(Facebook/Christie Parker)

By Angie Rolheiser

Community Support

Melfort family receiving outpour of support after fatal crash near Watson

Sep 14, 2021 | 12:55 PM

A GoFundMe page created to assist a Melfort family in a time of grieving is seeing an immense amount of community support.

Steve Taylor lost his life in a highway crash late Saturday night when he was travelling home from the Last Mountain Fall Walleye Classic.

The online fundraising campaign was launched by Christie Parker, who is married to Taylor’s first cousin.

“When we first heard that Steve had been killed, the first thought I had was, oh my goodness, what are they going to do,” Parker said. “Their lives have been completely changed. He’s not there anymore and the bills don’t stop coming.”

Parker said a similar campaign allowed her husband to take eight weeks off work when they lost their nine-year-old son six years ago.

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“We didn’t realize at that moment how beneficial it would be,” Parker said. “I know it doesn’t change the outcome of the situation, but it can maybe take a little weight off their shoulders as they take their steps forward.”

The crash on Highway 6 near Watson claimed the lives of Taylor and his fishing partner, Cody Strass who were travelling in a truck that was towing a boat trailer. The truck collided with a mini van. The 43 year-man from Spalding in the mini van also died on scene.

In a release on Monday morning, Melfort RCMP said the crash is still under investigation by a traffic reconstructionist.

Taylor leaves behind his wife of 19 years and his four children.

“As the days go forward, the realization of what is happening is going to sink in deep,” Parker said. “We are all going to miss him so much and it will really effect a lot of people.”

Taylor’s children are in grade 11, nine, seven and three, Parker said.

“Steve was a wonderful man. He loved the lord and he shared that with everyone,” Parker said. “We have been hearing stories about how much he has touched peoples lives and how in their darkest moments he was there for them.”

The fatal accident happened just hours after Taylor was named the Saskatchewan Walleye Trail’s Angler of the Year.

“That award meant so much to him. Before he left that night, he had sent a picture of himself with that award to his mom,” Parker said. ” Last year, he was in the running for it and didn’t quite win it and was a little disappointed. So on Saturday to be awarded that, he was very proud and so happy.”

The online fundraising campaign created for Taylors family has brought in over $36,000 within two days.

“This is striking a chord with everybody,” Parker said. “Even people that don’t know them personally, you just put yourself in the shoes of his wife and his kids, it’s unfathomable.”

Parker is also hoping that the community will keep the Taylor family in their thoughts and prayers in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

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angie.rolheiser@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser