It is with great sadness that I am writing you with the news that Matt Taylor, our open source community manager, passed away yesterday in his sleep. While we are still waiting to understand what happened, his death was sudden and unexpected (COVID-19 is not currently suspected). Matt’s wife and two school-age children are devastated, as are all of us at Numenta.
Matt was a vital force at Numenta. He joined us because of his passion for our work, and that passion never wavered. He took it upon himself to make his personal mission one of explaining our theories to developers and the general community. He built a vibrant and active on-line community. He was constantly proposing new ideas, whether starting a podcast, creating animations, or live-streaming our research meetings.
We have opened a tribute website here https://www.forevermissed.com/matthew-taylor/about for those of you who would like to pay your respects to Matt. I know his family would be grateful for your comments and memories.
Matt would be the first to remind you to savor every day.
How devastating is this news… I couldn’t find the right words. My thoughts go to his family and friends.
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.
Matt was a friend I never had the pleasure to meet in person but we met in discussing ideas here and making things. Who infuenced me, and the whole community standing here now. You did a lot for the world, making it better, Matt.
Condolences to the family. You are missed, friend.
We’re not exactly sure what happened, other than he died in his sleep sometime between Sunday night and Monday morning. The coroner believes it may have been related to some prior health issues that were viewed to be minor but were being monitored.
As you said, incredibly hard to fathom. It’s such a huge loss.
Matt was really fun and patient and made this somewhat dry and often difficult abstract world into an experience that would keep even a kid’s attention span. That’s not easy a true teacher. 10 days younger than me I’m really sorry.