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Tom — 68 Comments

  1. I am really saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. Matt Brown, a mutual friend called me to share the loss of an old MCAD friend. It has been years since I last saw or spoke with Chuck Fred, but my memories are as clear as if we crossed paths on a Mpls. street yesterday. Tom’s spirit and demeanor resonates.

    Although much geographical distance separates me from the community that was once called home, I am enveloped with memories of Tom and friends. I offer my condolences to Tom’s family and all of the kindred spirits who are grieving like me.

    I’ll never forget his laugh. Peace.

  2. The dignity and grace that Tom possessed cuts through the callious nature of my heart. His mere existence strengthens me and makes me a better man, parent and father. Making pancakes in Heaven. Bless Chuck Fred.

  3. “A process of learning to let go.”
    He says it best himself in the attached video with his daughter.
    His memory and legacy lives on, spreads out, carries us along.
    Deepest condolences to family and friends.

  4. I’m in total disbelief about this. Can someone please post what happened to our dear friend?
    The world lost a good man.

    Barb

  5. Tom Taylor was a deeply caring kind and creative man. Tom was also very funny and a supportive positive friend to many folks. I’m so sorry we all have lost him.

  6. Such sad news… I never think of Mpls without thoughts of Tom “Chuck Fred” Taylor & other dear friends. Virginia, Mary, family & friends, may your love for each other give you strength. May your memories bring you comfort and may your sorrow bring you peace. My thoughts are with you all.
    ~
    Katherine Madcharo-Ridel,
    Brooklyn, New York

  7. Dear darling Tom,
    Thank you for your friendship, being a pillar in the community, and believing whole heartedly that working together and uniting as a community offers all of us quality of life, happiness and peace. You are the best of the best and will be missed but never forgotten. My love goes out to your wife, family and especially your daughter and grandson. You have left us a tremendous legacy that offers great pride in all that you have done!
    I am so thankful to have known you on so many levels of life.
    With love and great respect,
    Eeris & family

  8. Darling Virginia,
    I just watched the short vid of you and your dad… oh honey… lots of tears, but … your dad… what a guy ! And… wow… you have grown into an outstanding woman. I think of all that math we did on my dining room table, and when we both discovered that I knew your pops! Small world and your dad was a very large person in it. My love to you darling woman. Keep up the good work that you do helping others, following both of your incredible parents footsteps.
    love you always,
    Eeris

  9. I still have an unopened packet of sunflower seeds that you gave out instead of wasteful flyers for your campaign in 2004. I thought the idea was so brilliant, I saved them as a memento of the campaign and a reminder that we can always be more imaginative and creative. I guess I will try planting them now, like I can still hear you say about so many things, “Hey, it can’t hurt to try!” I have read that they never expire, and so also neither shall what you brought to this world.

    Ah! sunflower, weary of time,
    Who countest the steps of the sun,
    Seeking after that sweet golden clime
    Where the traveller’s journey is done;

    Where the youth pined away with desire,
    And the pale virgin shrouded in snow,
    Arise from their graves and aspire;
    Where my sunflower wishes to go.
    –William Blake

    Rest in peace, peace, peace, dear Tom Taylor. You taught me so much. I will never forget your wonderful voice.
    Love to you and my condolences to all who knew him.

    “Raise less corn and more hell!”

  10. I met Tom while working at Black’s Café in the mid-80’s. We had a great time cooking talking & entertaining the Sat morning crowd w/ Pee Wee’s Playhouse. One August summer on the anniversary of Elvis’ death we cooked board specials from the Elvis Presley Family Cookbook. It was a gas! Then there’s the reindeer BBQ he hosted one Christmas Eve while still living above Oar FolkJokeopus. I still have the handpainted egg from that holiday so long ago. Another Christmas it was a collection of Virginia’s art postcards I received. The last time I met up w/ him was 2005 in N Mpls. We shared a drink while discoursing over politics, hormones in cow’s milk, his daughter, bicycles & memories of days long gone. His creative spirit & love of community was inspirational. This was Chuck Fred… so giving and so into making the world a better place. I’m lucky to have known him.

  11. Nordeast Minneapolis will never be the same without Tom. Bumping into Chuck Fred at Grumpy’s, NE Co-op, Art-a-Whirl, the list goes on, he was there with a smile on his face and warm greeting from his heart. His knowledge of less waste and more organic, sustainable farming, advocates for farmers and the use of land as well as his fight for social and economical justice as a member of the Green Party will never be forgotten. I learned a lot and made better purchases from his knowledge. His kindness and generosity will be missed but certainly remembered by those he has befriended. My condolences to Mary, Virginia, family and friends. Ride the sweet, heavenly ride, Tom. Rest in peace,

    Jennifer Jones
    Nordeast, Minneapolis, MN

  12. Tom,
    What a great legacy he left us, and the challenge to continue his intiatives.
    Diane Hofstede

  13. I met Tom (CF) as a cook either at Esteban’s downtown or at The MudPie. Powerful friendly man, sweetly distracted, energetic, idea-driven, vital…
    He loved bikes, food, art, and people ! A breath of fresh air – anytime of day. Loved seeing his “leaving town” exhibit and bought a small piece of work @ California Bldg.
    Just heard of his passing — Mr. Green Jeans, I might call him for his loving Green Party organizing work.

  14. This is for family member left behind:
    I was first involved with Tom when he had hi s Father’s day bicycle rallies for 3 speeders.
    He was one of those figures that had a mythical energy around him. Having realized his stories about his allies as ” Chuck Fred”. Whose that? He looked like Tom to me just another personality.
    Supported his campaign on the Green Party ticket. Even if I couldn’t vote for him. Tom had the biggest heart-small ego.. Let that be a lesson to US all.
    Truly REST IN PEACE Tom Taylor.
    Where ever you are R.I.P.
    Brian Jon Foster
    South Minneapolis

  16. “Hey now!”
    I hear his voice in my head. Never, not for one breath, for thirty-six years,
    did I ever not love him. I am humbled by his grace. I am blessed by having known him.
    Virginia’s bike helmet was wound with plastic roses and trailed balloons. His feasts
    were legendary. His friendship precious, loyal, and true. He made us all more human.
    Oh sad world. How to get along without him.

  17. Tom,
    I hiked along the hillside where Iron Walker is buried and saw the first pasque flower of the season. Thinking much about you and I wanted to bring those thoughts to another spot in western Minnesota I know you loved.

  19. Dearest Tom,
    I’m so glad that I ran into you at the Modern late last year. It was the last time that I saw you, though of course neither of us had any idea. I feel like a planet that has lost its sun. You were an example of integrity in a world of changes. I will never forget you. “Hey, now!” I hear his voice, too.

  20. Tom,
    You taught me so many things about leadership, inclusion, representation, and community; it was an honor to serve with you and a great many others in staging a neighborhood insurgency for the betterment of the larger community. While we lost touch over the years, I always looked forward to that day, always just around the corner, when our paths would cross again and we could reminisce and catch-up on where our lives had taken us. I am so sorry that day isn’t coming. Peace.

  21. Tom Taylor and I were next door neighbors for several years, and have been friends for several decades. Did you know Tom Taylor and Elvis Presley have the same birthday? In my next life, I hope Tom and I are neighbors again so when I am outside in my yard I can hear him say “hey neighbor!”, and then talk with him for a couple of hours about all kinds of things.

  22. Tom was a fellow crusader, a neighbor, an ear when times were tough, a good belly laugh when I needed a lift…so many things. I will miss you Tom, but I promise not to be too sad for too long. There’s too much fun to be had, fights to fight, friendships to find and kindle and beautiful things to sit in awe of … thanks for those lessons. I intend to live by them. Each time something lovely or wonderful in the world takes my breath away I will think of you.

  23. Some people have the ability to change lives and impact all with whom they come in contact. Tom was one of those people. His love of life, infectious laugh and commitment to trying to improve his community and the lives of others made him a most special man. He will be sorely missed. To Mary, Virginia, his family and many friends, take comfort in knowing that this gentle and kind souls suffering and pain has ended and he is now in that place that only the very best of us go. He wasn’t 6’6″ tall and he didn’t weigh 245, but to paraphrase the immortal words of Jimmy Dean, “here lies a big, big man”.

  24. I had the joy of working with Tom as a cook at Gleuks as well as the Harmony Bldg. days. His impact was always desired and far reaching. I’m honored to have had the pleasure of knowing him. Truly honored.

  25. Think of the organizing he’s doing where ever it is he is now! He probably already made heaven a better place for us when we get there!

  26. Think of the organizing he’s doing where ever he is! Heaven’s already a better place due to Tom.

  27. Well, that video just undid me.

    Blessed are all for having known and been loved by this beautiful man.

    How conspicuous in his absence so immediately.

  28. So sad to hear about this. Tom was a great guy.

    The last time I saw him was at Lake of the Isles a few summers ago. He was sitting on a park bench and I was hanging out with my wife and two kids much the same way he was hanging out with Virginia in the video.

    Always enjoyed chatting with Tom, and I will really miss running into him.

  29. Grease up the chain on your celestial bicycle and wheel across the sky, my friend.
    R Godollei, St. Paul, Minnesota

  30. I wish very much I could attend Tom’s memorial service tomorrow. I am so saddened to learn of his passing. What a soul. And as Jenny Fortman said, a shining example. A rare beauty. Truly a being. I send condolences to family and close friends and love to all the community.

  31. Always and forever inspired to do more – be better; loving and learning forward thanks to the ever present sweet circle of friendship, knowledge, and strength ignited and shared by Charles Thompson Taylor, aka, “Chuck Fred.” Thank you, Tom. Forever love always.

  32. I was privileged to work with him every day for about 3 or 4 years. He was wonderful as an artist, as a person and kept his hand on a steady rudder as he guided himself on his journey. I hope he has a bicycle of his choosing for this next journey.

  33. When I was in college, I met, got to know and enjoyed the company of a guy named Chuck Fred. Our paths crossed often. Many years later I fell in love with a man named Tom Taylor. Over the course of our time together, a time which today represents a full one third of my life, I also grew to know a boy named Tommy. Chuck Fred and Tommy will always live on. I mourn the loss of the very human Tom Taylor.

  34. I will really miss running into Tom at events or just on the street and having
    momentary conversations. I am very sad for his loss to the community and
    to his family. He was a sweet person.

  35. Tom Taylor was my good friend and fellow populist rebel. He worked with us at the Organic Consumers Association for a decade, first as a staff person, later as a member of our Board of Directors. Tom was a tireless defender of family farmers and a implacable opponent of Monsanto and corporate agribusiness. Tom also knew how to enjoy life, appreciate art, and most of all, build community. I will never forget Tom. May his spirit live on forever. Venceremos! We shall overcome.
    Ronnie Cummins

  36. Tom is in my heart and always will be. He was the first person I knew to tell me about Monsanto and what I should do to oppose. He was the first person I knew to tell me about multiple issues that keep arising.

    I met Tom when I was in highschool and he worked at Glueks and so did I. And Then many other places. At Glueks he and Walter were my sages! Walter so glad to hear from you! And then in the years following Tommy T. (TT) schooled me in local community organizing NE! Over the years that man challenged me and was always right! Love you Chuck Fred!

  39. Among all the many other things he did as an advocate and contributor to the community of Northeast Minneapolis, cooperative and otherwise, I will never forget Tom flipping pancakes and stirring spaghetti in support of the dream of an Eastside Food Co-op on Central Avenue. That it became a home for fair-trade, fairly grown food in our little slice of urban heaven was due in part to his energy and enthusiasm.

    LSP breakfasts won’t be the same without you serving up the farmers’ oatmeal and homegrown raspberries, Tom. We will all miss you.

  40. I am deeply saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. We served together on the MN Dept of Ag’s Organic Advisory Task Force – at one point, we had to marshal forces to save the organic program from elimination. Tom was a strong ally and excellent organizer.
    He would always call or email me in the spring to ask for a morel report from SE MN. Well, Tom, the morels will be popping soon, and I’ll make sure to leave a few for you!

  41. i have known tomjmjy since he first came to chamblee hs in 1973. i am friends w/his sister tracy. he always a smile on his face, made me laugh,everyone that met him loved him. he had a great personality, and was kind to all. i admired his great talent and am thankful for his friendship.

  42. Tom. My friend Chuck Fred.
    Your visit last summer was perfect
    You are forever alive to me. As the morels begin to pop, soon, I will know that you are present too. I love you for all the good you’ve done, and also for your friendship. The world seems a bit lackluster without you
    In solidarity,
    Heidi Olstad

  43. I got to know Tom over the period of time I have worked for the policy program of the Land Stewardship Project. He just was what I call a very good organizer and he stood solidly for what he believed in. He was a great person to work with. I will always remember him for sense of humor but also his convictions.

    Paul Sobocinski
    Land Stewardship Project Policy Organizer

  44. You left a lifetime of great memories old friend. The lives you touched and joy you brought us are a testament of your gracious warmth and caring for others. I am honored to have been your friend and miss you deeply. My prayers are for healing the broken hearts that mourn your passing.

  45. I met Tom only once or twice. I have the great pleasure, though, of working with his daughter, Virginia. Tom’s passion will live on through the many people he touched in this life, including through the remarkably similar work Virginia does.

    The memorial service was also one of the most fitting services I’ve ever attended. Great people, good food, and on a farm. Just as Tom would have wanted it, I imagine.

  46. Last time I saw Bob was in my kitchen at Wellinton Tce, Dunmore East Co. Waterford when we dismantled a 3 speed to ship it back to Mpls. Ride on Tom…

  47. I worked with Tom it was a grand adventure. His great spirit will truly be missed.

    Peace, Ronda

  48. I hail back from the pre-organic, local food days when swamp chicken was the signature dish and Chuck Fred organized the Indiana Fashion Show. There was always an amusing story in tow when Chuck Fred was around. I’m saddened to hear of his death. Best to his family and friends.

  49. I just read about Tom’s passing in the paper yesterday 6/10. I’m happy to have known and worked with him and saddened that I had lost contact over the years. He was a great and human man. Maybe later Tom

  51. “Throw down your chains and oil the one on your bike!”
    – MayDay Bike Thang. Blind Lizard Rally on my Triumph 3 speed: “Ride with pride, Karyn”. Cooking eggs at Black’s Cafe with Pee Wee’s Playhouse on a little TV balanced on the hood. Nothing but fond memories. C. Fred, you are missed.

  52. My words like the echo of footsteps in an empty linoleum hallway. Someone needs to post here. Wish I would have gotten to know Tom before he was gone.

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