David A. Tait

David A. Tait, 91 of Croswell, died on May 9, 2025, after a long and wonderful life. Dave was a beloved husband of 67 years, a uniquely fun and funny dad to his two daughters and two sons who he showed how to "work hard and play hard". A cherished Poppie to grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will recall many "Poppie-isms" and life lessons shared over card games and usually in the form of a joke, the epitome of a cool/fun uncle to nieces and nephews, a master storyteller, a legendary fun-seeker, a proud Veteran of the U.S. Air Force, a business owner, a traveler and an all-around great guy. His life touched countless people in ways big and small, and he will be greatly missed.
Dave was born in Detroit on March 1, 1934, the son of George R. Tait and Margaret (Pelo) Tait. It was the Great Depression in the United States with WWII lurking soon; and from this darkness and difficulty, emerged a guy who would become known for his fun-loving, charming personality and ability to make everyone laugh. He often told stories about looking to make a buck by selling small broken pies outside of the old Tiger Stadium, and a time when he decided to ditch school to join the service. A member of the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, he fondly recalled being stationed in Bordeaux, France where he lived in a tent, with his buddies, for several years and had countless adventures. Upon return, he met Felicia H. (Cyrek) Tait at a Detroit department store in a meeting that he often described as "love at first sight". They married on July 12, 1958, in Detroit. Together they were married for nearly seven decades and shared the joys of family life, many trips to locations around the globe, happy stays in Naples, Florida with Felicia's sisters and brothers-in-law, Sally & Robert Gordon and Lorraine & Edwin Sagan. He loved the outdoors/romping around in the woods on Vincent Road, tennis, Felicia's cooking, coffee ("make it black-double double"), games/casinos, dreaming and planning. Dave owned an operated David A. Tait Insurance Agency and sold insurance in Michigan and Florida for over 55 years. He was a member of Ave Maria Catholic Parish/St. Dennis Church in Lexington, and a past member of Knights of Columbus #7255.
Dave is survived by his wife, Felicia, daughters Karen (Pat) Schott of Croswell, Laurie Strachan of Croswell, sons David (Shelly) of Sandusky, Steve (Emily) of Birmingham; 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, loved nieces and nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law Bruce Strachan, his parents, and brothers and sister. The family wishes to thank the staff of Marwood Manor Nursing Home for their loving and attentive care of Dave. Even during the final and most difficult chapter of his life, he cracked jokes with staff, handed out daily affirmations to visitors, and surrounded himself with photo boards displaying images of the adventures and fun he had throughout his life.
A memorial celebration of Dave will be held from 11-2 pm on Saturday, May 31 at the Thomas Edison Inn/Double Tree Inn, 800 Harker St, Port Huron. A funeral Mass will be held on June 2 at 11 am at Ave Maria Catholic Parish, Lexington. Memorials may be made to Ave Maria Catholic Parish.