This memorial website was created in memory of our colleague, Matthew Taylor, 41 years old , born on July 11, 1978 and passed away on May 11, 2020. We will miss him greatly.
The members of our open source community have been posting messages on that forum. We thought we would add a link here if you want to read those messages as well:
https://discourse.numenta.org/t/message-from-numenta-ceo-donna-dubinsky-regarding-matt-taylor/7524
See the "Stories" tab for information about a college fund set up for Matt's two children.
The members of our open source community have been posting messages on that forum. We thought we would add a link here if you want to read those messages as well:
https://discourse.numenta.org/t/message-from-numenta-ceo-donna-dubinsky-regarding-matt-taylor/7524
See the "Stories" tab for information about a college fund set up for Matt's two children.
Hi, I am a Bachelor's student in Germany. Today I finished the HTM School videos for my paper and I was dreaming about getting a job at Numenta and meeting all the people who wrote the papers I have been reading for a while. I even think about what I would say when I meet you then I read the comments and find the bad news. Although I didn't meet you and we even communicate with each other you have a big impact on me and you helped me. Thank you.
Rest in peace.
Rest in peace.
To my Son.....I will miss you forever. I think of you every day and I love the legacy you have left. You were definitely ahead of your time! Always dedicated to your family, work and play......yet fearless in every way. My heart aches, but.....if there is anything out there after death, I know you have found it!!
Thinking of you, as always, but especially today. I love and miss you so much. The world just isn't the same without you in it.
My heart goes out to all those who knew Matt and loved him, on this - the anniversary of the loss of such a great spirit… Thinking of you buddy…
This man will forever help the world. Condolences to everyone who lost him, we were all blessed by his existence in our spatiotemporal maps.
I just finished 'HTM School' and did not realize that Matt had passed. He certainly had a gift for teaching and a significant light has now blinked out. We can feel gratified that his work remains, that light shines still. Just very sad about this and my heart goes out to his family.
I have never met Matt, but became a fan of his enthusiastic and clear explanations of HTM theory through his HTM school on YouTube. I have followed Jeff Hawkin's ideas for many years, but Matt brought them to life. He will be missed!
I am a researcher at a Chinese university. After I came into contact with HTM theory, I watched the HTM school series videos, and I like Matthew Taylor very much. I also posted a question on the Numenta forum and Matthew Taylor wrote back to me. I was very happy! But I did not expect him to die like this! I am very shocked and sad! He was a good man, may he rest in peace!
Matthew was my candle to HTM, he inspired me, he helped me, he was the major key for my success, I have watched him on twitch every day, Twitter, Instagram, Numenta..... I'm shocked today, I can believe what happens.
Thank you, Rhyolight. You will be missed :(.
Wissal from Tunisia.
Thank you, Rhyolight. You will be missed :(.
Wissal from Tunisia.
Deepest condolences. I was truly inspired to learn the work that Dr. Hawkins and Numenta have put forward when seeing such a talented person share the dream that many people including me treasure, one day human beings can understand who we are and how we get here. RIP.
My condolences. I learned a lot of HTM and understand things from his videos. I respect him a lot since he made things simpler for me.
It is so sad that we lose such a brilliant guy. May he rest in peace.
It is so sad that we lose such a brilliant guy. May he rest in peace.
Discovered HTM School four days ago, then 'followed' Matt @rhyolight ten minutes ago with intentions to reach out. Now I'm here. Matt was clearly many things, among them just the sort of passionate educator motivated laymen require to set out signposts on sinuous roads, and I have no doubt he was just the guy to direct me toward the latest answer for: 'how do you model an idea?'
Sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss.
I 'm really sad to see this news today. I followed the tutorials made by Matt for numenta, and found them so clear, so inspiring. I really said to myself, what an great work, and what a great person, what a realisation. You could really see through it how bold a person he was.
I really hope his family will get some comfort recalling him.
I really hope his family will get some comfort recalling him.
I am shocked and saddened to just now be learning that Matt has passed away. I had been checking back in on Numenta's work every 6 months or so to see how things are progressing, and Matt's videos had always been very helpful, educational and inspiring. His efforts to organize a community around this technology have changed the world for the better, and he will live on through our work.
I am writing from Germany. Matt was the biggest inspiration for me concerning AI and its possibilities to make the world better and healthier. He was a really smart and friendly guy. I will continue my own efforts in AI research and Matt will be a part of this work forever. Felix.
I don't know you personally but I've learned a lot from you, so thank you, Matt. May you rest in peace.
I feel sorry upon sad demise of matt. I have learnt a lot from the videos published by him for numenta community. I don't know what happend to him, but I liked him due to my correspondence with him on those videos and live sessions. Knowledge he spread and communicated is praiseworthy.
May his soul rest in peace.
May his soul rest in peace.
i remember the joy that i got learning from you, Matt at HTMschool. You always replied to my comments on YT. Thanks you for being as you are. See you on the other side.
Today would have been my son Matt's 42nd birthday. He had accomplished more at his age than most do in their lifetime. Thank you Numenta for believing in him!
My family is truly grateful for all the wonderful comments left and the realization that he had touched so many people has in some ways helped to ease our sorrow.
My family is truly grateful for all the wonderful comments left and the realization that he had touched so many people has in some ways helped to ease our sorrow.
I recently discovered the excellent videos on line by Matthew Taylor for HTM School and Numenta.Org and enjoyed learning from the videos very much. I am sorry to hear of this news and want to pass along condolences to family and friends.
I just saw the notification and am in shock. Though I never physically met Matt, I did speak with him a few times and participated in a few of his webinars on youtube. Matt was a shining star. My sincerest prayers go out to his family.
Sincerely,
Jeff Barnett (Maj USMC retired)
Sincerely,
Jeff Barnett (Maj USMC retired)
On behalf of our entire company I want to express our condolences to Matt's family, friends and colleagues. Matt touched everyone in our company, primarily through his teachings in HTM school. Beyond his mastery at explaining unfamiliar concepts, we were always charmed at his wit and wonderful demeanor. By every measure we could see Matt was just a wonderful person and we will miss him. Through his good nature and knowledge he shared, Matt will have an lasting impact us and so many more.
Paul Dlugosch - Natural Intelligence Systems, Inc.
Paul Dlugosch - Natural Intelligence Systems, Inc.
I didn't know Matt personally, but I attended his HTM School, where Matt conveyed difficult concepts with wit and charm. He made the subject quite enjoyable with his personality. I can only hope to be in the ballpark of what he did there.
There have been many great minds that have slipped away much too soon, and Matt is one of those minds, I am happy to say.
I wish his family well. Few can stand in his shoes.
There have been many great minds that have slipped away much too soon, and Matt is one of those minds, I am happy to say.
I wish his family well. Few can stand in his shoes.
It's so nice to see the outpouring of love and friendship that Matt shared with so many people. He was my big brother and he was amazing. Always there when I needed him; watched out for me even when I didn't realize he was. He was the kind of brother that was easy to look up to, envy, and hope to grow up to be like. Not many people have the knowledge, talent, AND the charismatic qualities that made Matt the wonderful person he was. It made you happy to talk with him, share stories, theories, or even just to be around him. It's absolutely not fair that we don't have more time with him. My heart is broken, but I will forever cherish all the great memories he has given me. My love goes out to his beautiful family - Trinity, Dean, and Romy. I love you, Bro.
I made this slideshow to honor Matt and his family. Many of these pictures were displayed at his visitation this past weekend. Thank you to all that were able to come.
https://plus.smilebox.com/play?g=336d2a27-455e-4e8a-b0f3-6a2aa1b34aa6&sbid=3466
Many that were not able to attend the visitation have asked about memorial donations. A 529 education fund has been set up for each of Matt's children. Contributions can be made at https://www.ugift529.com/ using Dean's Code 303-Q2X and Romy's Code L1E-N7C.
I made this slideshow to honor Matt and his family. Many of these pictures were displayed at his visitation this past weekend. Thank you to all that were able to come.
https://plus.smilebox.com/play?g=336d2a27-455e-4e8a-b0f3-6a2aa1b34aa6&sbid=3466
Many that were not able to attend the visitation have asked about memorial donations. A 529 education fund has been set up for each of Matt's children. Contributions can be made at https://www.ugift529.com/ using Dean's Code 303-Q2X and Romy's Code L1E-N7C.
I never met Matt personally, but he was really somebody to me.
I feel very sad. Live is so short. Rest in peace Matt.
Condolences to the family.
I feel very sad. Live is so short. Rest in peace Matt.
Condolences to the family.
I had only a few email conversations with Matt. But I am moved to hear the news. His talent to build a community was commendable. He stays in the videos and our memories.
RIP Matt, you led the way in new thinking and showed us new and exciting ways of solving old problems. May Almighty God bring peace to you and your family. My heartfelt condolences.
It comforts my heart to read all of the comments everyone has taken the time to post for my son Matt. He was everything that has been said. He loved his wife and children, family, friends and colleagues. He did not know a stranger! He was passionate about his job and was grateful to Numenta for taking a chance on him. He put 100% into everything he did, because he wanted to do his best. He wanted to help everyone be their best. He was a natural artist at a young age and pretty much a self taught musician because he loved music. I could go on and on. Matt loved Life!
We spoke sometimes about God and what was out there after life and he just wasn't sure......In my mind I am choosing to believe that he is on his next Adventure - discovering even more than this world could ever offer!
All our Love Boo Boo....Mom
We spoke sometimes about God and what was out there after life and he just wasn't sure......In my mind I am choosing to believe that he is on his next Adventure - discovering even more than this world could ever offer!
All our Love Boo Boo....Mom
Matt has enriched my life, especially my favorite intellectual part of my life, like very few people. Like most others in his great sphere of influence, I am so deeply shocked and saddened, that I can barely describe it. I am about 14 years older than Matt and having had many written exchanges with him and enjoyed just about all of this electronic platforms and publications, I hoped to meet him in person. This was an unspoken and uncertain plan I looked up to. As an American living in Germany with my own family and many commitments, I certainly had Matt on my short list of people I definitely would like to meet one day, when I visit the States. His loss will be devastating for an important part of my life. Both the content he created and the content he made available, was the treat I saved for myself, after I accomplished my other daily duties. At times when I was very busy, I would listen to his podcast while commuting and save the rest for my quality learning moments.
To Matts family, I wish to express my sincere condolences and assure them, that he touched so many of us with his kindness, dedication and enthusiasm and humanity, to the extent, I feel his loss as much as that of a cousin or close friend. My heart is with you on these sad moments and I wish you all the strength and optimism he has always passed on to all around him. Joe Perez, Matts follower from 2012-2020 HTM Forum & Community
To Matts family, I wish to express my sincere condolences and assure them, that he touched so many of us with his kindness, dedication and enthusiasm and humanity, to the extent, I feel his loss as much as that of a cousin or close friend. My heart is with you on these sad moments and I wish you all the strength and optimism he has always passed on to all around him. Joe Perez, Matts follower from 2012-2020 HTM Forum & Community
Translation of Chinese content below (May 19) from Liang Forest (sorry if I messed up on your name!) thanks to Google translate:
Very surprised, very sad, and remembering his wonderful tutorials .....
Very surprised, very sad, and remembering his wonderful tutorials .....
Matt had a very unique ability to inspire me and others regarding his work and life.
Im so thankful to him for all his efforts.
I'm so sorry about this.
My deep condolences to his family.
Im so thankful to him for all his efforts.
I'm so sorry about this.
My deep condolences to his family.
Matt, I'm so sad with the thought of you not being here any more. I'm given some comfort having read all the messages here and knowing that you touched the lives of so many people and that they saw you the way I did.
Matt gave me my Numenta mug when I went to visit him last year and I think about him every time I have tea. :)
After being in sporadic contact for 8 years, I went to Redwood and I told him that I truly appreciated him and the brave, insightful and always imaginative ways, he shared his work.
I loved his "Matt"ness in the way he twitch streamed his coding. As a developer, coding in front of one other person is nerve-racking; Matt did it live, on the Internet, on a topic that was under research, using technologies that he hadn't used before, all the while keeping his composure, making progress on the task at hand and answering questions in a happy and serious way that were peppered in from the community watching him.
When I tell people about Numenta and their work, I lead with their openness and Matt's streaming.
Matt gave me my Numenta mug when I went to visit him last year and I think about him every time I have tea. :)
After being in sporadic contact for 8 years, I went to Redwood and I told him that I truly appreciated him and the brave, insightful and always imaginative ways, he shared his work.
I loved his "Matt"ness in the way he twitch streamed his coding. As a developer, coding in front of one other person is nerve-racking; Matt did it live, on the Internet, on a topic that was under research, using technologies that he hadn't used before, all the while keeping his composure, making progress on the task at hand and answering questions in a happy and serious way that were peppered in from the community watching him.
When I tell people about Numenta and their work, I lead with their openness and Matt's streaming.
Although I never met or knew Matt personally I can truly say that his passion and work touched my life in profound ways and undoubtedly led me to the career I so enjoy in AI today. The elegance and simplicity with which he presented so many complex ideas that are so important to the future of humanity was second to none. I will never forget the ideas he opened my eyes to and hope that in whatever small way I can continue pushing forward the work he cared so deeply about.
I feel we were kindred spirits in so many ways and would have loved to meet him in person to talk about AI, the universe, and so much more.
Thank you for everything you did Matt and my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
I feel we were kindred spirits in so many ways and would have loved to meet him in person to talk about AI, the universe, and so much more.
Thank you for everything you did Matt and my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Had been following his outreach work for a long time when he asked to interview me for his podcast. He was just so positive. Full of energy. Science, and art. I feel blessed having had the chance to interact with him.
Followed Numenta from years back from a layman's perspective and Matt through his excellent tutorials brought a complex subject into focus.
Sad news indeed.
Condolences to all.
Steve. UK.
Sad news indeed.
Condolences to all.
Steve. UK.
Matt had such a zest for life. He was always happy and up for any adventure with his family. Whether it was a family hike, playing in the neighborhood block-party band, or going to the beach, Matt loved life. He loved Trinity more than anything. Trinity, Dean and Romy were his whole world. Anyone that had ever been around Matt knew that. You could see how much he loved his family any time you saw them together. He always encouraged them to be individuals, to learn everything they could, and be kind people. Matt will be missed by everyone. He brought so much light and love to the world. We loved him and wish so much that he wouldn’t have be taken away so early in life. We know that he will continue to watch over Trinity, Dean and Romy throughout their lives until they can be together again one day.
I read the news from Matt's dead with great sadness. Matt's skills and passion for high quality teaching brought a lot of joyful and valuable understanding into my life. Clearly his passing away was much too early. I wish Matt's family and his colleagues at Numenta all the best!
The news of Matt's passing shook me. Matt was my best friends big brother. He was always kind and fun to be around. I remember us girls hanging out in his room and just listening to music. I remember him driving us to gymnastics and not saying anything about our silly, weird, loud conversations and songs.
I remember seeing Matt and Trinity early in their relationship and thinking, that is love.
My heart goes out to his whole family that I have loved for a long time.
Trinity, Dean and Romy hugs and prayers go out to you now as you find a new normal with out Matt.
Kristy, Doug, and Jay, as a parent, I can't imagine your pain. My prayers are with you.
Nicole, I know a piece of your heart is gone forever. I pray your memories can make you smile. I love you!
I remember seeing Matt and Trinity early in their relationship and thinking, that is love.
My heart goes out to his whole family that I have loved for a long time.
Trinity, Dean and Romy hugs and prayers go out to you now as you find a new normal with out Matt.
Kristy, Doug, and Jay, as a parent, I can't imagine your pain. My prayers are with you.
Nicole, I know a piece of your heart is gone forever. I pray your memories can make you smile. I love you!
It saddened me to hear of Matt’s passing a few days ago, just surreal to think that although I haven’t seen Matt and Trinity since closer to high school graduation at Clopton here in Pike County Missouri, memories are weird since that doesn’t feel so long ago. Yet 23 years have passed. Pictures ran through my mind of those times....Matt was gentle, sincere, funny, nice, very smart, and there are “hallway” moments I remember that I don’t think will ever disappear. I looked in my “memory shoebox” from that period since I knew I had a picture of both Matt and Trinity together, I found it and I’ll post in the gallery. When reading through the other tributes, and watching some of his videos it’s obvious that he had an impact in his career and that he had passion for what he was doing. Trinity my thoughts are with you and your family, I’m sorry for your loss of your husband and friend. I’ll be thinking of you.... -Melissa (Shobe) Lanham
Matt was an amazing person who brought so much joy to our lives. We met him and his family over 10 years ago, and shared so many life events. Our kids are the same ages, and so there were birthday parties, beach trips, the annual santa train, dinners, and just hanging out. My favorite memory was when my husband realized that he was older than Matt's step dad and the laughs that we shared. My heart is aching for Trinity, Dean, and Romy, as this loss will be hardest for them. Trinity, I promise to keep Matt's memory alive for you and your beautiful kids. We love you all so much. Matt, you will be forever missed.
It is the first time in my life that I mourn the loss of a person I never met, talked to or interacted with.
Having just found his work online in the last weeks, the dire news of your loss still hits hard. Getting into his field of expertise is daunting, yet his online presence was like an insurance that it all would be feasible in the end.
Reading what Matt was all about makes me miss not ever having talked to him even more.
Having just found his work online in the last weeks, the dire news of your loss still hits hard. Getting into his field of expertise is daunting, yet his online presence was like an insurance that it all would be feasible in the end.
Reading what Matt was all about makes me miss not ever having talked to him even more.
I keep starting and stopping. The words don't seem right. They do not express the deep sadness that has suddenly rattled within. It has been so many years and yet in my mind, I see Matt's smile - just as in his picture here so many years later. Matt always had that wonderful mix of serious and silly, smart and cool. We shared art and math - kindness, conversation. We worked hard with others from '96 to create the best class art - carving pumpkins on the kitchen floor, making posters, just being kids. Yes, we were kind of nerdy and really serious about it! :). Many wonderful memories. And now to think, I didn't get to know him with his family in these adult years. I wonder what our conversations could have been like given the mutual interest in neuroscience and tech. The known merging into the unknown, and connecting again.
Mary Oliver wrote:
"I did think, let’s go about this slowly.
This is important. This should take
some really deep thought.
We should take
small thoughtful steps.
But, bless us, we didn’t."
Matt, thank you for all those wonderful experiences. Experiences that shape us over time and bring meaning and feeling to our lives. I wish I had gone slower and been able to know you and your family in these recent years.
Trinity, your children, and all of Matt's family - I send you warmth and love. My heart is full of sorrow for you and our world. You are in my thoughts.
Mary Oliver wrote:
"I did think, let’s go about this slowly.
This is important. This should take
some really deep thought.
We should take
small thoughtful steps.
But, bless us, we didn’t."
Matt, thank you for all those wonderful experiences. Experiences that shape us over time and bring meaning and feeling to our lives. I wish I had gone slower and been able to know you and your family in these recent years.
Trinity, your children, and all of Matt's family - I send you warmth and love. My heart is full of sorrow for you and our world. You are in my thoughts.
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
Hi, I am a Bachelor's student in Germany. Today I finished the HTM School videos for my paper and I was dreaming about getting a job at Numenta and meeting all the people who wrote the papers I have been reading for a while. I even think about what I would say when I meet you then I read the comments and find the bad news. Although I didn't meet you and we even communicate with each other you have a big impact on me and you helped me. Thank you.
Rest in peace.
Rest in peace.
To my Son.....I will miss you forever. I think of you every day and I love the legacy you have left. You were definitely ahead of your time! Always dedicated to your family, work and play......yet fearless in every way. My heart aches, but.....if there is anything out there after death, I know you have found it!!
Gallery
Remembering Matt at Numenta



My Son's infectious Smile!

Matt's Missouri Family

Two of Matt's Favorites...shared on his visitation pamphlets

Spring 1995, goofing off before Matt’s Junior Prom.

Recent stories
Matt Taylor - Fearless
Today would have been Matts' 44th Birthday. I still think of him many times a day and miss him profoundly. He had accomplished so much during his life. More than many people ever will. I am so proud of him! He was talented in so many ways, especially with being able to make friends out of strangers! I just thought I would share this video with everyone of him singing "Fearless", which he was!
Tell the ones you love every day how much they mean to you, because you never know when you won't be able to anymore. I Love you Matt......mom.
Tell the ones you love every day how much they mean to you, because you never know when you won't be able to anymore. I Love you Matt......mom.
Remembering Matt at Numenta
At today's team meeting, several of us wore tie-dyed, brightly colored, or NuPIC shirts to honor Matt. We shared stories and some of our favorite memories. Much like when he was alive, there was a lot of laughter shared today. He made an impact on all of us that will continue to live on. Even some of the newer employees who never met him shared their impressions of him, or how they felt like they knew him from watching his videos.
It doesn't seem possible that it's been a year. We miss you, Matt!
It doesn't seem possible that it's been a year. We miss you, Matt!
College Fund for Matt's Children
Matt's family have set up a 529 education fund for his two children. Contributions can be made at https://www.ugift529.com/.
Matt and Trinity's son is named Matthew, but he goes by Dean. Dean's Code is 303-Q2X.
Matt and Trinity's daughter is Romy. Her code is L1E-N7C.
Matt and Trinity's son is named Matthew, but he goes by Dean. Dean's Code is 303-Q2X.
Matt and Trinity's daughter is Romy. Her code is L1E-N7C.