Clyde E. Taber III

Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2001 10:20 AM

Subject: Passing of a Giant

It can't be!

Another empty place exists in my heart this morning as I remember my friend Clyde Taber III. He served on lots of committees and did lots of things ... but he was always a singer first and a friend foremost.

The emptiness is compounded for me as I realize that we continually lose more of these men without seeming to take time to replace them somehow. Clyde, like so many other giants, just seemed to hate a vacuum and always was found rushing in to fill a void, no matter what. Now, he has created a vacuum that even he would have found hard to fill. His tenor voice was sweet . . . and he knew a gazillion tags. The smile was always there, starting with a slow infectious grin that soon turned into a giggle which became a belly-laugh and had the whole room engaged in the mirthful moment. He was a delight to be with, and I was with him on many COTS assignments where he would "delight" me into losing too much sleep while sharing stories, but always sharing a song.

Clyde Taber III (we used to rib him by referring to him as 'Clyde Taber-Eye-Eye-Eye' when introducing him at COTS opening sessions) was as unique as you could imagine, yet as down-to-earth as you could ever want. By the way, he was also a son-of-a-gun to argue with, for he never (and I mean NEVER) discussed any topic without first having done his homework and having his facts straight. He might not win the argument, but he would never lose for lack of conviction or information. He could wrangle with the best of them, especially when it came to understanding the fiscal in's and out's of the Society. But, when the argument was over, the friendship was still there . . .still intact . . . and the grin would start and it wouldn't be long before he was engaging you in a tag. Always a tag.

He and I shared the same hero - Freddie King - and Clyde sang for Freddie in Dundalk for many years. Now, there's a combination I would have loved to have seen on chapter meeting night!

And now he is too-soon gone . . . one week before his 64th birthday.

The hole that is created by the loss of men like Clyde cannot be described, it can only be experienced. To those of you reading this wishing that there was something you could do to ease the loss . . . there is: go find another Clyde Taber III. And while you're at it, recruit a Dave Stevens, a Lou Perry, an Earl Moon . . . well, you get the picture. Clyde and the rest of them developed our legacy. Now, it's our turn to continue it by finding others of their ilk to establish new levels of Society fellowship that will serve as fitting remembrances to our departed giants.

Godspeed, Clyde . . . you will be missed . . . but hopefully, your work will inspire others to find more like you. Then, you'll be joyfully remembered for having passed the torch that you carried so well for so long as a true Mid-Atlantic hero and icon.

Ev Nau