Good bye Mark Taylor

 by László Milutinovits 

 

 Albatrossians don’t speak; they click, hiss and hum.

From “Marker” on “The Albatross Dilemma” – Coyote Issue 0, July 1999

Dear Coyote readers,

We wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our amazing editor Mark Taylor who has served this youth magazine for more than two decades.

It’s not easy to commit to a job for such a long time, but our editor has shown remarkable consistency, passion and creativity throughout the years. Especially as at the same time, he has significantly contributed to the work of a wide range of organisations, businesses and institutions as trainer, co-ordinator, supervisor of teams or general rapporteur in the European youth field. Before his freelance career and becoming a part of the Coyote team, he worked for four years at the Youth Exchange Centre, London as a development and training officer (1986-89) and three years at the Council of Europe’s European Youth Centre in Strasbourg as a tutor (1990-92).

The first ever issue of Coyote was published in July 1999, with Mark contributing as a member of the editorial team – and with his first “Marker” on “The Albatross Dilemma” and experiential learning. “Marker” became a regular column of all issues to come, and Mark has stayed with us too. His tireless efforts have helped shape the printed and later the online magazine and made it a source of inspiration and encouragement for young people all around the continent. He has maintained high standards of quality, ensuring that each issue is informative, thought-provoking, engaging – and most importantly, also enjoyable and fun.

As a team, we have had the privilege of working with such a wonderful, inspiring and supportive editor who has always helped us bring our best ideas to fruition. The warm, friendly and professional environment that our editor helped foster has made our work enjoyable and fruitful.

To Mark, we say a big thank you for staying with us and with the readers during this long period, throughout which both the entire world of young people and the youth work field have changed completely. Following up on and remaining responsive of these changes required incredible flexibility, open-mindedness and probably sometimes a sense of self-criticism and humour. Something that you have done with great sensitivity and professionalism till your latest contributions, despite all personal and professional challenges. Thank you for your unwavering commitment, your diligent work, your support, your encouragement, and your contribution to this magazine’s success. You have been an invaluable asset, and we will always cherish the memories we have made working with you.

As you move on to the next phase in your life, we trust that you will find even more fulfilling experiences and opportunities. We hope that you will look back with pride on everything that you achieved in this magazine and know that your contributions have touched the lives of countless young people.

Once again, we say thank you and wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Big Coyote pack-howl for Mark! Ah-wooooo! Ah-wooooo! Ah-wooooo!