Bradford M. Tait, 72, of Whitefield, died April 30 at the Veterans Hospital at Togus following complications from lung surgery. He was born in Haverhill, Mass. on Sept. 1, 1937, a son of the late John H. and Gladys M. (Angus) Tait.
Brad was a graduate of Sanborn Seminary, Kingston, N.H. and was a U.S. Marine veteran, serving during the Korean conflict. He was a member of the Whitefield Lions and had served on the Animal Welfare Board during the Brennan administration.
Brad was a farmer for many years. There was never a piece of machinery that he couldn’t operate or repair. He was also a self-taught genius in many fields. Without blueprints or even directions, he was a master craftsman in wood. He built and sold beautiful tables, chests and jewelry boxes. Brad and Martha’s new home, which he designed and built, is graced by his bookcases, tables and even a computer desk for his wife even though he steadfastly refused to touch the computer keyboard himself.
He loved his land, loved to walk the woods and was able to name every tree, but his passion was fly-fishing. He always lived life to the fullest. He was never afraid to try anything from learning to fly a plane, to running his own business. And if he failed at something he would pick himself up, figure out what went wrong and start all over again. His nature was always to be optimistic. His personality was a force to be reckoned with. His family learned strength, integrity, resourcefulness and even a little bit of stubbornness in the years they were blessed with his presence. Family was very important to him. He donated the gift of life, a kidney, to his son Allen in 1984, enabling Allen to enjoy many good years of extended life. He loved having his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren close.
He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Martha J. (Hannum) Tait of Whitefield; son, Allen J. Tait and companion Deborah Mosher of Raymond; daughters, Joanne O’Neil and husband John of Dunbarton, N.H. and Jennifer Morneault and husband Philip of Jefferson; step-son, David E. Frank of Ridgefield, Wash.; grandchildren, Heidi Tait and companion Toby Williams, Amy Strecker and husband Chris, Angela O’Bryan and husband Wes, Wayne Tait, Nick Woodbury and Emily Woodbury; great-grandchildren; aunt, Elaine Bean and husband Marshall of East Kingston, N.H.; as well as several cousins. He will also be greatly missed by his loving black Lab, Colby.
At the family’s request, there will be no public visiting hours. Memorial service celebrating his life 2 p.m., Fri., May 14 at Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd. (Rt. 32), Windsor.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Brad’s memory may be made to either National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Maine Chapter, 170 US Rt. One, Suite 200, Falmouth, ME 04105, or the Kidney Foundation of Maine, P.O. Box 1134, Portland, ME 04104.
Condolences to the family may be made through the funeral home website at: www.plummerfh.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor.
