Jerry Taylor passed away July 17, 2017, at age 70 from pancreatic cancer.  He was an enormous force for good in the field of evolutionary medicine, and a wonderfully creative, critical, and energetic Associate Editor for the Evolution & Medicine Review. He is survived by his son Linus, and his wife, the actress Barbara Flynn. 

I first met him at evolution and medicine meeting in the UK in 2010, but was only when the University of Chicago sent me proofs of his book, Body by Darwin, that I recognized that the field had a new champion. His background was as a producer for BBC television, where he created many films for the Horizon series, and many more for other science channels, but his writing and scientific acumen were unparalleled.No one else has tackled multiple big topics including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and autoimmune disease by mastering the relevant science, getting personal interviews with the scientists, and even finding patients who talked eloquently about how an evolutionary perspective changed their view of their disease, and sometimes even its treatment. This required not only industry and intelligence, but extraordinary social and organizational skills that are equaled by few.  If you have not read his book yet, get a copy now and prepare to enjoy yourself 

After the book came out, to wide appreciation, Jeremy and I talked about his possible contributions to the EMR. I thought he might write an occasional article, but soon he was writing eloquent essays twice a week, bringing new insights to the entire community. Readership rose sharply. He wielded his critical faculties firmly but gently.  He was a consummate editor.  I asked him if  he would like to become the Editor. In typical modest fashion, he said no, he thought it was better if he just continued as the Associate Editor. However, he kept coming up with great ideas for how The Evolution & Medicine Review could become more interesting and more useful to its readers. In my last Skype with him just a few weeks ago. he was full of new ideas and eager to write more for the Review despite knowing his prognosis was grim. He loved the Evolution & Medicine Review, and it joined with his intelligence to infuse his many posts. 

Some people you just plain like and admire and enjoy spending time with. Jeremy was one of those. His curiosity and wide range of knowledge and good humor made him someone everyone wanted to be with, and someone who will be missed very much by all who know him, and even by many who know him only through his prose.

For those in London, here will be a celebration and cremation  on Monday 7th August at 2pm prompt at St Marylebone Crematorium.  Donations  made in his name to the UCL Hospitals Charity. fund. will go straight to the lab of Professor Charles Swanton (The Crick Institute and UCLH) whose team is focusing on the cancer that killed Jerry.

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