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.

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.

I worked with Matt for a short period back in 2012. I remember his enthusiasm and eagerness to help. He always had a smile. His social outreach helped me stay in touch with progress at Numenta. He will be missed by many. My condolences to Matt’s family and the Numenta team.

Matt was a kind, bright, and curious soul, and I am deeply saddened to have lost him.

Matt's spirit for life was always inspiring to me. His range of interests were so varied that it was rare to find someone who had his hands in so many different things. It was always engaging and exciting to talk about these things with him. I really enjoyed how Matt always saw the world with beginner's eyes, and everything was fascinating to him the way it is to a child. That kind of perspective is so refreshing.

When I was interested in Numenta, Matt (and his hackathons) helped me meet and join the company. I'm sure I'm not the only one that has met so many people in the AI field due to Matt. It was just so easy to be taken in by his zeal and friendliness, and we will miss that a lot.

I want to give my deepest condolences to his family, and to all the other people who he has left behind. May they find strength during this time. He will be missed greatly.

Thank you Matt for so much. The Taylors gave my boys and me the family we needed in California, and much more than we asked for. Matt was a loving, understanding father figure, and from what I saw true best friend to T. He was a role model of a hard working guy that actually enjoyed his job and was also truly dedicated to his family. Always present in the conversation, always sharing and giving. The Taylors house was a haven. So often the scene was Trinity making dinner, while Matt was playing his uke, or tooling around, like on his mini computer boards, while sharing his eclectic music collection of heavy metal and 80 alt, and also some just strange noises. I can’t say it right, just how good it felt to be with them, always the four of them together, but also always letting us in. It was special to be with them. Those memories have always taken up a lot of space in my heart. And it hurts now. Thinking you of Matt, Trinity, Romy and Dean. I love you all so much.

i met matt in virtual worlds. he was a shining light of ideas and positivity. his presence in our community will be dearly missed.

Matt did a brilliant talk at Strange Loop 2012 and I pulled some strings to get a fresh edit done from the original recordings which is now available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvS2udf4pgI

I remember when Trin and Matt first started dating way back when I was just a small kid. I always enjoyed my awesome cousin living next door and it was even more fun when Matt started hanging out. Even then, being so young, I always thought they were cute together. Matt was never too cool to play and jump on the trampoline with a couple little kids. He was always so nice, funny, goofy, and also sweet to Trin. I didn’t know him as much in my adult life, mostly because they live so far away, but I remember Matt and I getting into random discussions on Facebook one day about Swedish death metal bands, of all things. He was such a cool guy! It broke my heart when I heard of his sudden passing and my heart breaks even more for my cousin Trinity, and Dean and Romy. Matt, you are dearly missed and loved by so many people. I wish I could have known you more, but I knew enough to realize how great of a husband, father and human being you were. ❤️
Love you Matt.

The opportunity to know and work with Matt was one of the greatest honors of my life.
He was an example to me of what it means to be alive, human, and a man.
Intelligence poured from him in everything he did.
I’m shattered that he is gone. I will miss him greatly. I owe him a great deal. 
My deepest condolences to his family, co-workers, friends, and loved ones.
I look forward to seeing him again in the next life, at Thunderdome.

Our hearts are broken along with the Taylor family's. Matt was such a great guy! We can't begin to understand why we have to go through this kind of pain, but please take comfort in knowing we are all surrounding your family with our love. We hope you can feel it. You will all be in our prayers. Your memories of him will live on forever. I'm thankful for the evening our two families could spend together during the summer of 2018. Love to you all.

met Matt, when I was a recruiter at Yahoo.  I found his site on Twitter, and Contact him to work at Yahoo! .  He got the Job at Yahoo, and moved from the Midwest. Him and Trinity and the kids moved into our town, and our family became fast friends with then.  Matt and I would eat lunch and have commute and have a great time. Our families would get together all the time.  Even though Matt and Trinity moved, we still saw them. Every year, we would get together on the Santa Train in Santa Cruz.  Thought our children are now teenagers, we the parents would still want to go Matt would have such a great time on the train every year, yelling “Merry Christmas” to all the bystanders. We were very lucky that we saw them twice during the Christmas season last year. Matt was also a great friend and always supportive to everyone.  He was a true visionary at Yahoo, and was so excited about his work at Numenta to change the world. He also served in the Military and had great stories (He always said the Military know how to exit the plane in the right way)  Like everyone we are all devastated by this, and our thoughts are with Trinity and the kids

I met Matt in 5th grade...my first year at a new school...we were instant friends. then shortly after I'm spending the night at his house almost every chance, and him at mine any chance...but usually it was me living at Matt's house. We spent most of our time looking at dragon fantasy magazines, listening to cool music, making cassette tapes of us, playing with cool toys, collecting comics, and playing video games...i was Sega, he was Nintendo...we both have letters printed in one of our favorite comics "poison elves" by the late drew hayes. i have a box of so many drawings, things.from school, notes from Matt, and Trinity...I was the first person to push him to his first kiss...which was before my own!!! , he told me that he had a crush on Trinity...i did what a bestfriend would do...go to Trinity's house and jump on the trampoline, and ring our sloppy wet socks from the rain onto each other laughing and having the times of our lives then.

So many memories that keep coming in that I've forgotten about, or fragments of memories of important times...we did EVERYTHING together...we joined the same school clubs together...minus the academic one's...i wasn't the smart one...he was very smart and did amazing in school...we had our lockers next to each other every year. He was my family...Kristy, Jay, Nicole, Kai & co...they all were.

i remember in 2011 when i should've passed...but by insurmountable odds...somehow i survived...i don't remember a lot from that time bc i was bad off...in the hospital for over a month...lost my eye, and almost my leg...but i do remember both Matt and Trinity...i don't recall if they came, but i believe it was on phone...but what stuck with me was his voice...and how sincerely he was worried and the care and concern in his voice.

I lost a lot of time with Matt over the DUMBEST thing...i mean it was so dumb in hindsight...but i didn't do anything to try to make it better...and i feel horrible and guilty...bc it was something that could've been an easy simple fix...and we lost touch from that point on...this would be after he got out of the air force.

I have sooooo many sweet stories i can go on and on about...maybe i will.

I love you Matt, and will always remember what we had.

My heart is with Trinity, the kids, and the family...I'm so sorry...it's unfair what happened...Matt didn't deserve this ending...someone like me does...not you.

p.s. i have our zippos still that we made for each other...and so much more stuff...a box of love...that i need to go through.

R.I.P. Matthew A. Taylor I'm still in shock and disbelief. looking at everyone and all posts...that's the Matt i knew loved...it's such a sad thing to read, but to see how many lives he's touched makes it even more important that his life was full of love.

I'll see you again, and when i do we will have the biggest hug and please see my baby girl and let her know who you are.

Love,

Phil T.

I had the pleasure of working for Matt and Trinity when I was in college. I babysat for them and enjoyed spending time with their family. I was able to see Matt and Trinity at home with their kids and enjoyed watching their relationship with each other. They were funny and loving and energetic ❤ Trinity I have been praying for you and your kids and I will continue to do so. Sending so much love and prayers your way.

I went to high school with Matt and Trinity and though we weren’t close in school we reconnected as adults. We explored the redwood forests and beaches of Northern California together and they visited us here in Colorado. Matt was a funny, kind and exceptional man. He was deeply loved and respected by all. Our family is completely heartbroken right now. We will cherish our memories with him and our deepest love and sympathy go out Trinity, Dean, Romy, Nicole and rest of Matt’s family.

I went to high school with both Matt and Trinity. I cannot even believe this heartbreaking news, Matt is gone way too soon. Although I didn't know Matt well, I have and will always remember him for his kind, infectious smile. Trinity and the kids are in my thoughts and prayers. All my love ❤

Matt's explanations and online tutorials were always well explained and truly inspiring at the same time. His friendly nature made it easy to listen. Even though we never met it feels like a friend passed away. RIP. A follower from Germany

Matt clearly followed his passions and had an amazing power of explaining things and keeping people engaged, a very sharp mind with a humble, generous and creative personality. His professional legacy lives on in the content he created and the community he led, a place where anyone pondering intelligence finds a place to discuss and learn.

I only had the pleasure of meeting Matt a couple of times in person, as we lived on opposite sides of the world. He went to the trouble of making a Numenta meetup coincide with my travel; probably a typical gesture for Matt but something I'll never forget.

Extremely shocking this news . Had few interactions with Matt on twitter and was always looking to his engaging sessions at numenta. Will be missed forever . RIP dear friend

Matt, to me, was not just an excellent professional but also a great friend! A man that always give motivation to our contributions to community.

Unfortunately all of us, Numenta and collaborators, loose the main actor who did the AI community vibrant, shine and wonderful with his participation, funny videos and a lot of the best contributions!

My old friend.. I miss you.. You are the best!!!

My condolences to the family... :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(

I never met Matt in person, but during my few months at Numenta I got to interact with him frequently. Matt effortlessly made every interaction characteristically upbeat and jovial, bringing friendliness, positivity and a sense of humor. He had so many interesting things to say, from obscure jazz recommendations to making art using cellular automata. He is the sort of person I would really want to get to know well, and it saddens me deeply that such a unique person is no longer among us. The world is a poorer place for it.

Coming up with great insights is hard, communicating them even harder. I’ll miss Matt’s enlightening presence. Thanks so much! Nicolaas from the Netherlands

And we wept that one so lovely should have a life so brief.”
—William Cullen Bryant
 
Matt's quick wit and gentle humor was apparent to all, in every interaction he had; but nothing was more obvious than the love he felt for his wife and family. His memory will never be forgotten.

I never met Matt in person sadly. But he reignited my dreams to create self-conscious robots through Numentas research. He is the sole reason why I decided to retake that purpose. His humor, his openness, and his passion influence me each day of my life. It seems life is sometimes cruel to the best people. Thanks a lo Matt for everything you thought us... For Matt!

My most sincere condolence to the entire family. Even do I only knew Matt online, it was a pleasure to work with him to promote his amazing NFT Art.

He was a kind soul always willing to support other fellow Artists of the community. May he rest in peace and may his family be blessed in these hard times.

From Stephan T. and the MagNFT team.

It very sad to hear that Matt is no more,
He was such an enthusiastic person, I always enjoyed his talks on HTM school and his interviews with neuroscientists.

He has been a driving force to spread the HTM and Numenta's knowledge to the community.
No one can replace his place of efficiency in Numenta.

I am deeply sad , RIP Matt Taylor.
My deepest condolences to Matt.
I miss him.

We got to know Matt back in 2018 when he did an online webinar for AI Singapore at some weird hour (Singapore 7pm-9pm) on Numenta's technology.

We have continued to follow his community postings and sharing not only within AI Singapore staff but also the wider AI community in Singapore.

We will miss his passion for AI, the community and people.

I always thought it would be cool to end up having a couple of beers with Matt. We never did. I knew him as a genuine and positive person with an almost childlike curiosity and creative drive. I am shocked and my thoughts are with his family.

I am so grateful that I was able to work with and got to know Matt and his family over the past 8 years. Matt has touched so many people's lives with his uniqueness, love of life, and sincerity. He embraced all of his positive attributes, worked hard at living his philosophies, and followed his heart. Matt put a lot of thought, creativity, and fun into everything he did. I really enjoyed how comfortable Matt was at being “ Matt”. My emoji for Matt would be a colorful heart-shaped brain with a big smile on it. He was such a positive force and inspiration who I miss deeply. I am so so sad.

You burned bright, buddy. Truly an inspiration. We can honour Matt by sharing his passion for life.

Matt's enthusiasm and passion was a wonderful thing.

I can't begin to imagine the devastation felt by his family. This just makes no sense.

I don't want to say "thoughts and prayers"... but what do you say to something this immense? As a father of 3, and a husband, it just breaks my heart.

To Matt's family: you're not alone - by all that is holy - we're here for you - truly.

I met Matt briefly at NPP meetings, but I was impressed with his enthusiasm and integrity.
A tragic ending to inspiring life. My thoughts are with his family.
Thanks Matt

I can't get to terms with this. I feel so saddened by this shocking news. It's... strange... how losing someone I only knew through a computer screen from the other side of the planet has such an emotional impact on me. And clearly on so many others.

We were cheated out of a great virtual teacher and an amazing real friend. I don't think there is a forum where I ever felt more welcome than the one he maintained. Even the occasional troll was addressed with kind words. How many times did he say how this was his dream job. It looked more a hobby to him. He deserved to see this great project through.

To his family, professional as he ever was, yet he regularly took the time through his many streams to send quick kind messages and to discretely comment to us on the time he was going to spend with you. It shows how dearly he loved you. I wish you the strength to get through these difficult moments. I feel so much for you.

To his collegues, it is clear how important he valued your work and how truly happy he was to share your sphere. I think he felt priviledged to be among you.

And to the forum members, I have no doubt how happy he felt to address your many posts and happy to read all your contributions. Please, let's honor him by continuing.

It is selfish, but I miss him. I can't believe he's gone...

I had the privilege of working with Matt for over seven years. I'm still in shock that he's gone. Matt was full of life, energy...but above all else, curiosity. He had a talent for bringing people together and making work fun.

I'll miss him greatly.

A man has to leave behind a book, a child and a home. Matt got it all checked!
Matt was truly a ray of light in my morning routine for the last few years!
You will be greatly missed!
Thanks for all that you did!

Like many who've left thoughts here, I didn't know Matt personally. However, all of my interactions with him in the HTM community, whether in the forums, youtube, or elsewhere, he was patient, respectful, kind, and encouraging.

He has one of those unique personalities that makes everyone feel welcome, and even though the world and his family has suffered a great loss, I know that his words, actions, and deeds, will continue to ripple out through all those who had the blessing of coming into contact with him.

My love for him and those he leaves behind. May we all be well and treat others as Matt treated us.

I was shocked to hear about this. I used to follow Matt's Youtube channel on HTM. I learned so much from him.
Thank you, Matt for all your work. Although I've never met you in person, I feel like I lost a friend.
Condolences to the family.

I had to read Donna's message twice this morning to make sure I was really reading this message. I still cannot believe it. It is so sad and frustrating.

I discovered HTM and Numenta I think even before Matt starting taking over the community management but his enthutiasm and passion for teaching and making the most difficult concepts accessible to everyone, always renewed and revived my interest in what Numenta does. I admired Matt for that and I feel the pain of his colleagues and his family.

Matt always instilled passion and kindness, inspiring others to do work that mattered. I'm terribly sad at this news – the field and the world needed more people like him. The loss will be felt.

Thank you Matt for everything.

Your enthusiasm will be forever missed, Matt! You did an amazing job spreading Numenta's work across the globe. You were inspiring and humble. It was a great pleasure having met you. My condolences to your family, friends and colleagues.

Via HTM School I first heard from Numenta. Matt's enthusiasm and fun way of presenting was infectious. He explained everything clear in his tutorials. He will be missed.

I so enjoyed working with an interacting with Matt over many years and was shocked to hear of his passing. My heart goes out to his family, which he spoke of often and clearly dearly loved.

He will be missed by so many.

Matt was passionate about life: family, work, music - everything he did he did with a rare and sincere intensity. I'm lucky I got to work with and know Matt, and I will miss him greatly.

I cannot express the impact Matt has had on my life in words. He always greeted me with encouragement and we shared a "vision" and excitement for humanity's future. He was always kind and welcoming to those he came in contact with, and an inspiration as a person. My heart goes out to his family and everyone at Numenta. I miss you so much Buddy!

Matt, you are the guy who will always smile in the hearts of a huge number of people!
We will always remember you!
Thank you!

This is so sudden and deeply sad ! I met Matt at one of the early Numenta seminars and few more times at hackatons - remember him as lively and friendly person, ready to listen and help, and in an energizing way. He gave me a ride to the SF airport and I always hoped to visit next Numenta event and sure meet him there again. He really was a soul of these gatherings, it will be different now without him

Forever grateful for Matt’s energy curiosity and drive. He was a huge reason for me to believe in “everything’s possible if you work for it”. Through him I got drawn to Numenta and ultimately kickstarted my journey and career. I will never forget him because of this, many many late night video calls across the world to discuss code and new ideas and his amazing abilities to explain complex issues in their simplest form!

Thank you Matt!

I have known Matt for two years via the HTM community.

Thank you Matt for all your work, your never-ending enthusiasm, your benevolence towards us, and also your support during the last months. You built and fostered a whole community who will never forget you.

Lamento mucho la perdida de Matt, siempre estaré agradecido con él por transmitirme el interés y entusiasmo por la teoría de HTM.

rhyolight, what a surprise, I enjoyed working with Matt , great leader full of passion and enthusiasm. It's a great loss.

Matt was one of the nicest people I ever knew. He was a force in creating the Numenta community. Everyone who participated, from newcomers to professors recognized how special he was, and how much he truly cared. He welcomed everyone equally, and made sure they found their place. 

Matt, I will miss you deeply.