Raymond Emmanuel Taavel

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated, mild mannered and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Raymond Taavel who was indeed a born manager who led by example.

He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” sense of right and wrong, Raymond was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Raymond knew him as a well loved and respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Raymond was born and raised in a small border city of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on June 9, 1962 at the General Hospital. His parents are Suzanne Blatter and the late Raimond Taavel. He was raised with two younger siblings, a sister Elizabeth Robins and a brother André Taavel.

Raymond had an inborn appreciation for family and he was very proud of his culture and interested in his Estonian roots, establishing communication with people of the same descent. He talked often about going to Estonia one day.

As a young boy, Raymond was able to put his natural abilities to work. He enjoyed being part of teams, organizations and groups with other children who shared similar interests. He liked to organize and direct and learned to be objective and decisive. In grade school, he organized a carnival to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy. He was a member of Junior Achievement and his memorable achievements included winning the Junior Executive Award (1978-79) (17 years old), Top Salesman award and the Achiever Award (The Woodworks) 1979-80 (18 years old). He was also a member of the Ontario Youth Parliament from 1980-1984 and it helped Raymond to become the man he was. On February 16, 2013, the Ontario Youth Parliament (OYP) unveiled a beautiful hand-made banner in memory of Raymond at their conference in Ajax, Ontario which his mother and sister were fortunate to attend.

In his spare time he liked to draw, play board games and read.

In school, Raymond was a mature, conscientious and as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Raymond was always good at following instructions. Raymond’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from St. Mary's College in 1981. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favourite classes and teachers. His favourite classes in high school were geography, history and politics. The Fratesi Award, originally named the Earl Fratesi Fellowship Award, was awarded to Raymond in the fall of 1981 for best exemplifying the qualities of Christian Living in his day to day activities. He also wrote many articles in the high school paper and for the Sault Star and was also a member of the Newspaper Club as an editor.

Shortly after graduating high school, Raymond moved to Toronto to established his life goals.

Circa, 1991, Raymond with great difficulty, called his family in Sault Ste. Marie to tell them that he was gay.

Shortly thereafter, he moved to Halifax to attend college. On June 24, 1994 Raymond graduated from the Business Administration program at CompuCollege, School of Business in Halifax, NS. Raymond's mother and sister travelled to Halifax to celebrate the event with him. At the College he became assistant to Catherine Gould, Director of Education, for two years, setting up classrooms when there were changes in each module, doing the books and computer related work. He later was employed by the College as a computer teacher and tutor, teaching the MicroSoft Office Program for a few years. Raymond was also the designer, editor and writer of the College's mini newsletter.

Raymond was sociable and very approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends and co-workers. When Raymond was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged and encouraged them to stick to the task at hand. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Those close to Raymond came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, he established a large group of friends in Sault Ste. Marie, Toronto, Halifax and other parts of Canada.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Raymond was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Raymond was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Raymond upheld his standards. His primary occupation in Halifax, NS was Assistant Circulation Manager at Shambhala Sun for twelve years.

On June 5, 2004, Raymond gave his sister away on her wedding day and he said that day was one of the happiest days of his life.

For nearly a decade, he volunteered as a writer, editor and managing editor for the Wayves Magazine, a regional Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) monthly news magazine whose work took him to great positive effects as a mentor to young people in the Youth Project. One of Raymond's articles read, “It's tempting in this day and age of legislated liberties to think that a personal or collective vigilance is no longer required. It's easy to lull ourselves into complacency, thinking there's nothing more left to fight for or nothing more to achieve. Fighting back comes in many forms: reaching out ... building bridges ... educating ... and, if need be, defending ourselves from physical harm." Raymond wrote those words in 2010.

As an enthusiastic participant in the bridge-building Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project, he became co-chair of Halifax Pride which he aided in growing this annual week-long event to being the 4th largest in Canada. Raymond was also instrumental in joining Inter Pride, in support of the advancement of LGBT rights worldwide and brought the plight of our brothers and sisters in less tolerant nations to our attention. He fought for equal marriage. He was co-founder and served as president of Fierte Canada Pride, the association of Canadian pride organizations formed to offer support for communities wanting to organize.

He not only concerned himself with homosexual and bisexual issues, he was a man of the inner city. His work extended to the homeless, HIV/AIDS, workers rights and those who lived with mental illness.

A huge impact Raymond has made on Halifax, Nova Scotia, the whole of Canada and the LGBT communities while living away from his family in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

Raymond didn't believe in bullying to press a point, he advocated on behalf of of all citizens who required dignity, respect and recognition.

Politically, Raymond was a big supporter of the NDP. His passion for politics was legendary. Political debates were constant and for him, every election was equivalent to a high holy day. He became involved and was a leader of a relatively new organization called Fair Vote Canada. He believed very strongly in democracy and he envisioned a better way for every Canadian citizen to have more equitable representation. He was in the process of forming a provincial branch of the organization over the last year, to name just some of the more significant of Raymond's organizing activities.

A civic-minded person, Raymond was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Raymond was definitely a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Raymond could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Raymond; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done. He was a modest man who preferred to share victories, big or small, with those who worked alongside him in his fight to end intolerance, hate and segregation.

Raymond approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. He appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favourite pursuits were listening to music, dancing, reading and politics. Raymond was content to enjoy his favourite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Faith was very important to Raymond. He was a man of peace and spirituality who was a true Christian. He held high ethical standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. In High School, Raymond was involved with two Youth Encounters, was a guest speaker at one of them and sponsored his sister, Elizabeth.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Raymond used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Raymond had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. His favourite vacations included a trip to the Bay of Fundy.

During the early hours of the morning on April 17, 2012 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Raymond was tragically murdered by a dangerous mental patient on an unsupervised release from a Forensic unit, after trying to stop another man from being beaten. Because Raymond was a forgiving person, he would have been the first in line to forgive his killer. It is sad and ironic, but not surprising, that he lost his life saving the life of another. He is survived by his mother, Suzanne Blatter, his sister Elizabeth Robins and his brother André Taavel. A private memorial service was held at the Arthur Funeral Home in Sault Ste. Marie. Shortly thereafter, there was a public memorial service held in Halifax, NS.

In April 2012, a program called HIV AIDS Resource Program (H.A.R.P.), ran out of the Group Health Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, received a grant from W.A.L.K. (We All Love Kids) fundraiser which is put on by Sault College’s Child & Youth Worker Students. The primary goal of this group was to create a space where youth who were facing some of those challenges related to their sexual orientation, or gender identity could ask the questions that are sometimes hard to ask in classroom or home environments. They wanted to create a space that was free of homophobia, trans phobia and that would embrace their individuality regardless of outside opinions. Donated funds allowed them to purchase items for group activities, art therapy sessions and of course, to be able to provide some snacks to group attendants.

After receiving the funds, the coordinator of H.A.R.P. immediately began running the support group on a weekly basis with the help of some wonderful volunteers. Shortly after the group began, they were made aware of the tragic death of Raymond and the youth who were attending the group made it very clear that they wanted to honour him by naming their group The Raymond Taavel Youth Group.

In October 2012, the Coast, a newspaper in Halifax, has a "Best Of" series every year which is voted on by their readership. Raymond was acclaimed as Gold Winner, "Best Activist."

On November 13, 2012, Raymond was honoured posthumously with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal. It was first presented to Darren Lewis, Raymond's friend, roommate and partner of ten years, in Halifax. Darren gave the Medal to NDP MP Megan Leslie, who travelled to Sault Ste. Marie to present it to Raymond's family on March 1, 2013. The Medal for which Raymond received five nominations following his death, is awarded for dedication to both community and nation.

All who knew him would agree that Raymond was a pillar of the community. He will be remembered as being a kind, caring, positive, considerate, fun-loving, outgoing and gentle soul with a pure heart. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for improvement. Raymond did his best to ensure that his family, friends, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

It is said, “He was a man of faith and conviction” “An enthusiastic and energetic individual who had a knack of motivating others to think, to discuss, to write and to act on issues which could make the world a better place to be in” “One of the kindest, most gentlest and best hearts on the planet”, “AN ACTIVIST WITHOUT ANGER”.

Some of Raymond's favourite quotes were,

“Be the change you want to see in the world” Ghandi

“Be out, be informed, be compassionate” Kevin Kindred

“Don't let them tell you it can't be done!” Jack Layton

14th OYP 1982

Legislation Re-. Individual Discipleship

Moved by Raymond Taavel

Be It Hereby Resolved and Thereby Resolved that:

Dear Lord:

We know that peace is so important to the

Christian's lifestyle, and that is what we want, to lead

a Christian life. Help me to follow Christ's example

and strive for His perfection. I know when I have made

peace with you, my inner calm will be reflected through

my actions to those around me and we will all benefit.

Help me Lord to reach those I do not meet in my daily

life - the diabetics whose lives depend on a needle -

those deprived of the basic necessities of life - and

the babies overseas who are allowed to live through

our pennies. Lord make me the channel of your peace,

as you want me to be. I know the time is now, and now

it begins with me.

In your name we pray

Amen.

TAAVEL, Raymond Emmanuel – It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic and sudden passing of Raymond on Tuesday, April 17, 2012. Son of Suzanne Blatter (Mike Jackson) and predeceased by his father Raimond Taavel. Brother of Elizabeth Robins (late Kevin) and André Taavel (Kellee). Special Uncle of Julia Taavel. Nephew of Raymond Blatter (Nancie), Robert Blatter (Ann Brandow), Pete Blatter (Carrie), Carmen Blatter (Carmen Charsley), late Paul Blatter, late Emmanuel Blatter and Ingrid Storozuk (Mike). Special friend to Darren Lewis. A private family funeral service will be held at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre. Rev. Bruce McLeish officiating. Raymond will be fondly remembered in the hearts of all his cousins and friends. Memorial contributions to the Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project, Halifax Pride, or the Canadian Mental Health Association would be appreciated by the family. A special thank you to Doug at the Menz & Mollyz bar and all of the wonderful people in Halifax for everything they have done. A public memorial service in Halifax is currently being prepared by friends and colleagues.

A Memorial Walk and Celebration Service remembering Raymond Taavel will take place in Halifax on Sunday, May 6, 2012. This somber celebration will offer the community closure and an opportunity to reflect/celebrate Raymond’s life and contributions. 2:00 pm - A memorial walk commencing at the Grand Parade, rain or shine. This walk will proceed down Barrington Street to St. Matthew’s Church, Spring Garden & Barrington. 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm - A celebration service. 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Reception at the Church. A drop off box/area will be set up at the Church to allow the community to place notes, cards, photos, etc., that will be collected and delivered to Raymond’s family. Facebook event here Memorial contributions to The Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project http://nsrap.ca/support-us, The Youth Project http://www.youthproject.ns.ca/, Mobile Outreach Street Health (MOSH) http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/mosh/contact-mosh would be appreciated by the family.

The following letter was sent by the Taavel family to the Chronicle-Herald in Halifax, Nova Scotia and expresses gratitude to the people of that province:

WE ARE overwhelmed by the people of Halifax and Nova Scotia and your explosion of compassion and love for our son and brother. We are so grateful for what you have done and are doing in Raymond’s memory. We do not mourn alone when you mourn with us. You will never know what this meant for us.

The vigil on Gottingen Street spoke of Raymond’s work for people, not the slaying. It was a beautiful example of respect for Raymond both in life and in death.

Raymond loved Halifax and all those who lived there; his only sadness was that his family was so far away.

You embraced him and his gentle nature, and gave him so many opportunities to do what he lived for, helping those who needed a helping hand. You saw the real Raymond for who he was and respected him for what he believed in.

Raymond died helping someone and had he lived, would have forgiven his assailant. He truly practised the teachings of Jesus through his simple lifestyle and generosity.

We are not mourning alone when we see the pain of his friends in Nova Scotia. You accepted him as he was without judgment. Your support and encouragement created the environment for Raymond to achieve all the hopes he had for all people.

Despite the psychiatric release system failing Raymond, you accented his life’s work and not the tragedy. Even the accused has received compassion, and Raymond would have liked that. It is easy to be angry, but your kind words wipe away the anger. “Forgive them Lord, for they know not what they do.” Raymond would have hugged the accused and his family.

Your community should be proud that you are an example to Canada of tolerance and acceptance. A lady called to offer her home to us if we were to come to Halifax. Your positive message is a credit to Raymond and justice to his work.

Your tribute in the Nova Scotia legislature was so welcome to us as we mourn. Your police and medical examiner were compassionate, helpful and professional. We will always appreciate the staff of Shambhala Sun for their love and support.

Raymond died the way he lived, helping people. He is our hero, and you are heroes for what you are doing for him, and also for us. Nova Scotia is a good place to be. Our hope is that all the “Raymonds” of the world can someday find their own “Nova Scotia.”