Douglas Gordon Tait, 86, of Waldoboro, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on July 2. Doug was born on May 28, 1929 to the late Joseph and Arlene Tait in Waldoboro, and graduated from Waldoboro High School in 1947.
After serving two years in the Army, Doug returned to Waldoboro where he began a 35-year career at Sylvania as a machinist and a member of the shipping department. On June 27, 1949, Doug married Jacquelyn Harkins, his high school sweetheart. Together they raised four children.
Doug enjoyed life in the outdoors, fly fishing, hunting, cross country skiing, and golf. He spent much time in Baxter State Park with family members, hiking every trail on Mt. Katahdin at least once, taking weeklong ventures to Russell Pond, and exploring other trails and mountain peaks within the park. Doug was also an avid baseball and basketball fan. In his retirement he and Jackie enjoyed driving cross-country, making several trips to Nevada and California. He also enjoyed days on the ocean as stern man for friend and neighbor, Ralph Boyington. Hollywood Slots often fell victim to Doug’s incredible luck with the one-armed bandits.
Doug is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Jackie; daughters, Jill Payson and husband Jeff Payson of Rockport, and Kelli Tait of Nevada; sons, Timothy Tait of Waldoboro, and Val Tait and wife Pamela Sawyer Tait of Brunswick; and grandchildren, Amy Harkins of Warren, Angie Stover of Boynton Beach, Fla., Jessica Payson of Boston, Mass., Jay Arant of Nevada, Alexander Tait of New Orleans, La., and Emily Tait of Brunswick.
At his request, there will be no funeral. A graveside remembrance will be held at Shuman Cemetery in Waldoboro at a later date.
Memories and condolences may be offered to the family at www.directcremationofmaine.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Direct Cremation of Maine, Belfast.