It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Stephen Taylor, a cherished husband, father, son, brother, friend and a passionate and devoted champion and mentor of women’s field lacrosse.
Stephen loved the game of women’s field and was a committed member of the OWFL executive for many years serving as Director of Development, Director of Officiating and finally as Commissioner from 2011 to 2015. He was also involved at the club level, coaching with the Mississauga Trilliums and later with the Oakville Lady Hawks. But it is his achievements on field for which he will be most remembered with his whistle in hand.
Stephen officiated at all levels within the OWFL as well as for Ontario University Athletics (OUA). OWFL players and officials alike benefited from his expertise as he officiated and mentored countless games and officials at all levels. How fortunate we were to have such dedicated talent in our midst.
On the international scene, Stephen was an accomplished international official, umpiring more than 100 international matches and serving as Chair of the Rules Committee. In September of 2024, World Lacrosse awarded Stephen with the International Honorary Officiating Award.
Stephen fought a courageous battle against brain cancer over the past three years. His family and friends rallied to support Stephen, Sheila and the girls and he continued to do many of the things that brought joy to his life including travel, lacrosse, family time.
During this time the Stephen Taylor Scholarship Award was established ensuring Stephen’s passion and legacy will carry on. The scholarship is awarded annually to an OWFL official attending or accepted at a post-secondary institution and who indicates a desire to continue to develop as an official. The scholarship was awarded in 2023 for the first time to OWFL officials Kate Ferguson (KW, pictured above) and this past fall to Quinn Yeomans (Beaches).
This scholarship will be one of Stephen’s many continuing legacies to the women’s field game in Ontario. Stephen’s hard work and dedication to the sport of women’s field lacrosse in Ontario and beyond will be felt for generations to come. Thank you, Stephen.
On behalf of the OWFL community we extend our heartfelt condolences to Sheila, Emily, Jessica, and both the Taylor and Gilkinson families for the loss of a beloved family man.
If desired donations may be made to the Brain Tumour Foundation (www.braintumour.ca) or to the Stephen Taylor Scholarship (laxrules@hotmail.com).
Funeral & visitation services are under the direction of Turner and Porter, Peel Chapel, 2180 Hurontario St., Mississauga, Ontario.
Visitation with the family will take place on Friday, February 7th, from 3-5 PM and 7-9 PM.
A funeral service will be held at St. Bride’s Anglican Church, 1516 Clarkson Rd N., Mississauga, on Saturday, February 8th, at 1 PM. The service will be streamed live, and those unable to attend in person may join via the following link that will be added closer to the service date.
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