Stanford J. Taylor

Stanford Joseph Taylor was born on November 22, 1942, in Clarkstown, Trelawny, Jamaica, the fourth of ten children to John and Mary Taylor. His father, John, was a forward-thinking agriculturalist whose dedication to farming not only sustained his family but also enabled him to send his children abroad for education—a testament to his vision and perseverance.

In 1955, Stan’s brother George relocated to Birmingham, England, where he married his wife Gloria and became an active member of Bethel United Church under the leadership of Bishop Sydney A. Dunn. George later sponsored Stan—affectionately known as Joe—to join him in England, where Stan embraced a new beginning. He became involved in the church’s youth ministry and found a spiritual home within Bishop Dunn’s congregation.

During his time in England, Stan met and married the love of his life, Doreth. Together, they built a blended family of three children. Stan trained as a heavy-duty mechanic and, in 1968, made the bold decision to move to Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, to pursue a career at IPSCO, a steel manufacturing company. Later that year, his family joined him, embarking on a new chapter together.

In 1972, Stan experienced a life-altering workplace accident that resulted in the loss of three fingers and the end of his mechanical career. Undeterred, he pursued higher education and earned a degree in teaching, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to growth.

A man of deep faith, Stan and Doreth sought a spiritual community that reflected their beliefs. They joined a satellite church pastored by Russell Richardson, where their passion for ministry flourished. Evangelism became a central part of their lives, whether through outreach on Indigenous reserves or tent meetings across the region.

Following in his brother’s footsteps, Stan sponsored two of his siblings, Sylvester and Joyce, to immigrate to Canada. This heartfelt act became a pivotal moment in the spiritual journey of their community, as it laid the groundwork for the founding of Shiloh Assembly. Together with his wife Doreth, his brother Sylvester and sister-in-law Pamela, along with Murdina Lamey, Neresa Price, and their families, Stan helped establish Shiloh Assembly—a vibrant congregation rooted in faith, unity, and service, whose legacy endures to this day.

Stan’s ministry extended beyond the pulpit. As an educator, he taught in residential schools in Onion Lake and Grayson, often commuting up to seven hours to serve communities where he believed he could make the greatest impact. His dedication to both spiritual and educational service made him a uniquely compassionate and influential figure.

Stan and Doreth were blessed with four children and later expanded their family through adoption. Their children—Maxwell Taylor (England), Michael Taylor (Surrey), Maxine Innes (Calgary), Jason Taylor (Montreal), and K’Lah Kay (Calgary)—mourn the profound loss of their beloved father. Stan was also a proud grandfather to four cherished grandchildren: Anthia and Taylor Innes, children of Maxine, and Emma and Aliyah Taylor, daughters of Michael. He held each of them close to his heart and loved them deeply.

Stanford Joseph Taylor will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his devotion to family, and his tireless commitment to uplifting others. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the communities he helped build.

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