Obituaries

GERALD (GERRY) TAIT Peacefully, on Wednesday, January 11, 2012, Gerald (Gerry) Tait passed away after a courageous battle with cancer at the Grace Hospice at the age of 76 years. Left to cherish Gerry’s memory are wife Joyce; daughter Barbara; son Bruce; brother Bill (Lucy); granddaughters, Carsen and Rana; Uncle Philip Tait and Aunt Eileen Keith; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Nellie and George; and brother Ken. Gerry was born on May 24, 1935 and grew up in the west end of Winnipeg. He attended Daniel McIntyre Collegiate and from there went on to the University of Winnipeg where he studied accounting. This resulted in a position at Northern Electric, which gave Gerry an excellent grounding in the electrical business where he would remain throughout his business life. From Northern Electric he went into the agency business working for F.D. Bolton. One of the main lines of the company involved electric heating and his success in this, led to an offer to become Branch Manager of the Prairies division of the Canadian Chromalox Company, a position Gerry held until 1991 when the company was sold. The area covered, stretched from Thunder Bay, ON to Cranbrook, BC, a huge territory, and he loved every minute of it. He worked for Chromalox’s successor, Dimplex North America, in the same capacity as Branch Manager, until 1993, at which time manufacturing agency CT Agencies was formed with Laurie Coghlin, who also worked for Chromalox and then Dimplex. In June of 2009, Gerry officially retired, but his desire to get out and see people and help them if at all possible, made this almost a retirement in name only. Until ill health forced him to stop, he would be out visiting contractors, distributors, end users and suppliers offering assistance, as he always had done. Gerry was never too busy to stop and listen to a problem and help if he could. He was a person who enjoyed socializing with people. He was a kind and gentle man and his friendships were life lasting. The family would like to thank our friends and neighbours who have helped and supported us, as well thanks to Dr. Prodan, Dr. P. Harris and all the CancerCare givers. In keeping with Gerry’s request, no formal funeral service will be held. Interment will take place in the spring. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, donations in Gerry’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Beat the drums slowly, Play the pipe lowly, Carry him home, To eternal rest, Loved foreverPublish Date: Jan 14, 2012GERALD (GERRY) TAIT On Wednesday, January 11, 2012, Gerry passed away at the Grace Hospice at the age of 76 years. A longer obituary notice will follow.Publish Date: Jan 13, 2012   As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on January 14, 2012