Alexander Tait Given passed away peacefully on December 28, 2020 at the age of 94½.
Tait is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Louise. He was a devoted father to Eric (Isabel), Stephen (Cindy) and Nancy (Steve), beloved Papa to David, Marisa (Garth), Sara, Laura (Brad), Michael, James (Coco), Eric (Robyn), Anna (Jordan), and Richard and cherished Grand-Papa to his great grandchildren: Callum, Moira, Emma, Alexa, Scarlett and Daphne.
Tait is also survived by his former wife, San, his sister-in-law May and his beloved cousin Mary. He will be deeply missed by his nieces and nephews, many cousins, extended family and numerous friends, too many to list.
Tait was predeceased by his parents Eric and Margaret Given, and his only brother Stewart.
Tait was born in Prince Albert Saskatchewan on August 1, 1926 and attended Cecil School, Prince Albert Collegiate and then the University of Saskatchewan graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1949.
Tait started Westcon Construction Products in 1950 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Under Tait’s amazing leadership, the company flourished and successfully expanded. Tait was a driving force and founding member of the National Precast Concrete Association. His leadership and innovative spirit are long remembered.
In 1969, before the big move to Kelowna, BC, Tait and San moved the family to Godalming, England where the kids attended school for a partial year. In April, Tait decided to take the kids out of school as he believed they would learn more from travelling the world! So off they went in a VW Van and traveled from April to August 1970. The family then settled in Kelowna on Keith Road while they built a home on Swick Road in the Okanagan Mission, with a ski cabin on Big White Ski Mountain.
Tait’s love of golf started in high school and continued through his life. If he wasn’t on the ski hill, he was on the golf course. Tait and Louise were long time members of Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club. In the 1990’s and early 2000’s Tait and Louise spent 6 months (less a day) every year living at Millbrook Golf and Country Club in New Zealand achieving endless summers of golfing and sunshine.
Tait was larger than life: a man with many talents, a passion for photography, an outstanding artist and an avid pilot who owned several planes throughout his life. He never had a bad word to say about anyone and his generosity and non-judgemental attitude were admirable.
We were all so happy that we were able to celebrate Tait’s 90th birthday at Shaughnessy with all his dear family and friends.
Louise composed the following poem for him on his birthday. We thought that it was appropriate to share…
Were here to celebrate a man, a special man I’d say
Who ties us all together and brought us here today.
He is a very generous man to me and all the rest.
Of all the gifts he has given me, the grandkids are the best.
Papa does have one quirk, to be sure, so remember if you care,
When you share a meal with him a cap you must not wear.
But oh! I just remembered that there’s one more to be said,
When you stay in Papa’s house, be sure to make your bed.
He loves his jazz, especially old Satchmo and his band.
And he likes it even better with a martini in his hand.
Tait has rhythm in his bones, he dances like a dream.
Cheek to cheek, or jumping jive ‘til he runs out of steam.
Tennis he played, he skied many years and golf was a passion for him.
But I never thought I’d see him on the inside of a gym!
In business he was honest and fair, not cutthroat like the rest,
But he succeeded anyway which proves he is the best.
Politically he is at odds with some family and some friends,
But they accept each other’s views no need to make amends.
He’s always for the underdog of that you can be sure,
To him it’s clear we must protect the weak and help the poor.
Creative thinking is his style, and flexible, lateral too.
When you think you’ve thought of everything, he thinks of something new.
He’s curious about the world and travels far and wide,
He loved to fly his own airplanes and take others for a ride.
Tait’s usually calm and gentle too, I’ve never heard him shout.
He has a very slow long fuse but when it blows watch out!
He’s easy to please and never complains, so it shocked me when he confessed
after 35 years of silence, that broccoli he almost detests.
Great is his sense of humour, his funny jokes abound,
And you can hear his laughter from many miles around.
Of all the people I have known he’s the most tolerant by far,
He doesn’t judge or try to change you, just accepts you as you are.
In short Tait is a great man and I’m proud to be his wife,
God grant him peace, the best of health, and a long and happy life!
Special thanks to Dr. Sean Fay and Juanita for so many years of care and support. Also, thank you to all the supportive staff at Amica West Vancouver and the wonderful staff on Five East at Lions Gate Hospital for their kindness and care.
Tait did not want a funeral, instead he wanted a Wake for all his cherished friends and family, hopefully one day soon, when the world is back on-track we will honour his request.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favourite charity.