11.00AM: Tributes continue to be paid this morning to Auckland gay identity Peter Taylor whose fight against the dual ravages of Leishmaniasis and HIV infections ended last night when he passed away after opting to halt all treatment. Lauded as "wonderful," "a beautiful brother," and "an incredible man" Taylor’s attitude and approach to life have earned him a great degree of respect which is being expressed in many quarters. "Watching him fighting this battle for eighteen years has been a totally humbling experience," one of Taylor's two sisters, Yvonne Godfrey told GayNZ.com Daily News this morning. "He was the absolute master of adapting to change... the lesson that he taught to us was to accept what you can change and live with and to accept what you can't. He was truly the master of change and of handling change. He was just so amazing in that regard. And he was a beautiful brother and I am going to miss him so much.” Godfrey says the loss of her brother feels "a little surreal" this morning. "I feel such happiness for him that he is no longer in pain, but that’s going to be different once we realise that he’s actually not here." "It was just beautiful to be able spent some time with him yesterday," says Karen Ritchie of the Cartier Trust which organised the sell-out This Is Your Life function honouring Taylor. "He's at peace now and he will be sadly missed. The Trust was very blessed to be able to honour him while he was still alive and he has been wonderful,” says Ritchie. In a combined comment Ritchie and co-trustee Jason Myer added “we will remember and love him forever.” Michael Bancroft, who heads the HIV Memorial Quilt Project, has posted a message to Taylor and his partner Rodney Coleman, saying "Peter, may the angels lead you into paradise, may you be in peace this day, may Rodney and those who have walked this final journey with you be now comforted and strengthened. Thanks for the privilege of having been part of your life. GO FORTH!" Transgender activist Racheal McGonigal has written: RIP Peter Taylor, you beautiful man. You helped and encouraged so many. You fought your many battles with strength and wisdom, always a touch of humour no matter what. You gave so much to so many and will never be forgotten. Am sure you will bring Fabulosity to the upstairs angels." The proprietors of Urge Bar say: "Peter Taylor was one of the founders of Urge Bar. We are all saddened by his passing overnight. An incredible man who gave so much love and laughter through his life. You were one in a billion. You shined bright and loud. Shine on in your next adventure. And Dion Hosking, of the Falcons gay rugby team has posted: Ngā mi'i aro'a kia koe Rodney. A te Atua e manaaki i a koe I runga I tēnei wā pouritanga. Moe mai Peter, moe mai moe mai rā. 'aere atu ki ngā ringa ōu tīpuna. 'aere, 'aere, 'aere atu rā e te rangatira
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 16th September 2013 - 10:19am