Remembering Hunt Taylor

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
(Proverbs 23:7, NKJV)

My dear friend and business partner, Hunt Taylor, passed away last Sunday in a tragic motorcycle accident in Arizona. He was 54 years young. All those that knew Hunt are mourning the devastating loss of a great man. I remember the first time I met Hunt. It was as if I had known him my entire life. Whenever you meet people like that, you know you are blessed.

Hunt was a terrific partner. He loved to think deeply about many things -- often unconventionally. He was, in that respect, Mungarian (I'm referring to Charlie Munger's "Lattice of Models" approach to investing). There was very little, in fact, that you couldn't discuss with Hunt. He was always open to new ideas.

Over the past several years, we discussed and debated (sometimes heatedly!) the emerging science of complexity, the mystery and beauty of quantum mechanics, the differences between risk and uncertainty, the future of the investment management business, the supply and demand for commodities, diamonds, oil, the prospects for nanotechnology and alternative forms of energy, the evolution of the music business and much more. I loved talking to Hunt. It always seemed as if we never had enough time together. I'm sure it was the same for many people in Hunt's life.

But what I loved most about Hunt was his heart. In my nearly two decades on Wall Street, I've learned that the heart is the most underappreciated and undervalued intangible asset. There's an old saying on Wall Street that if you want a friend, buy a dog. I didn't need to buy a dog. I had Hunt Taylor in my life, and I was blessed.

We will all deeply miss Hunt. But if you are like me, the love, laughter, and wisdom he shared will always live in your heart.