JOHN BALLENTINE TAIT

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends at the Hamilton General Hospital on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at age 77. Deeply missed by his younger brother, Donald Tait (Linda nee Southam) of Innisfil. Cherished uncle of Geoffrey, Melissa, and Christie (Drew). Loved great-uncle of Blair and Wesley. Dearly missed by Cindy and her brothers. Predeceased by his parents, Warren and Dorothy Tait of Hamilton; as well as his brother, David. John will be missed by his wine community and close friends who are too many to name individually. John retired from the LCBO in 2005 after 33 years of dedicated service. He began as the first Wine Consultant at the Dundurn Street Liquor Store in Hamilton in 1973 and opened the first all-Vintages store outside of Toronto, in Mississauga. From 1985 to 2005, John was one of three members of the Vintages Purchasing Panel. He was also a Director of both the Independent Wine Education Guild (Toronto) and the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers. In his retirement, he served as an independent wine consultant, evaluating wine collections, hosting private, corporate and charity wine tastings, and crafting bespoke wine lists for events, social clubs and restaurants. John's passion for wine took him to all corners of the globe, and his dedication leaves a lasting impact on those he met during his travels. But his legacy is his generosity - his deepest joy came from giving and sharing with the people in his life. Traditions and gatherings carried deep meaning for John. Therefore, in John's memory, please join us to celebrate his life at the National Club, 303 Bay Street, Toronto, on September 27, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Hamilton Health Sciences. Condolences may be shared on the funeral home website. Arrangements entrusted to Marlatt Funeral Home – Swackhamer Chapel, Dundas.