Kendal at Oberlin is home to more than 300 people in their 60s and well beyond. They come from near (Oberlin and Cleveland) and far (Hawaii, Canada, and elsewhere). The residents share many common values, such as sustainability and lifelong learning, and many have ties to Oberlin College. But each resident has his or her own unique story.
Robert Taylor’s life at Kendal at Oberlin revolves around his four passions – writing and editing, singing, public speaking, and promoting art.
“When I was younger and occasionally thought about what my retirement years would be like, it never occurred to me that I would be given so many opportunities to continue doing the things I love most. But here I am, still singing, both solos and with our Kendal choir; still preparing and presenting public programs; still involved with art in a number of ways; and still editing a magazine, which I so much enjoyed doing during my working career. I can’t imagine a more fulfilling life,” he says.
In 2003 Robert and his partner, later husband Ted Nowick moved to Kendal. Last summer the couple celebrated three significant milestones—the 50th anniversary of the day they met in June, Robert’s 85th birthday in July, and Ted’s 95th birthday in August. Ted died on Oct. 3, 2025.
“I miss him so much. I have good days and bad days,” Robert says, adding, “It’s been such a blessing to be around so many wonderful people here, really more like an extended family.”
After preparing remarks for Ted’s memorial service, Robert decided that his next book (he’s already published four novels and a collection of short stories) would be a memoir of the couple’s long and rich life together, which began in Washington D.C. and then Maine before moving to Kendal.
Robert is editor of Kendal’s literary magazine Eureka! The magazine is published three times a year and is a collection of poems, essays, short stories, photographs, and artwork created by or about Kendal residents.
“The magazine was first published in 2004, the brainchild of Ben Lenz, and Pam Lenz and I are the only two remaining members of that original 12-person board,” he says.
Robert also shares his writing talent with the Kendal community through three annual special events – Spring Fling (this year April 25), the Fourth of July celebration, and Winter Solstice in mid-December. Robert is the master of ceremonies for the events, which include music, dance, skits, and other performances. Before the annual July 4 picnic at noon, residents gather in the auditorium for a program written by Robert.
“That’s probably my favorite event because it gives me the opportunity to celebrate the 4th the way I believe it ought to be observed, with serious looks at who we are as a country and how much further we have to go as we keep attempting to ‘create a more perfect union,’” he says.
Soon after Robert arrived in Oberlin, he applied to become an Affiliate Scholar at Oberlin College because of his literary background, a distinction he still maintains. “I have some of the same privileges as a faculty member; it’s really a wonderful thing,” he says.
In 2013, Robert was asked to join the Advisory Council of the Friends of the Oberlin College Libraries. He served as president of that organization for three years, from 2015 to 2018.
Kendal is home to many artists and art lovers, which is evident throughout the community. The public spaces, including offices, the Stephens Care Center, dining rooms, and hallways, are filled with original art of all kinds, mostly donated by residents.
The Kendal Art Committee oversees the 800-piece collection and decides which donations to accept. Robert and Mary Behm decide where to display them. Every so often, the Art Committee sells decommissioned pieces at a public sale. (The next sale is April 6-10.)
Robert is also curator of the Kendal Gallery, one of three on the Kendal campus. “The Kendal Gallery exhibits major artists from the region, many who say they really enjoy being there because of the vitality of the community,” Robert says.
In 2010, Robert was asked to join the Allen Memorial Art Museum’s Visiting Committee, which he now chairs. The 20-member committee meets twice a year and deals with major issues facing the museum, such as an expansion feasibility study currently underway. Robert and Ted felt the growing museum needed a deputy director on its staff, so they decided to fund the position. A search is currently underway for the first Nowick-Taylor Deputy Director.
Both men were also affiliated with the Firelands Association for the Visual Arts (FAVA). Robert was a member of the board for eight years, and Ted exhibited his mobiles and other sculptures there.
Because of Robert’s skills and interests, he is often asked to join other boards and other Kendal committees, but his life is already full. “I’ve learned to say no, which made Ted very proud,” he laughs.