LELAND WALTER TAIT

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LELAND WALTER TAIT Lee, beloved husband, dad and grandpa passed away November 25, 2017 at the age of 70 years, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Tannis; son Shaun; daughter Stacie (Dale); his grandchildren Piper Lee and Tate Leland; sister-in-law Karen; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Leland was born in Chatfield, MB and moved to Winnipeg with his family as a young boy. He was a hardworking man and always put his family first. He began working full-time at age 16 and was always proud to share the story of how he bought his mom her very first brand new kitchen set. He married Tannis in 1974 and moved to Teulon, MB a few years later where he built a house and fulfilled Tannis's dream of owning horses, which he affectionately referred to as hay burners. They had a marriage filled with love, laughter and lots of colourful memories. They made a good team throughout their life together. Lee had a passion for sports and filled his early years playing baseball and hockey. Lee was a dedicated dad and coached his daughter's ringette teams for many years. Coach Lee was proud of all the girls he coached and inspired them to always do their best. He had many fond memories of these days and the friendships made. Lee could always be seen front and center at his son's many concerts and recitals. He would tell anyone who would listen what a great singer his son was. He was proud of his children and was always there for them. Lee worked for the City of Winnipeg Water Works for 30 years and retired on January 12, 2002, two days after his first grandchild, Piper was born. He became a devoted grandpa. He could be seen beaming with pride at Piper's many horse, sporting and academic accomplishments. He was proud of the young lady she had become and said, "She will do something special when she grows up". Grandpa put on many miles and never missed a hockey practice, power skating lesson or game for his grandson Tate. He was Tate's number one fan and proudest supporter. Grandpa Lee and his grandkids spent their summers at Winnipeg Beach Campground. We never knew who was more excited for the last day of school to come - grandpa or the kids! Grandpa cherished this time with his "kids" and it is here where he met his Winnipeg Beach family and grandkids Harlan and Hudsen. Anyone that knew Lee, knew he loved being a grandpa, loved his grandkids and would do anything for them. When grandpa was not with his grandkids he shared his time between his favourite coffee shops, Balmoral Rec Centre and Blue Skies Bakery. He had an unbelievable sense of humour and could be counted on for some good hearted teasing. Lee was a considerate, fair and generous man who always listened carefully to other people. He was a self-taught handy man and could produce the most efficient, economical repair. There wasn't much he couldn't fix! Lee valued his family and friends and was always lending a hand to anyone that needed it. Lee was a one in a million husband, dad, grandpa, and friend! Many thanks to the nursing staff at Stonewall Hospital who looked after Lee during his time there where he fought so hard to get better and go home to his family. Thank you to the friends and family that visited, supported and helped grandpa's family when he could not. He was forever grateful! Cremation has taken place. At Lee's request, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Loved beyond words, Never forgotten, Forever missed. We hope you found the best spot at the campground in the sky and have a fire burning for when we meet again. Ken Loehmer Funeral Services in care of arrangements, 204-886-0404.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 02, 2017