Dr. Stephen Craig Taylor

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Stephen Craig Taylor. He had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought his help. Stephen was a forward-looking man whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone he met. He could be quiet and reserved, but his style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Stephen was a master at using imagery when he explained his ideas and concepts. He seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around him. His sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made him a wonderful friend for all who knew him.

From the time he was born on December 24, 1950, Stephen showed a deep concern for others. He was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Stephen came into this world in Austin, Texas. His parents were Vernon and Carrie Taylor. Stephen was raised in Austin, Texas, New York and California.

Because fellowship was so important to him, Stephen promoted harmony with his siblings. He was raised with three siblings. He had two younger sisters, Cassandra and Kim and one younger brother, Jeffrey. Stephen was something of the family diplomat. He helped to settle problems and conflicts and kept the family running smoothly.

As a young boy, Stephen interacted well with other children. He was helpful. He was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. Stephen had a number of interests in his youth. He was an active child. Stephen took part in basketball and football. Steve was an avid sports fan! In his spare time he liked playing sports, basketball, football and baseball, sports stats and history. Stephen's memorable achievements included skipping 3 years of priority school. Went to 3 different magnet schools due to his academic excellence!

A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Stephen was considered by many to be a high achiever. He graduated from Stuyvesant High School in 1966. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite courses and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Sciences and History. Graduated at 16 and went straight to college.

Stephen's talents in writing proved to be an asset for him during his college years. He excelled in classes, even in some subjects that didn’t particularly interest him. Stephen became known to his peers as a seeker of wisdom who appreciated all types of courses, especially those in Liberal Arts which allowed him to build on his remarkable retention of general knowledge. He earned his Bachelor of Science in 1971 from City College of New York. He also pursued graduate school, graduating medical school from Columbia University, then attended UCLA for his fellowship in Infectious Diseases in Pediatrics. His favorite courses were Sciences.

Able to maintain a positive focus on the potential good to be found in others, Stephen was always ready with solid advice and guidance to offer his group of friends. He was generally friendly to all who knew him, yet to some he seemed quite independent. For those who really knew Stephen, they recognized that he could be full of surprises. Stephen enjoyed a small but solid group of true friends. He would willingly support those friends when they needed it. Because of his ability to read people, he had an uncanny knack for knowing when a friend needed help. While growing up, some of his best friends were Rickey. Later in life, he became friends with Dr. Samuel Shacks, MD.

Stephen was romantic, even poetic at times. He was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show his emotions without going overboard about it. On January 9, 1982 Stephen exchanged wedding vows with Irma Alicia Franco at Wayfarer's Chapel of Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

All who knew him would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Stephen was able to bond with his child. While he could be a firm disciplinarian, he could also fill the role of being a collaborator with his kid. Stephen was always a mentor who helped his family reach its full potential. Stephen was blessed with one child, one daughter, Sonnae.

Stephen projected a subtle but positive influence in his workplace. He was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and he worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. While his colleagues did not view him as a high-spirited type, Stephen was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for his ideas. Stephen could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognitions. He possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. He was an innovator who worked well independently, and he enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. His primary occupation was Pediatrician, Infectious Disease Specialist. He was employed for 30 years.

As an imaginative and inventive person, Stephen was comfortable showing his creative spirit. He enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Stephen took on a new project, he saw it through to its completion. His favorite pursuits were going to Las Vegas, race track, movies, dining at various restaurants (loved seafood) and running. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Stephen was one who put forth his best effort in every aspect of his life, and that carried over to his participation in sports as well. His sense of diligence inspired others and in turn drew best efforts from his teammates. In high school, Stephen played football. In his college years, Stephen continued to stay active by running track. Recreational sports included football. Stephen was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football, baseball and basketball.

Because Stephen was a person who enjoyed helping, teaching and working with others, he was a perfect fit for many types of organizations. His ability to encourage others, energize the group and his ability to solve all sorts of problems made him a desirable member of a wide variety of organizations. In high school, Stephen was a member of the fraternity.

Stephen was a man with clear convictions and high principles, and his faith was important to him. He was an inspiration to many people who recognized his sense of commitment and esteem for others. He was a member St. Christopher Catholic Church for 16 plus years. During that time, he assisted as usher as needed.

Stephen was a well-respected man who was charitable in every way. He would contribute without hesitation for the benefit of others. As a result, Stephen received many accolades for varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included Society of Critical Care Medicine.

Stephen possessed strong skills in long-range planning and project completion, a quality that positively influenced his travel and vacation planning. Favorite vacations included visiting the state of Washington and Oregon. We drove there and spent two weeks on vacation. Also loved going to Las Vegas primarily for relaxing and dining.

Stephen was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Stephen's favorites was Fred, a Canary and Kameni, a Parakeet. His family was rounded out by his Beagle named Imo.

As someone who treasured harmony and quiet, Stephen accepted retirement and made the most of it. That day finally came in 2006, and Stephen was well prepared.

Stephen passed away on January 9, 2011 at San Dimas Retirement/Assisted Living Center. He is survived by his wife, Irma and daughter Sonnae. Services were held at St. Christopher Catholic Church in West Covina, California. Stephen was laid to rest in Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, California.

Though he could be a private person at times, Stephen was always able and willing to give of himself. He was so in tune with others that he often seemed able to read their minds. Stephen carried with him an almost mystical sense of life. He was a person who was highly original in his thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of his life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, Stephen Craig Taylor shared himself freely and family and friends will remember Stephen for the strength of his convictions.