John Tait Obituary

Colonel (RET) John Charles Tait, loving husband and father of 2 children, passed away September 25, 2022 at the age of 78 from Parkinson's disease with Lewy Body Dementia.

John was born on January 15, 1944 in Boulder, Colorado to Dr. William and Edna Tait. He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1965. Colonel Tait was with the Air Force for 27 years and retired in Durango, Colorado to spend the next 25 years as an adaptive sports ski instructor and clinician. He devoted countless hours researching and exploring the best ways to show people with disabilities they can still ski by giving them the skills and confidence needed. When not on the slopes, he drove jeep tours, refereed basketball games, and could be found supporting the local breweries of Durango. Accomplished in all adaptive disciplines, he particularly loved working with disabled vets by helping them experience "wind in your face" freedom found in winter sports. As a father, he made sure to never miss a band concert, drum corps show, or tennis match; there are a lot of VHS tapes to prove it! He was a master car packer for Susan's art show tours and was also always willing to help his children build decks, rewire electricity, and make house renovations. He enjoyed taking his family on 2-3 week camping trips to show his grandchildren as many national parks as possible and how to eat sandwiches on the side of the road!

Eventually, Parkinson's complications ended his ski career and he and Susan moved to Georgetown, Texas to be near family and live the snowbird lifestyle.

Tait is survived by his wife of 56 years Susan Williams Tait, his 2 children Trina Tait Martin (Kevin), and Theresa Tait Robertson (Grady), and his 4 grandchildren (Jessica and Cathy Martin, Connor and Lily Robertson).

Private family services will be held at a later date. Donations can be made in his name to Adaptive Sports Association, 463 Turner Drive #105, Durango, CO 81303