We Remember
TAYLOR, Laura Christine
—
Laura left this world far too soon, just days before her 34th birthday. Left to cherish her memory are her loving family members – parents Tom & Sue and siblings Heather (Steve) and Graham (Itsuki) and treasured nieces Ella and Riona, and awesome nephew Fuzuki. Also surviving Laura are many aunts, uncles and cousins. Laura passionately pursued many interests including top level sports such as soccer, ringette and most recently CIS Hockey as a member of the UBC Womens T-Birds silver medalist hockey team. In her younger years, Laura coached young players in various sports and volunteered to assist challenged young people in most of the communities where she resided. Laura loved being outdoors, hiking or skiing or kayaking or cycling. Laura had an appetite for learning about anything and everything and was keen to share this knowledge. Her caring attitude naturally led her to medical school where she thrived on the new learning experiences and developed great skills. Laura was drawn to follow in the medical footsteps of her grandfather, father and older sister. The challenges of medical school were a perfect match for her brilliant mind and her caring heart. For more than half her life, Laura valiantly tried to overcome her long battle with the effects of depression, within the disease of bipolar disorder, but sadly the struggle finally took its toll. Laura really wanted the stigma associated with mental illness to be addressed and eliminated and so, in her memory, please reach out to someone you may feel is hurting emotionally. The family truly appreciates the compassionate care provided by numerous physicians over the years in Saskatoon, Prince George, Kelowna and Vancouver. If so desired, donations to the Canadian Mental Health Association, nationally or locally, would be appreciated or donations can be made to a memorial fund in Laura’s name, which has been established by UBC Faculty of Medicine, with a goal of addressing stigma issues associated with mental illness and also supporting other related mental health initiatives. The link to UBC is http://memorial.supporting.ubc.ca/laura-taylor/. The links to the national and local mental health associations are: www.cmha.ca and local www.cmha.ca/branch_locations/kelowna-branch/. A Celebration of Life Service is planned for Saturday, May 28, 2016 at 1:00pm in Kelowna, BC at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Rd. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Saturday, May 28, 2016 at 1:00pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
Share with Others:
Canadian Mental Health Association or UBC Memorial Funds – Laura Taylor Link: memorial.supporting.ubc.ca/laura-taylor/, www.cmha.ca, www.cmha.ca/branch_locations/kelowna-branch/
Service Information
Service Details
The service for TAYLOR, Laura Christine is scheduled for Saturday, May 28, 2016 at 1:00pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Springfield Funeral Home
2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
I will never forget Laura’s warm and beautiful smile. She smiled so much. It was often the first thing I noticed when I walked onto the soccer field; her smiling a 100 meters away getting her goalie gear on. My heart goes out to the Taylor family. Wishing you hope and peace during this difficult time.
Sue and Tom, I am stunned at your loss. Laura was the best, the brightest star. I loved knowing her and being part of her rep soccer days. I will miss her, so very much. I will stand with her to erase the stigma against depression and mental illness. God bless her bright soul. See you on the 28th. Love always.
Wanted to send my deepest sympathies to your family at this very difficult time. I played hockey with Laura a long time ago and while I haven’t seen her in a while have fond memories of her and her beautiful smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I am sorry to hear of Laura’s passing. I haven’t been close with her in many years, but have many fond memories of our teenage years in the hockey BC program. Laura was a kind person, and I am sorry for your loss.
My heart aches for all of you. I was lucky enough to grow up with this wonderful family, and I will think of Laura always. This is a beautiful tribute to a wonderful person who touched many in her too short life. Love to you all.
I am absolutely shocked and saddened by such a huge loss. I first met Laura last August and found an immediate friend. She was warm, understanding and intuitive. I was amazed at how many struggles and challenges she had overcome. My heart hurts for the pain she must have felt. I have no words to convey my condolences for the loss her family and friends must be feeling. She was passionate and articulate when talking about mental health illnesses. For that, I will continue to be thankful for her candidness and support in fighting against the stigma of mental health illnesses, particularly for those who are studying/practicing Medicine. I am praying for her beautiful soul and loving spirit. May those who knew her take inspiration and courage from Laura to continue fighting against mental health illnesses and its’ stigma. Laura, you will be dearly missed. I am sorry my friend.
I did not know Laura but I felt compelled to acknowledge your beautiful tribute to her. Having lost my brother to mental health I appreciate your efforts to help shed some light into the darkness. My thoughts are with your family. May you find comfort in your memories. She really does have a beautiful smile.
I am beyond saddened to hear this news about Laura. Throughout all the years I knew her, she always had a smile on her face, a good sense of humour, and a positive attitude. She brought so much laughter and happiness to those around her. Her bravery in speaking openly about her battle with mental illness should be an inspiration to all. My heart goes out to her family.
I will always remember Laura pulling into the parkade with some amazing classic rock jams blasting out her open truck windows. For such a kind soft polite delicate quiet woman, she was also very rock & roll! She would throw her massive hockey bag full of goalie gear over her shoulder and flash that beautiful smile! I enjoyed our comedic elevator conversations. As we smiled goodbye and entered our neighbouring apartments, I was always left uplifted. I will now and forever be looking for more laughs from the empty balcony next to me. I am devastated by this news. It speaks to how special Laura was that she had such impact on basically a complete stranger. My thoughts are with Laura’s family. I can’t imagine the impact considering how this is affecting me. I am so sad. I am so sorry.
On behalf of the South Fraser TNT, we’d like to offer our deepest and most sincere condolences to the Taylor family. We had the pleasure of having Laura as one of our goalies for our hockey team a couple years ago. Laura always welcomed us into her crease with a huge smile, even if we previously made a mistake. Laura will be truly missed and will always be remembered.
I played hockey with Taylor at the U of S. I remember her as such a beautiful person, full of character, one of a kind. Such a loss for her family, friends and this world.
My deepest condolences to the Taylor family. I will always remember Laura for her kind heart and words. I was always so impressed by her academic abilities and determination in sports. She accomplished so much in her life. I would be honored to continue to help fight the stigma against mental health and raise awareness. Thank you Laura for being such a kind, compassionate, fun, and sincere person. You will be greatly missed.
We are truly sorry for the loss of your beautiful girl. We’ve always enjoyed hearing your updates of all your children when we’ve seen you even though we didn’t know her closely. Treasure your memories of Laura as we are all grieving along with you and your family.
So saddened to hear of Laura’s passing. I will always remember her from high school as someone academically brilliant and socially vivacious. Despite her natural gifts, she was neither boastful nor proud. Laura was always humble and considerate, preferring to lavish praise on others than to take any for herself. RIP, Laura
Dear Dr. and Mrs. Taylor, I am so sorry for your immense loss. Laura will be remembered fondly as the girl who got along with everyone at school, with her kind and easy going nature. We are all extremely heartbroken by the news of her passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family. This photo was taken 24 years ago in May 1992, selling Girl Guide cookies with Laura.
Our daughter Jaclyn Black went to school with Laura.We remember Laura’s academic excellence,big energy and smile from Soccer,Girl Guides and Pathfinders. I (Coleen)remember Laura standing out as the brighter light in school and sports.Her attitude,sweetness and ‘great’ sportsmanship was at the top of the pack and I hoped some of it would rub off on my daughter.I cannot remember that many students that Jackie grew up with, but cannot forget Laura nor her very actively involved and supportive mom Sue.Our heart goes out in support for such challenging and sad days ahead.God rest her soul.
I will alway remember Laura as a glowing and warm person with and infectious smile and caring personality. I am so sad to hear that she has suffered and I am so sad for the lose of a bright, kind and talented woman in this world.
I can’t imagine your sorrow for the loss of Laura. She was a brave young woman who shone in her pursuits and I know gave you much pride and love. My love to the family.
Please know we are all keeping you close at heart at this very sad time, in your loss of such a beautiful daughter. We all truly understand the shock and pain, having travelled this road. Pleaseknow we send our deepest sympathy to all of you and are keeping you in our prayers….. Sharron, George, Sean, Shelly and Doreen
Heartfelt condolences at the loss of a talented daughter.
My thoughts and prayers are with you right now for the loss of a wonderful young woman. Her strength and courage is inspirational. The first time I met Laura was going to a drop-in ice hockey session with her, and the last time I saw her was at the hockey rink. She was passionate and dedicated to the sport, and put in so many extra hours of work. It was truly a source of joy for her, and she was so proud to have earned the opportunity to play with the women’s team. She always wanted to go out to the field to do hand eye exercises or hit the gym to get stronger and faster. Every time she talked about hockey, her eyes lit up, a big smile crossed her face and she got such energy in her voice. It really transformed her. Through some great conversations with her, she openly shared her reality and wanted to help others who had similar journeys. She has positively affected everyone she has met and advocated for change in the medical system’s acceptance of mental health and wellness. You will be dearly missed.
I am extremely saddened at the loss of Laura. She was such a bright star and was always such a kind, generous and intelligent person. My heart goes out to her family for their loss.
I’m still in shock..Laura was one of my best friends when I was 13 before moving to Hawaii..we both had an incredible passion for hockey, during lunch at school we would dream about making the Canadian women’s hockey team when we got older..as she laughed and told me to pack my hockey skates to Hawaii. To this day she was one of the most kindest & beautiful person inside and out that one was lucky to meet. The Taylor family, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly hard time.
I am so saddened to hear about your loss. I knew Laura for only a short time, but she left a great impression on me. I played on one of her hockey teams. She was an amazing person. Her smile was infectious!
After finding out she wanted to peruse medicine, I had her come by my department and meet a few people. They instantly took a shine to her.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at such a difficult time.
My heart was truly saddened today!
To the Taylor Family,
Although we never met Laura – my family and I are deeply impacted by your family’s loss. We were patients of Dr. Taylor from 1982 on in Kelowna. We always loved seeing the pictures of his children change in his office as they grew up. Laura always stood out in the pictures with her smile and of course her hockey pictures.
Our thoughts & love are with your family at this very unexpected and sad loss in your life.
Kindly & with love
Tony, Marlyn, Colin & Marie Ryder
Dear Tom and family. I am so terribly sorry for your loss and the unimaginable grief you are feeling. I was very touched by the obituary and promise to do my best to help and address the stigma of mental illness, especially in our fiends and colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Laura’s passing. Although we drifted apart since high school, Laura was my best friend growing up and someone who could always be counted on for support, love, compassion, and a glowing, infectious smile. She made those around her feel comfortable her kindness will not soon be forgotten. I will always remember playing street hockey and basketball with her, her face lit up in energetic excitement, and the world will miss her agile, brilliant imagination. In turth, she was a beautiful person inside and out, someone who touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege to know her. The world is a better place because she was a part of it…my deepest condolences. Laura, you are greatly missed!
Doctor Taylor – Our thoughts & deepest condolences to you & your family.
My heart hurts for your hearts. Remembering OKM days with all our children. Most sincere condolences to the whole family.
To the Taylor family
I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you deal with the loss of Laura. I had the privilege of knowing Laura as a high school teacher and she certainly was always a “bright star.” Her infectious smile and her positive energy filled a room. May all of your wonderful family memories help you at this time. Margaret-Ann Gfeller
Dear Tom and Sue – We are also so saddened to hear of Laura’s passing. At this time of deep sorrow and grief please know that you are in our prayers and thoughts. We remember Laura down at the lake on the wharf, laughing and enjoying the water and her family and friends.
Love and prayers – Norbert and Eleanor
My condolences to your family. I was a coach with UBC the previous three years, so still follow the team and was deeply saddened by the news. I am also a student and worked on two projects relating to mental illness at the college I am at, including one which is trying to remove the stigma around mental illness for student-athletes and coaches by providing resources and assessments to assist with such a complicated issue. I will continue to work on this project with Laura’s memory in mind.
Dear Dr. and Mrs. Taylor,
It was with great sadness that I read about your daughter’s passing. I always enjoyed hearing about your children and enjoyed looking at the family photographs displayed in the office. Warren and I often commented on what a loving family you have. Please accept my deepest sympathy. My heart goes out to all of you. Sincerely, Anne Jennings
I’m a goalkeeper for the university of Toronto womens field hockey team. I never met Laura but it hurts to hear of her passing. My thoughts are within you in this difficult time. Sending love and strength your way from Toronto, & from one goalkeeper to the family of another. <3
So sad to hear this news. I knew Laura through the Ice Birds, a very recreational group of mostly middle aged women having fun on the ice. Despite playing out, not in goal, she was still better than most of us, but we had such fun and she was such an encourager. These are a few photos from our Whistler tourney…showing her great love of fun.
a couple more photos
I do not know this Taylor family but feel the need to send Condolences for their loss. I have 2 daughters that play hockey and know the bond that the girls form with their team mates. The hockey world is saddened to have to say good by to Laura.
The Western Women’s Hockey team would like to pass along our deepest sympathies to Laura’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Laura’s family, friends and teammates.
Tom & Sue:
Although we didn’t know Laura, we did know Tom very well as patients. Our sincere condolences on this shocking, untimely and devastating loss.
Peter & Sharon
It is with a heavy heart that I say my goodbyes to Laura. My thoughts are with her family at this time.
As a hockey player, every year is marked with the closing of a season, and having to accept that your time with that particular group has come to an end. However, one is never prepared to mourn the loss of a teammate.
Laura Taylor was a selfless, brilliant and incredible woman. Her commitment to the Faculty of Medicine and to her Thunderbird Hockey family was never shaken, even as she battled her own demons. She was so full of wisdom and kindness, and every time she entered a room, it grew brighter. Her kindred spirit will be missed around the rink, especially in the dressing room, and I am forever grateful for the memories we shared.
Life is finite & time is precious. It is important that we tell those around us everyday how much they mean to us, as we never know when it will be our last opportunity. LT, my dear friend — wherever you are, I hope you know how much you are loved, and how much I love you. You have no idea the impact you’ve made on my life, and I will cherish this senior year we shared together for the rest of my days.
Rest lighter my sister. And to her family, I hope you know how much your daughter meant to everyone who knew her at UBC. What an incredible woman, and I’m so proud and thankful for having her in my life.
Dear Laura’s family and friends,
It is hard to accept that Laura is no longer with us. She was such a beautiful mind and soul. I really liked Laura. My boys did too. I learned of the devastating news with my two teenager sons who were both beside me, when I read the e-mail. Like me they were deeply touched. Daniel knew her from reffing the hockey scrimmage on Sundays evening for the IceBirds Women Hockey at the UBC arena. She was always caring and appreciative of him, and he never forgotten Laura. Matthew, my eldest became fond of Laura, and Laura was also fond of him. Both are very kind and gentle soul. At Laura’s request Matthew was throwing hard shots at her with his lacrosse stick and balls. Laura wanted it this way. At the time she was preparing her return to the hockey net, and she needed some practices receiving shots as a goalie. With her busy schedule studying, she squeezed time to come to our home weekly and practice with Matthew, sometimes in the dark hours of rainy Vancouver winter, using flash light to get an idea of where this lacrosse ball was coming from… She worked hard. She always smiled and laughed. Laura was a very good person. I am certain she was an exceptional doctor. Laura will be dearly missed.
With our sincerest sympathies, Daniel, Matthew and Gigi from Vancouver
Dear Taylor family,
I’m sorry that I am getting to know you under these so devastating circumstances. I worked closely with Laura in the Faculty of Medicine over the past five years. She was a very private person and I am honoured that she trusted me and that we were able to develop a deep mutual respect. I saw her passion for medicine, her intelligence, her fierce determination, and her persistent advocacy. She blazed a trail of change for us in the UBC Faculty of Medicine around meeting competencies while protecting her health. I echo your wish that those in need seek help and those seeing others in need reach out.
Tom and Sue. Tom. we did not know your daughter Laura, but we knew your father so well in Golden. He was our doctor and he, like you were a credit to the medical profession. I am sure Laura was following in your footsteps. Your mom was our organist when we attended the Anglican Church there. The pain you must feel can only be softened by knowing Laura is now no longer in pain. Bless you and all your family. Our thoughts are with you at this most difficult time. Barbara and Dwight Carroll, Kelowna. (formerly Golden 1971-1974).
I have wonderful memories of playing soccer with Laura in Kelowna. I remember desperately trying to catch up with her during a 100 meter sprint on track day in elementary school. She was kind, gentle and thoughtful. I remember thinking of her as a leader on all accounts, a wonderful athlete, a friend and the best team mate. I was always glad to see her, always. My thoughts are with your family. Thank you for being part of my fondest memories of growing up.
Although I am not acquainted with your family, I learned of your of loss through a friend, and felt compelled to convey my condolences. May happy memories bring comfort and strength during this difficult time. I will do what I can to acknowledge and lift up those in need. Peace to you and yours…
Dear Taylor family…I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Laura..may the love of family and friends help comfort you at this very sad and difficult time …you are in my thoughts and prayers…sincerely Faye Greenwald( Donna Berry’s sister)
Dr. & Mrs. Taylor
It was with great sadness that I heard of the loss of your beautiful daughter Laura. I’m thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. With Caring, Heather Fedork (Dr. Taylor’s patient for 20 years)
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Laura Taylor. My time with her was very brief but being from the medical profession, I can empathize with the struggles this challenging profession must have added to her already raging battle with depression. I hope that peace and patience will come to the family and friends; I dearly regret your loss. May Laura’s soul rest in peace.
Dear Taylor family. My deepest condolences on the loss of your daughter and sister, Laura. My thoughts and prayers go out to you in this difficult time.
Jeff Klassen
To the Taylor Family,
While I have never met your beloved daughter Laura, I am deeply saddened by your tremendous loss. I lost my twin brother to his battle with mental illness last July. He just graduated from medical school at Queen’s and was about to embark on his Residency. I myself am graduating from medicine this year and over the last several months, I have attempted to channel my grief toward initiatives aimed at reducing the stigma of mental illness during medical training at my medical school. I hope to continue to honour the memory of my brother, Laura and many other talented medical trainees who we lose to mental illness in a career dedicated to bringing awareness to these issues. Wishing your family strength during this most difficult time.
I did not know Laura but we are all so saddened to hear of your loss. Thank you for sharing your message with the UBC medical community. As postgraduate family medicine director, I will do all I can to make sure our students and residents get all the support they need.
I went to medical school with Laura and I am deeply saddened by the news of her passing. Laura was a kind, genuine, and authentic human being, qualities that sometimes seem rare in this world, and surely are rare in medicine. Her silent struggle with mental health was both inspiring and maddening. Inspiring in that her fortitude and desire to keep going seemed unwavering. Maddening in that the stigma of mental health disease is truly horrendous, especially within the health care professions themselves. I hope that her passing sheds some light on this. I can only imagine the pain and suffering that Laura went through these past years. This is a tragedy and my most sincere condolences to Laura’s family in the time. Knowing her has my made my life better.
With the heaviest of heart I am writing this…I was out of the country when I first learned of the news and was heart broken. Laura and I had some really amazing times together from the first day that we got on the ice together in a private lesson setting to opening the door for her to compete for a position with the UBC Thunderbirds. Simply one of the most personable people that I have had the opportunity to share a year of my life with. She was always the one who was refining her skills, carrying her glove to the National Championship and throwing the lacrosse ball against the wall, asking for another rep in practice and looking for ways to understand even more about the position of goal it was amazing. For a woman that smiled from ear to ear and approaching life with a passionate energy it was so hard to hear that she was silently battling against a challenging opponent. For that I take away an incredible life lesson, that even though we see the smiles on the outside people still may need the simple gestures of love and support in other ways. Thank you Laura.
Her Accomplishments….I am so proud of what she had accomplished so early in life , UBC Soccer, UBC Hockey, Canada West Champion and CIS National silver medalist, acceptance into medical school and on her way to becoming an incredible doctor and an already awesome human being …Laura I will miss you , we will miss you and my life has been blessed and enriched for having you in it. Thank you for sharing a year of your precious life with me. I will cherrish these photos forever.
Additional Photo
additional photo
another photo…
Dear Dr. And Mrs Taylor and Family,
My sincere condolences to you as you mourn the loss of your amazing Laura. I met Laura the day we moved into residence at the U of S. She was directly across the hall. The first thing we found funny was that there were two Laura’s two Jessica’s and two Kristen’s all within a few doors of each other! I was lucky to spend many days sitting next to Laura during our time spent studying Kinesiology together. I was amazed at her brilliance from early on but must admit that I dragged her to class many a time! We kept in touch throughout the years and I looked forward to the summer when she would come to Sask to visit and we would start right where we left off. One of those friendships that didn’t weaken with distance or time. I am especially greatful to have had the opportunity to stay with Laura this past Fall while I was in Vancouver for a physiotherapy course. We had a great time visiting and seeing a few sites in Vancouver each evening. I even joined her for a physiotherapy appointment and it was there that I could really feel that her passion for hockey had come back full force. I will always remember Laura for her smile, her caring nature, her passion for hockey and medicine, and her love for the outdoors. She was a great friend and will forever be missed. This picture is from Sept. 2015 while I was in Vancouver visiting her.
To the Taylor Family…
I just happened to stumble upon Laura’s obituary while looking for my uncles who just passed away Monday . Something in me just told me to read it… And it brought a tear to my eye. I too suffer from severe depression and can really relate with Laura’s struggle. I send my deepest condolences to your family and my heart and prayers go out to your family…. Even tho I never knew Laura she sounds like such a smart, well liked, beautiful and accomplished woman. She and your family are in my prayers.
To the Taylor Family,
I was in medical school with Laura. It was a treat to have her around. She was such a caring, warm, keen, bright yet modest person with a great sense of humor! She helped us run a wine club in Prince George. There was a great deal of laughing and eating with it. She supported our brain talks at UHNBC to promote education and reduce stigma of mental health. She took me and my husband on a beautiful hike in Northern BC. We have great memories of her. Our thoughts are with you. Emanuela and Dominique
To the Taylor Family,
A few weeks ago my wife and I were reminiscing about our beautiful hike with Laura as our guide around Grizzly Den Provincial Park . I have vivid memories of a lovely day spent with Laura up in the meadows. Below is a photo near Sugarbowl taken in the fall of 2009 of Laura and Emanuela. My sincere condolences on your loss.
Photo.
What a tragedy to lose such a gifted lovely person. Our hearts go out to Tom, Sue and the family.
For a brief moment in my life, I was blessed to help coach a group of talented young women in soccer. That team was filled with a multitude of spirited women who came together in a way that I’ve never experienced as a player myself. They stood up for and protected each other. They won and wept and lost with each other. For those years it was an honor to be a part of something that seemed magical, though hard fought. Laura was not only a part of this magic, but the back bone for it. As the predominant keeper, she provided a steady, humble, hard working anchor for the women in front of her to race forward in pursuit of victory. The girls trusted her, and she gave them courage to be able to take the risks necessary to win the game. I suspect she provided the same anchor for her friends off the playing field. Her mother in turn provided that same anchor for the parents and coaches, and the whole team in general, and as a duo they were the rock upon which the team stood, and gained enormous success. My Dad, who acted as head coach during these days, held Laura in very high regard. He valued dedication, determination and hard work above all other traits, and Laura was peerless in these attributes. I cannot think of soccer without dreaming of these days. Of watching and witnessing a team grow and learn and support each other, wherein the whole was truly more than the sum of its’ parts. Knowing that Laura is gone cuts through this magical memory and breaks my heart, though this must pale to the sadness of her family and close friends. My prayers go out to Sue and Dr. Taylor, Heather and Graham. Laura was an incredible team mate and person, and nothing can be said to limit this loss.
Dear Taylor Family,
I wanted to express my deepest condolences for your loss of such a genuine human being. Playing ringette with Laura back during our middle school days and then following similar paths out to the U of S, I came to know Laura as one of the most focused and skilled athletes I’ve ever met. Off the ice, she was just a very kind human being. Though we had not spoken in several years, she will be missed.
Our hearts are with you,
Carly and the Czuba Family
We are so incredibly sad to hear of Laura’s passing. Laura was a beautiful talented lady with a very kind and giving soul. Our thoughts, hearts and prayers go out to your entire family and friends at this most difficult time.
Much love,
Daryle, Linda Edstrom & Family
I was a soccer dad and I remember when Laura would walk off the field with those great big goalie mitts that looked so out-sized to her slimness. Warm memories remain of the “high-fives” and “way-to-goes” for the quiet leader of the team.
I too am bi-polar and sympathize with those for whom a stigma has caused injury. One only wishes that comfort could be given.
Laura, so gifted, your image of those best of times won’t be forgotten.
Doug Elmore
~Laura~
Ah, my dear friend
I’m sorry that the cross you bore
I couldn’t carry
And these tears, as I mourn
Couldn’t have been there with yours
To say We love you
We need you
Hope is not lost
I’ll pick up the lumber
Nail it back together
And walk as you did
With those who are ill.
May God grant you eternal salvation…
and rest.
My dear friend
I’ll continue to pray for you
Until we meet
again.
Love, Lisa
Sue, Tom and family- I’d like to extend my deepest sympathies on the passing of Laura; a beautiful person with determination greater than anyone I’ve ever met. I’m truly honored to have known her.
I am so sorry to hear about Laura. Growing up we played ringette together and I followed her out to U of S to play on the Women’s Hockey team. Laura was such a compassionate, caring, intelligent human being. I will always remember Laura as a true competitor, dedicated athlete and kind person. Her presence was valued by so many and she forever left a mark on my memory.
“Sometimes the most
beautiful people are
beautifully broken”
What a sad bit of news. Tom ,Sue and family I remember Laura from hanging around the house with my girls and of course soccer. She was always the star with her talent and speed. She was always smiling how could she ever be down. If we had only known. What a loss. Peace be with you Laura
We remember your dear Laura from our early years at Saint Andrew’s Anglican Church. Please accept our sincere condolences at this sad time. May God and the loving support of family and friends sustain you.
I knew Laura well when she was a student in the College of Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan – she was a very bright and talented student, she lit up any room she walked into with her wide smile and friendly nature! I remember her walking into my office one afternoon with her long board, smile on her face ear to ear just for a quick question! She always strived for perfection. She was a joy to be around! I was reading the Green and White U of S magazine and saw her name listed, I was saddened to hear of her passing… my heart goes out to her family who lost a lovely soul too soon…
Dear Taylor Family,
I was lucky enough to get to know Laura when she played recreational hockey with us at UBC scrimmages on Sundays. The new hockey season has now begun after the summer and we no longer play at UBC but some of us still get together once in a while and we still think of our beloved Laura often. Hope you are somehow managing your lives without her – as losing a child must be the hardest thing in the world.
Take care, Elene Vanderpas.
I just was watching global news and saw laura s picture and I was sure I knww her after some thinking and looking back I realized I played ringette with laura when we went to nationals with the Thompson Okanagan ringette league I since that year when we were oh 15 or so had not learned where her life had taken her and it sounds like she was an amazing caring friend person and daughter I terribly sorry for such a great loss and may all who knww and loved her find some peace
I did not know Ms. Taylor, although was saddened to hear this story.
I, suffer from mental health issues, and feel the pain she may have had.
By my accounts, Ms. Taylor is a shining example of someone who denies the stigma of disability and ‘mental’ illness.
All that know Ms. Taylor have much to be proud of as I share the challenges she may have faced.
Keep your memories alive and well.
Yours sincerely, Geoff
Thank you to Laura’s family for raising such a beautiful soul, and also for your courage in sharing her story of struggle. Although it has been 15 years since I last saw Laura in Saskatoon, my wife and I were fondly talking about her just last month with some hockey friends from Kelowna. I am very sorry to hear of the tragic passing of a kind friend. I feel lucky to have been graced in knowing such a good person with an amazing smile. My sincerest condolences.
To the Taylor family; was so shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of your Laura. She was always a gentle soul; with a kind word to everyone. She was an amazing athlete; will always remember our journey together as a team to the CRC’s back in 1998.
Such a fitting and deserved tribute to her on HNIC.
Our sincerest condolences to your family; Rest in Peace dear Laura.
Nancy Hesketh and Crystal Kealey
Dear Sue, Tom and Family. Our family is so sad to hear of Laura’s death. We only heard of this in the past month. Coaching Laura with our Okanagan Ringette team and also coaching and playing against her was such a privilege. Her commitment to the game and her teammates was wonderful. He sense of fun and all encompassing smile will stay with us always.
Please know we will remember her with respect and love. Our thoughts are with all of you. Sincerely Marg + Ron Hagardt and Kelsey ( Hagardt) Salt
Dear Taylor Family,
We were very saddened to hear about your loss. Though we did not know Laura personally, we have been neighbours over 27 years, and always hold you and your children in high regard. Based on the stories that we have heard and read, Laura seemed to be quite a fighter, not to mention remaining dedicated to her very demanding studies in medical school. We pray that you might feel comfort and strength in this time, and that your efforts to spread awareness may be fruitful as well.
We selected this Psalm of David for you (Psalm 9:9) “Adonai is a stronghold for the oppressed, a tower of strength in times of trouble.”
– Sincerely, your neighbours.