Donald Jay Tait

Donald Jay Tait graduated to Heaven on November 30, 2016, surrounded by his family. We can imagine him running on strong legs to meet Jesus and those that have gone on before. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Beulah Tait, his brothers Bobby, Bill, and Glenn, his sister Dottie, his granddaughter Lacey Baker, and two pre-born grandchildren.

Donald was born in Butte, Montana, on December 10, 1927 to William and Beulah (Sigler) Tait. He was the fifth of six children. His Dad was an engineer in the copper mines. They moved to Denver when he was just a baby, and he grew up there. He graduated from South High School in Denver in June 1945. Peggy Soderquist, a beauty (who because she was 6 feet tall, matched his six feet four), was his classmate. We found his High School notebook with scribbles of “Peggy S.” all over it. Anxious to fight in a war he hoped was still being fought, he enlisted in the Merchant Marine at age 17, against his mother’s orders.

Upon his return, Don and Peggy were married on February 12, 1947. They moved to Yakima, WA in 1955 and raised six children there. Dad contracted polio in 1959, but he never allowed it to conquer him. We moved to Hawaii for a couple of years (1960-62) where the warm water was therapeutic for Dad’s legs. He would swim out into the ocean until we could no longer see him, and hours later he would finally come back in. At age 55 he began a new career, obtaining a Real Estate as well as a Broker's license, and establishing his own successful brokerage in Bellevue, Washington.

It was during these years that he was happy to be able to take his wife on several "trips of a lifetime": He gave his wife her lifelong desire to see New England in the Fall, as well as six weeks in England, Ireland, Scotland and France. They also cruised to Alaska and to the Panama Canal and traveled to Hawaii. He was also able to visit his large family of siblings, nieces and nephews all around the country. He knew he was blessed beyond the telling. Coming back to Yakima one last time, he began to suffer from Post-Polio Syndrome, and his health began to fail, but not his spirit.

Mom and Dad came to know the Lord through the Chapel Bible Class at the First Presbyterian Church in Yakima. Dad honored the Lord in everything he did. He was full of grace and was the most generous person we have ever known. He was always ready to help anyone and everyone. We sponsored an immigrant Chinese family for several months, and Mom wrote a book about the experience, titled “Mixed Cookies”. We also boarded a blind man for nearly a year that needed help. Dad lived a lifestyle of giving that he passed on to his children and grandchildren. Dad was a man of deep, unshakeable abiding faith in the God of creation.

He was a fantastic musician, and had a repertoire of several hundred songs he could play on the piano. He played for us, and at restaurants and at nursing homes in his later years. We learned from him that in any circumstance, “There’s always a song”. We never knew when he would burst into song right in the middle of a conversation! Even after he could no longer drive, he scootered himself around town wherever he wanted to go. Perhaps you saw a very tall man on a scooter with a small black dog.

Papa loved the water, and especially sail boats! He built a catamaran and loved every minute on it. One of the highlights of his life was a sailing trip up the Atlantic coast on his nephew Kent’s boat a few years ago. His grave marker says, “Steady as ye go”. He overcame health challenges, including polio with unending prayers and a fierce, unfailing spirit. We never ever heard him complain. He loved his country with his whole heart, and he truly believed that the government which governs least governs best. Dad also passionately believed in the idea of America, and loved the Constitution of the United States of America. Dad loved his family so much! He prayed for each one of us every day and never failed to tell us he loved us every time he saw us. What a matchless gift!

As Don spent the last months of his life waiting for his certain death, he was not only ready but anxious to go on in confidence to meet Jesus. While he faced it bravely, this ordeal was beyond difficult for his family, but we were all blessed and thankful for many opportunities to tell him things he needed to hear and that we needed to say. He was a good man; he did a good job raising a family; all his children love, respect and honor him; he gave his entire life for his wife whom he had loved almost all his life; he was the finest example of integrity, service, faith, and love. He is leaving the best legacy any man could desire.

Of course we are so thankful he is completely healed now, walking and talking with Jesus, but he left a gigantic hole here on earth. Oh how we miss our dear Papa.

Don is survived by his bride of 69.75 years, Peggy, and his sister, Jane Schnackenberg, plus many nieces and nephews; his six children: Christopher Tait (Rhea), Margy Shell (Steve), Melanie Murphy (Michael), Matt Tait (Madai), Ian Tait (Debra), Amy Parsley (Rocky) and 21 Grandchildren and 27 Great Grandchildren!

We would like to thank the extra amazing team at Apple Creek for their loving care of our Papa these last 5 months. They have a truly remarkable ministry, and their reward will be great. God Bless you. We would like to thank Papa’s caregiver, Colleen, as well as the Doctors that took such good care of him: Dr. Rue, Dr. Henderson, Dr. Sloop, and Dr. Fallstrom. Papa’s hospice nurse, Sherry, deserves special mention too. Thank you for your kindness and incomparable professional skill all at the same time.

Space does not allow us to tell many of the stories and adventures of his life. Please go to www.keithandkeith.com to read more and leave a memory of your own to share with us.

Papa’s Celebration of Life service will be December 14th, at 1:00 at Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church. 9 S. 8th Ave. Yakima, WA 98902. An early dinner will follow in the Garden Room.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Wounded Warriors, or the Union Gospel Mission in Yakima.