Stephen Milton

Stephen C. Milton died unexpectedly on January 11, 2024 at the age of 74. Steve was born on September 14, 1949 in Rochester, England to Cyril and Rosena (Hill) Milton. He was the middle child of eight: Nick, Penny, Deborah, Mark (deceased), Jane, Alex and Claire. 

He leaves behind his beloved wife Lisa Milton, her mother Liliana, and her siblings Anna, Peter, and Diana (along with nieces and nephews, with all of whom he loved and enjoyed spending time). 

Steve was a Mechanical Engineer. His interests were varied and pursued with enthusiasm. He was a world-class shooter (3rd in the 1994 World Sporting Clays Championships), a pilot, a race-car driver, a photographer, an artist, and a genius master gunsmith and bespoke gunmaker. Steve also enjoyed many decades in the English Springer Spaniel field trial circuit in various capacities including, judging, handling and gunning. 

When Steve chose to do something he did it extremely well. He is one of very few of us who died with no regrets for having failed to do something; he did it years ago. And he was larger than life, as we all remember.

It's possible that Steve could be prickly and cranky. He wasn't good with poseurs, but he loved genuine people and was quite happy when some of us teased him mercilessly. The only discussion that was ever taboo was anything that hinted at criticism of Winston Churchill; such talk made him wild, which is of course exactly why his friends raised the subject as often as they did. 

Beneath his crusty exterior was a heart of gold and a marvellously kind man. He'd help anybody, and there are a great many sporting clays competitors and bird hunters who owe the success they enjoy today to Steve's tutelage and patience (and occasional criticism). 

A celebration of Steve's life will be held from 5pm to 8pm on May 14 at Venu Event Space, 2800 Hwy 7, Vaughan, Ontario. Brief remarks will commence at approximately 6:30pm. We will all miss him forever.