IN MEMORY OF...
Landri Cortez Taylor
August 17, 1950 ~ February 26, 2020
L
andri was born on August 17, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois to the late James LaVelle Taylor and Naomi Ruth Jones. He passed peacefully on February 26, 2020 surrounded by family. At an early age, Landri dedicated his life to Christ. He attended elementary school in Oakland, CA. He then attended Lowell High School in San Francisco and graduated from the University of California at Berkley in 1974 with a degree in biology. He moved to Colorado in August 1979 where he met his wife, Gloria. They were united in marriage for 40 years. Landri was a dedicated father, avid golfer and skier. He enjoyed traveling with his family and listening to music. And you could always find him enjoying the sunsets with Gloria after a day of work. He also was a devoted member and trustee of New Hope Baptist Church. Landri served as chief executive officer for The Foundation for Sustainable Communities. He was previously employed as the president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan Denver, and vice president of community affairs at Forest City Enterprises. Landri served on many boards throughout his career but was most proud of his service on the RTD Board and the Denver Public School Board. His other board and profes-
sional affiliations include: Colorado Open Golf Foundation, Blair Caldwell African American Research Library (board treasurer), Latin American Educational Foundation, and Stapleton Foundation. His survivors include wife Gloria, son Stephen DeNeal, Chula Vista, CA; daughters, Kimberly Catrice (Christopher) and Kristol Camille (Marcus), Aurora, CO; mother Naomi Ruth Pierce, San Francisco, CA; brother James Pierce (Angela), Oakland, CA; sister Shari Taylor, San Francisco, CA; grandchildren Lauryn, Savannah, Dalila and Dominic; four sister-in-law’s; three brother-in-law’s; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many devoted friends.
Christel
“Queen Elizabeth” Gayles
March 26, 1967 ~ February 19, 2020
Christel began her work journey at US Bank from 1987 to 2000. She drove for Fifth Avenue in Style Limousine from 2000 to 2003 and in late 2003, Christel began working for the Transportation Department for DPS as a bus driver, later becoming an athletic and excursions supervisor. For a woman who never married she had a husband, her childhood friend Sammie Gaskins. They declared their marital status as husband and wife when they were children. For a woman who never gave birth to a child, Christel had many children. She loved children and they loved her. Family was priority for Christel. She was very close to her mother, who she referenced as her best friend. They spent a lot of time together traveling, laughing, attending events and sharing life. A little over 10 years ago, Christel met her younger brother and after connecting, she and Christopher Elliott Hall became very close. Christel was preceded in death by her father Robert Gayles and Godson Paul Ferguson. Left to cherish her memory is her mother Julia Gayles, her brother Christopher Hall, stepsister Tiffany Bramwell, Dallas, TX. Godparents Wilma and Wellington Webb, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, and loyal friends.
Winston Kenneth Walker
O
n Easter Sunday, March 26, 1967, Christel Elizabeth Gayles was delivered to Robert and Julia Gayles. She was educated in the Denver Public School system and a graduate of Manual High School. She was interested in her family history and discovered that her maternal great grandmother’s name was Queen. She legally added Queen to her name. Serving God was an important part of Christel’s life from an early age. She was raised in the Christian faith at New Hope Baptist Church.
J. Todd Walker in Washington D.C. on June 12, 1948 as the couple’s first-born. Two siblings, Nadine Walker, M.D. and Keith Walker (deceased) joined him. Winston was blessed with a loving family, who he loved fiercely. He met educator Marcia Love who became his “great love.” They married in 1980 and raised three children, Wendell, Trevonne, and Tamila. He immediately fell in love with the mountains when they moved to Colorado in 1989. He took a position with Storage Technology Corporation and found the perfect environment for those who enjoyed the natural beauty of the outdoors. A talented photographer and an avid outdoorsman, Winston committed his adult life to ensuring that everyone especially African Americans discovered a love of the outdoors. In 1993, he cofounded the James P. Beckwourth Mountain Club to honor the pioneering Black mountain man. Winston personally led groups on white water rafting, camping, cross-country skiing, and walking tours. Up until his passing, Winston was leading walking tours and taking and posting photos of his adventures. He was also the only male member of Black Girls Hike. He supported the Black America West Museum, was active with the Hampton Alumni Chapter and supported his wife’s (Marcia) Wa Shonaji Quilt Guild which highlighted Black heritage through quilting. He left behind his wife Marcia Walker, sister Nadine Walker, M.D. (Washington D.C.), children Wendell Walters (Wichita, Kansas), Trevonne (Chris) Marshall (Shreveport, Louisiana); Tamila Cooper (Lowell, Massachusetts); numerous grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.
May you all, June 12, 1948 ~ December 16, 2019
Winston K. Walker was born to
Claude G. Walker, M.D. and Maude
Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – April 2020
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Rest In Peace