GORDON THOMAS TAIT

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GORDON THOMAS TAIT passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 16, 2005 at the Kildonan Personal Care Home. He had just celebrated his 81st birthday. Gord will be lovingly remembered by his children, Donna (Richard) Mehmel and their children, Colin and Brian; Gloria (Don) Vander Graaf and their son Jeffrey; and Wayne Tait and his children, Chelsey and Courtney. He is also survived by his brother Stan (June) Tait and his sister Dorrie Reid. He was predeceased by his wife Joan in 1992; and his daughter-in-law Dawn Tait in 2004. Gordon, the youngest child of Frederick and Julia Tait, was born at home in Winnipeg on January 13, 1924, a blustery winter Sunday. He lived his entire life in the Elmwood and North Kildonan area. Gord attended Lord Selkirk High School and, after graduation, enlisted in the Navy in February 1943. He served on several ships, most notably the aircraft carrier Royal Navy HMS Puncher. Gordon married his high school sweetheart, Joan Falls, on March 29, 1944. After returning from the war in 1945, Gord started his accounting career with Lake of the Woods Milling Company and subsequently with Olgivie Mills Ltd. and Miracle Feeds Division. When Joan became ill in December 1982, Gord retired to care for her. After Joan's death, Gord was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, which he battled for the remainder of his life. In his younger years, Gord was an avid curler. He and Joan also enjoyed square dancing for many years, with Gord being a caller. He was by nature competitive and loved playing games, especially cards and chess, skills which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He was the quintessential number cruncher, who actually relished preparing income tax returns for family and friends. After his retirement, Gord looked forward to meeting with old school friends at the Tuesday morning breakfast club. Gord was very loving and supportive of his children and grandchildren. When a babysitter was needed, he was available. He always enjoyed cheering his grandchildren on at their many sporting events, and attending their concerts. Gord was a dedicated son, husband, father and grandfather. His happiest times were those spent with his children and grandchildren. He will be sorely missed. The family would like to thank Luther Home and Kildonan Personal Care Centre for their compassionate care of Dad. Just a prayer from the family who loved you, just a memory fond and true, in our hearts you will live forever, because we thought the world of you. Funeral service will be held on Friday, January 21 at 12:30 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. Interment and reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson Society of Manitoba, 302-171 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 1M4 or a charity of choice. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715 Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolence at www.chapellawn.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 20, 2005