input greatly and I can only amend the fact that this forum hasn't been, nor will it be, the same without him.
Even though I only knew him through this forum, I'll miss him. Reading this thread actually brought tears to my eyes.

Godspeed Gary. I hope you make it across safely.

Aaron and the rest of Gary's family;
I hope you get through this difficult time to be stronger people and that this will make your family stronger as well.

Niels

 

Final post from Gary's sister,

As promised - I'm letting you know that Gary took his last breath last night at 9:52pm. He had tried to hang on to see his son, but just couldn't. He slipped into a coma sometime early Sunday morning, but he was kept comfortable with the morphine provided by hospice & was happy to know that he was a grandfather and in his own home. He died with his parents & me by his side. I did read him many of your posts on Friday...he was sleeping most of the time, but from time to time a slight smile would come to his lips & he'd nod a response. We played Tim McGraw's "Live Like You Are Dying" - one of his favorite tunes since he began his battle with cancer. When Dad asked if he liked it, he smiled & nodded. The rest of the time, I kept various Mozart & other CDs playing for him.

Aaron had a ticket to come Monday & we've changed that so he can be here for Gary's funeral later this week.

Thank you again for your many prayers and kind thoughts. Gary spent his last days knowing how much he was loved & was very much at peace.

Carol for G.T.

 

Rest in Peace Gary.
Carol, please accept my most sincere condolences.
Thank you for letting us know.

 

As some of you may know, Gary was involved in the aviation industry, and also was an aircraft history buff. I feel John Gillespie Magee's "High Flight" is quite appropriate:

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds,--and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless falls of air...
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, nor eer eagle flew--
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high, untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

Farewell Gary...Godspeed and good tailwinds buddy.

 

I'm terribly sorry to hear this news! My sincerest sympathies to Gary's family.

Maggie

 

Thanks for letting us know, and keeping us updating during this time. Sympathies to you and your family. You all are in our prayers.

-Mike

 

Thank you so much for keeping us updated. It was important to many of us amd very much appreciated. My condolences go out to you all.

Gary now has no more pain. It wasn't something he complained about often, but at times got the best of him.
To me, he was the first person to be so upfront about what was happening to him. He was so honest about it. He accepted it and dealt with it.
I will never forget him or all the things he taught me in the short time I knew him.

God bless all of you.
Gary is with the angels now.

 

My condolences to you and your family Carol.

And, along with the others, I thank you for keeping us informed during what must have been a very difficult time for you.

Rest in peace, G.T.

 

RIP GT. My sincerest sympathies to you carol and Aaron and your families.


~C

 

My sincere condolences to Carol, Aaron, Gary's Mom And Dad, and the rest of the family. We deeply appreciate you both keeping us in touch in Gary's journey out of his physical life, but into a better, permanent one. I know how difficult a time this must be for you all.

I am gladdened that he was surrounded by the family that was so very dear to him, and that he slipped out peacefully. I am also heartened that he knew how much we care and love him here.

He has definitely added a lot of positives to my life over the last five years, and is also an inspiration and guide in a lot of ways.

No more pain, or suffering - just the eternal peace and perfection. As I've said before, much of Gary will endure for many, years to come, and some forever. I know he's still with us in sprit, with his wisdom and friendship.

Thank you for the journey, Gary. It has been a good one.

God bless you Gary, and may he keep and guide you all.


~ Barry.

 

Gary was much loved and respected in here and where ever he went.
He will be greatly missed.
My sympathy and condolences to you and your family Carol.
Thank you for keeping us informed during this difficult time.
I hope you and Aaron will continue to come in to say hello.