TAIT, Donald Joseph

January 17, 1940 – January 30, 2017

 

It is with great sadness we announce that on Monday January 30, 2017, Don passed away peacefully with his wife Betty and close friends by his side, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Don was born in Sudbury ON to William and Ella Tait. For over 25 years he was an active Roman Catholic priest in the Sudbury diocese.  This included many years as a missionary in Guatemala where he was instrumental in rebuilding the town of La Union after the 1976 earthquake.  Don was to eventually meet the love of his life, Betty, who he was married to for 27 years. They moved to Calgary where he served as a pastoral counsellor and a Marriage and Family Therapist. Don touched many lives.  He recently finished a book “Love Affair” which details his amazing lifelong love with God, stay tuned for its publication.

Don was active in Corpus Calgary, which advocates for the inclusion of married priests, women’s ordination, and the rights of LGBTQ community.  He was a member of The St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic Community and Holy Name Parish. He had a deep passion for social justice and human rights which involved him in many important social issues such as the recent sponsorship of a Syrian Family through his parish. He was involved in COSA of the Mennonite Central Committee, a support group for ex-inmates from the Bowden Institution. Don loved the outdoors and traveling which included: fishing; camping; X-country skiing with the Norsemen Ski Club; and just basking in the sun.

Don is predeceased by his parents; sister, Mary Elizabeth; niece, and godchild Mary Beth Benedict, and brother in law, Chuck Cassidy.  He is survived by his wife Betty, his sister Anne Cassidy, his dearly loved nieces and nephews, and many family and friends who will miss his wisdom, love, and zest for life. Right up until the end Don taught us so much on how to live well.

A celebration of his life will be held at Hillhurst United Church, 1227 Kensington Close NW, on February 18, 2017 at 1:30 p.m.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s name to Amnesty International.

 

 

 

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  1. On 08/02/2017 at 7:53 am Fran and Ron TAIT Said:

    Betty sending our condolence and love to you at this time sending blessings and hugs xoxoxoxoox

  2. On 08/02/2017 at 9:35 am Marilyn Sauve Said:

    Condolences on the loss of a very special person.

  3. On 08/02/2017 at 12:37 pm Jane Oxenbury Said:

    Dearest Betty,

    My love and prayers to you at this sad time. Don was always such a support for me and the work that I believe in. I will miss his enthusiasm and dedication.

  4. On 09/02/2017 at 11:53 am Emily and Bob Said:

    Wish we could be with you to celebrate Do next week. Sending lots of love. Bob, Emily and the boys.

  5. On 09/02/2017 at 6:21 pm Veronica Said:

    Dear Betty, and Don’s family and friends:

    Our sincere condolences to you all
    We will all miss Don’s dedication, his passion, and his genuine love of equality and truth.
    With love, Veronica

  6. On 10/02/2017 at 2:34 pm BETTY CLAIR Said:

    Dear Betty, my sincere condolences on Don’s passing.

  7. On 11/02/2017 at 11:21 am Joan Poulin Said:

    I giant of understanding and compassion has left us a legacy that will endure!

  8. On 11/02/2017 at 2:41 pm John S Lynch Said:

    Don taught me a great deal above people, about life, about the faith, and about myself. I owe Don more than I can repay and I will miss him more than I can express.