Alvin George Tait
August 22, 1935 – February 17, 2015

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Alvin George Tait, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, special companion, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to many. Alvin was born in Prince Albert, SK on August 22, 1935 to Arthur and Mary Tait. He was the youngest of ten children, raised in the Donnybrook district. He took all his schooling at the Donnybrook school and told many stories of school picnics, sporting events and general fun spirited activities that the neighboring children took part in; many of them unknown to their parents. He also spoke of the many modes of transportation to and from school which always included horses, wagons and sleighs; but most of all, him walking both ways uphill in fifty below weather and no shoes. He attended school until the age of fifteen and joked with his grandchildren about having half of his grade twelve. It was at this age when he left home and went out on his own. He worked many local jobs which included working in the bush. Dad credited learning many bush skills and much about life from the Lorensen boys, again these stories are best left untold to the general public. Dad began working for various construction companies building roads throughout Alberta and Eastern British Columbia; but always came back home in the winter to work in the bush. He met Melva Monkman, and the two were married December 9, 1960. He continued working construction with Mom moving with him from site to site. They started their family in 1962 with their youngest son being born in 1971. In 1968, they settled permanently in MacDowall when the children started school. A year later, they purchased the Ross Bendle farmstead on Donnybrook Road. Together they farmed the land and raised their family with solid farming roots. While they were building up their farm Dad took a job with the Department of Highways and worked there for twelve years, until he left to farm full time. Once settled, Dad and Mom became very involved in the community; Dad is a lifelong member of the Lions, and received a volunteer appreciation award. Dad and Mom instilled in their children, and later their grandchildren, the value of hard work and helping others. Dad and Mom built the farm until Mom’s passing in 1993. Dad continued to farm, and later was joined by his son who eventually purchased the farm from Dad. In 1996, he met Marie Patchin and the two were lifelong partners until his passing. In October of 2011 Dad’s farming career came to a stop and he spent his last few years at Mont St. Joseph’s care home. You could find Dad either visiting with other residents or strolling the hallways in his chair. When we visited, Dad would always greet us with a wave and big smile. Alvin is survived by his companion of many years, Marie Patchin; his children, Sherry (Bill) Parenteau, Jane and Wayne Parenteau, Marie (Lucien) Gareau and Glen ”Duke” and Janice Tait; his grandchildren; Brad and Amanda Parenteau, Lee Gareau, Katherine Parenteau, Amy Parenteau, Sarah Pocha-Tait, and Stefani Pocha-Tait; his great grandchildren Mya and Brody Parenteau; his sisters, Gladys Johnston and Iolene Halcro; his in-laws Irene Tait, Dorothy Tait, Ron Davies, and Shirley Tait; his brother and sister in-law Bill and Glenda Monkman; sisters-in-law Rose Monkman and Joyce Monkman and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Marie Patchin’s family, Curtis and Joan, Cindy and Carl and Kelly and their families. Alvin was predeceased by his wife, Melva; infant son Lee; sons-in-law Lucien Gareau and Bill Parenteau; grandson Brody; parents Arthur and Mary Tait; brother and sisters, Ruby Young, Bill and Lil Tait, Colin Tait, Doris and Richie Cook, Arnold Tait, Homer Johnston, Lloyd Halcro, Reta Davies and Leslie Tait; in-laws, Melvin and Georgina Monkman, and Earl Monkman. The family would like to thank Mont St. Joseph staff for the care you provided our father and for being a great support to us during his passing. Funeral Service will take place at the MacDowall Recreation Centre, Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. with Archdeacon Andrew Hoskin officiating. Interment to follow at Deer Park Cemetery. In lieu of other tributes, memorial donations can be made in Dad’s memory to the MacDowall Recreation Centre, Mont St. Joseph Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray's Funeral Chapel, (306-922-4729).