Saturday, October 3, 2026 | St. Lawrence County, NY
COLTON - Stephen Taylor North passed away to the music of Cat Stevens at his residence on Higley Flow (Colton), NY in the company of his son, dear friend, and hospice nurse the morning of the last day of summer - September 22, 2026.
Stephen was born to Gerald Benjamin and Louise Taylor North on May 28th, 1947 in Lynbrook, NY. Several years later, his parents moved from Long Island back to the North Country to raise him at their Pleasant St. duplex in Potsdam, NY. Steve resided there for the next 60 years before finally settling year round at his property on Higley Flow in 2010.
In 1962 Steve’s mother Louise, a French Teacher, tragically passed due to cancer. Grudgingly, Steve was sent to Northwood Boarding School in Lake Placid where he attended from 1963 - 1966. Opposed to leaving family and friends in Potsdam, Steve nonetheless persevered at Northwood, earning admiration from peers and excelling in sports including hockey, soccer and lacrosse. Upon graduating in 1966, his athletic talents and character earned him accolades including the school's highest athletic honor - the Malcolm Award for all-round sportsmanship.
After graduating Steve went on to attend Norwich University in Vermont where he continued playing hockey and majored in physical education. In 1968 Steve was drafted and sent to Vietnam where he served in active duty for one year and rose to the rank of staff sergeant. While there, Steve’s beloved cousin and Potsdam hockey hero Steven Riggs died serving in combat. Steve forever felt his cousin's loss.
In 1969, Steve received an honorable discharge and returned to the North Country to attend Canton ATC (current day SUNY Canton). There he continued to play hockey and went on to earn an associate's degree in business administration in 1971. Around this time, Steve’s father Gerald purchased their Higley Flow property where family and friends enjoyed summers for decades to come. Loving Higley Flow and the water, Steve became a skilled water skier and boat lover. For decades he and his iconic yellow boat, “the GW Invader” were a fixture on Higley Flow.
After college, Steve worked several jobs including zamboni driver at Pine St. Arena and carrier for the US postal service. He also spent time in Florida where he worked on a construction site of a nuclear power plant. There he endured a devastating accident, falling almost five stories. On his way down he hit his head on a pipe which broke his neck. Just before hitting the floor his fall was broken by an electrical wire, which along with his strong core, saved his life. The accident left him wearing a halo head brace for several months.
Eventually, Steve landed his career in athletic maintenance at Clarkson University where he worked for the next 40+ years. In the athletic department at Clarkson he found a home away from home making countless friends with his warm demeanor and eccentric humor.
In 1984 Steve married Nancy Stone and in 1985 their son John was born. Steve became a dedicated father and fostered his son’s early interest in waterskiing, music and baseball. In the years that his son played little league baseball Steve was always at games and often served as an assistant coach.
Many of Steve’s most cherished moments occurred during summers at the Van Ness’ family camp on Higley Flow known as “Sunset Lodge.” There Steve enjoyed libations, antics, laying in the sun, jumping off the deck and taking in the scenery. At Sunset Lodge he spoke wistfully of the sun's glittery reflections on the water, which he called “diamonds on the water.” Serendipitously, on the day of his passing, diamonds sparkled all along the water in front of his home.
Steve was known for his dedication to exercise which started early in his hockey days and continued into his 70’s. Nearly everyday at lunch Steve could be seen jogging all over Potsdam. He was also an avid bicyclist, and in his younger days would make journeys as far as Saranac Lake.
Steve’s other interests included “having coffee in the morning with the boys” at Clarkson, listening to folk music and oldies, and watching movies on Turner Classic TV while he burned wood in his fireplace. In his later years Steve became a proud pet owner and self-professed animal lover. He adored his cats, but it was his beloved dog Benny that brought him the most joy. Steve brought Benny everywhere, including places he shouldn’t have.
Steve is survived by his son John North (Groton, NY) and cousin Bill (and Betty) Riggs (Colton, NY). He is predeceased by his mother Louise M. Taylor, father Gerald B. North, Aunt Carolyn (and Frank) Riggs, cousin Steven Riggs, cousin John (and Jane) Stager, and lifelong friend Steve Van Ness.
Steve’s generosity, warmth, eccentric sense of humor and passion for having a good time will be remembered by all who knew him.
A celebration of life will occur for Steve at Clarkson University’s Walker Arena on Sunday, November 8th, from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Donations can be made in memory of Stephen North to the Potsdam Humane Society and Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley. Condolences and memories may be shared online at Garner Funeral Service:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/new-york/potsdam/garner-funeral-service/6766
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