Cavan Taylor (OK 1953)

Cavan Taylor (OK 1953) former pupil and twice Chair of the Governing Body passed away on 8th May 2025 aged 90.

Born in 1935, Cavan was a pupil at King’s from 1943 to 1953. He was active in all areas of school life: Company Quartermaster Sergeant in the CCF, a House Prefect, and member of the 1st Rugby and Hockey teams. On leaving the school, he was awarded a major scholarship by Surrey County Council to read Law at Emanuel College, Cambridge. A successful career followed and, from 1991 to 1996 he was senior partner in the law firm Lovell, White and King (later (Lovell White Durrant, now Hogan Lovells).

Cavan became a member of the school’s Governing Body in 1970, taking on the role of Chair three years later. He would continue to serve in this capacity until 1990, and again from 2000 until 2004. He was also involved in the Old King’s Club, as a Vice President, and the Old Boys’ Rugby Club, of which he was President for a time.

Cavan’s long service to King’s was recognised in 2004 when a new wing, which included an extension to the Memorial Library, was named after him. In the Junior School, the cultural society for older pupils, which incorporates a programme of visiting speakers, also bears his name.

Following his retirement in 1996, Cavan dedicated part of his time to supporting the Prisoners’ Education Trust, a charity which improves educational provision in prisons, transforming the lives of many by equipping them with skills and qualifications needed to gain employment on release. He also decided to pursue his interest in French language and culture, joining Le Cercle Français D’Esher, 

Cavan’s wife Helen suffered a serious stroke when she was 50. Although doctors advised that her life expectancy was short, she actually lived for a further 38 years. Throughout that time, Cavan cared for her. He is survived by his children, Karen, Sean (OK 1983) and Camilla.