TAIT: R. “Norm” of Exeter formerly of Aberdeen, Scotland
Posted By Haskett Funeral Home On November 8, 2020 @ 3:28 PM In Exeter,Obituary | 106 Comments
Passed peacefully at Jessica’s House with his family by his side on November 7, 2020 at the age of 83. Beloved Husband of Mary Lou (Watson). Loving father of Vaila and Luke Baehnisch, Bev and Gord Collins, Graham Tait and Jenny MacDonald and Rob and Irene Tait. Cherished grandpa of Spencer and Leeanne, Marlee and Shawn, Liv and Jesse, Peter, Greg, Curtis and Tara, Justin, Adam, Charlie, Martina and Hannah. Amazing Great grandpa of Olivia, Miller, Cali, Maverick, Emerson, Wilder, Hollis, Landon, Dawson and another one to arrive soon. Brother of Georgea, and Connon Wyness of Aberdeen, Scotland. Norm will be fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his sister Kathleen and his parents George and Helen Tait.
Norm had a lifelong career working for London Life Insurance Company, served as a volunteer firefighter in Exeter area from 1973 to 1986, and was one of the first people to get behind the vision of Noah’s Ark and what it would become. He sorted, hung clothes and ministered to many in that store and all the other locations that followed it. He volunteered many hours to the Exeter food bank and performed a key role in the opening of the Community Table, where he was always the first person to bring bags of groceries to help prepare the meals. He wouldn’t miss a meal and the opportunity to minister to anyone who walked in the door. Norm was a very dedicated member to the Exeter Pentecostal church offering countless hours to the Church, Noah’s Ark, The Community Table and the food bank. Although Norm worked hard and had a dedication to his community, he always had time for the most important thing in his life, his family -including his immediate family and many foster children.
Visitation will be held at Exeter Pentecostal Tabernacle, 70670 London Rd, Exeter on Friday, November 13, 2020 from 6 – 8 PM. Due to Provincial COVID-19 restrictions, each person must RSVP for the visitation. Please click “Register Now” below to register.
A public celebration of life will be held at the Exeter Pentecostal Tabernacle, 70670 London Rd, Exeter on Saturday, November 14th at 10:30 AM. Due to Provincial COVID-19 restrictions, each person must RSVP for the service. Please click “Register Now” below to register. If you are unable to attend in person, the family invites you to join with them from the comfort of your home. Stream the service live by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh. Interment Exeter Cemetery following service.
Donations to the Exeter Community Table or Jessica’s House would be appreciated by the family.
Condolences for the family of “TAIT: R. “Norm” of Exeter formerly of Aberdeen, Scotland”
Our sympathy to all of the Tait family. Norm was a great guy…We will miss him.
Mary lou and family : Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear husband father grandfather thinking of you all at this difficult time Hans and nancy
Rob and Vaila and families. My sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. I have many fond memories of your Dad attending games and he would always stop and chat whenever I saw him . He was very proud of everyone ( children and grandchildren) and he his immeasurable contributions to the Exeter community will be sorely missed. Take care of yourselves. Terry and Jean O’Rourke
My heart goes out to all of you as you mourn the loss of such a wonderful man! Norm always had a warm and welcoming smile on his face whenever I had the pleasure of seeing him. He always made sure he spoke to everybody at any event I attended and was never at a loss for conversation. What stands out for me is the love Norm shared with his family and the love that continues to be shared by his family for others. He lives on in each of you and in the precious memories you made with him over the past years. Thinking of all of you and sending our love.
Karen and Dave
So sorry to hear of Norm’s passing. May all your great memories help you though this sad time. Thinking if you all and wishing you peace.
Mary Lou and family I am so sorry to hear about Norm’s passing. He was a wonderful man. I am so grateful that you and Norm took me on as a volunteer at the downtown store. I loved volunteering at Noah’s Ark. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest in peace Norm.🙏
Rob, Irene & Family –
My sincerest condolences on your family’s great loss. I thoroughly enjoyed Norm and appreciated his warm smile each time I saw him.
Thinking of you,
Kate Farwell
We had the priviledge of serving as Pastor at Exeter Pentecostal Church in the late 1980’s Norm was our worship leader and was just one of those people whom everyone loved. He always had a smile and a positive outlook on life.
Over the years as we would pass through Exeter, we would give Norm & MaryLou a call to meet for coffee. We will treasure those time of friendship.
Our heartfelt condolences to MaryLou and family. Norm will be greatly missed by family, church and community.
God’s richest blessings and Peace be upon you.
Pastor Don and Carol Rogers
Marylou and all the Family-I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Norm. He was a great person who helped many over the years. Our friendship began years ago when we moved to Exeter and it was always a pleasure to run into any member of the family . I have great memories of those years and hope that the memories you all shared as a family will ease your sadness in the following months to come. Marilyn
My condolences to the family and friends.
Our deepest sympathy to Mary Lou and the Tait family
We where so sorry to hear Norm has passed.
He will truly missed.
Cy & Eleanor
Dear Vaila and family: May all the fond memories you have of your father hold very close to your heart during this difficult time. My thoughts of you are with you and your family. Sincerely, Bernadette Mercer (frmr ee of CRA)
To the Tait family,
It is with such mixed emotions that I express my sympathies to you all. Norm has been like a second father to Chris and I. So many childhood memories of your dad, and they continued into my adulthood! He was a man who loved the Lord, and his family and others. Always loved to laugh, and loved music. Fond memories of Boxing Days spent around the piano! So many other memories, but for now, till we meet in Heaven. Love and sympathy to you all ❤️
Graham and Jenny and to all family members, so sorry for your loss. Your father will be deeply missed.
Sincerely Bill & Judy
Mary Lou and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Norm’s passing. May your memories bring you comfort at this difficult time. Praying for you all.
Joanne, Morgan, Jennifer & Jaxson Perry
Mary Lou and family
Norm was a great man of faith and showed the live of Jesus Christ in everything that he did. The real example of Jesus with skin on. He was a great friend and mentor to myself and my children. Always a visionary and was never too tired to do one more thing. Anyone that knew him was truly blessed. My heart was saddened by the news, however I am also blessed to know that he is singing and dancing at the throne of God. We will see him again.
Jeane Lennips
Mary Lou and your entire Family,It is with great sadness that we write this note to you.
We so enjoyed our times with you both over our many years .A wonderfull friendship developed as we attended many gospel music sings, camping in Paris and of course our daily coffee sessions .We always looked forward to our time together , sometimes with much laughter and sometimes we shared in each other’s sad times. Norm was a good man and he loved you Mary Lou and his family more than anything else next to his love for the Lord.Norm will add lots of songs and music to the heavenly choir!
Hugs to all,
Alice and Jerry MacLean
Mary Lou, Rob & Irene, Graham & Jenny, Vaila & Luke, Bev & Gord and families;
Our sincere sympathy in your loss. I have many fond memories of Norm/your Dad. My favourite is when, a very long time ago, the successful and seasoned Mr. Tait was trying to impart some valuable information to me as a young salesperson. He told me that the best way to remember a new persons name was to repeat it three times in the immediate conversation. It was great and helpful advice. It also proved to be a source of endless entertainment for the two of us over the years any time we bumped into one another. I’d always say “Hi NORM, how are you today NORM, I hope all is well NORM”!!! I’ll never forget his happy chuckle following!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Hugs,
Mark & Julie Heimrich, Sarah, Scott & Spencer
To the Tait family…our deepest sympathy. Lots of fun memories with your family while growing up in Exeter. Vaila I remember Norm and MaryLou cooking a turkey dinner for our friends in our first apartment in London. Thankful for the many boxing days that we were able to attend among other wonderful times. Thinking of all of you. Kim and Walt
Graham, Mary Lou and family,
Very sorry to hear of Norms passing. Had many a great chat at the farm over insurance and life. Cliff loved his visits.
Graham, Mary Lou, and family,
So sorry to hear of Norms passing. I first met Norm, sitting at our kitchen table talking insurance and life. Cliff so enjoyed all his visits.
Dear Mary Lou- we are so sad to hear of Norm’s passing. Kristin and Amanda remember him as a ‘gentle giant’ over the many years that you babysat them. He was always such a positive, loving family man who will be greatly missed. Sending our love and prayers to you and your family.
Mary Lou and family
Sincere sympathy in your great loss. Praying you feel God’s strength and peace during this difficult time
Mary Lou and family
I was so sorry to hear of Norm’s passing. Always enjoyed speaking to the two of you at McDonald’s when we were able to go there. You will have lot’s of wonderful memories to help you through this sad time. My prayers to you and your family. With Deepest Sympathy. Donna Perry
Very sorry for your loss. Our condolences go out to the family. I remember Norm coming to the house all the time for life insurance then when I got old enough my mother called him for me. He will be remembered as a very polite and gentle man.
Take care of each other.
Madeline and Ross Cudmore
Bonnie and Cam McArthur
Our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends.
Norm always had a wonderful smile and positive way of making our staff feel special.
We will certainly miss having him around. 🙏
Our sympathy to MaryLou and family. Very sorry to hear of Norms passing. Enjoyed serving many years with Norm on the Fire Department. He will be greatly missed in the community.
Mary Lou & Family
So sorry to read about Norm. Certainly a great man and will be missed a lot. Thinking of you Mary Lou at this very sad time. All of you will have so many wonderful memories to share now & in coming days. I always enjoyed talking to him.
My sympathy to All.
Margaret Brintnell
My deepest sympathies to Mary Lou and all of the family. Will always remember R. Norman with the deepest respect, appreciation and love.
Our sympathies to all of Norm’s family.Norm was a great person and will be missed.
Doug and Judy Dalrymple
I always enjoyed saying hi to Norm who insisted I call him that and not Mr Tait. Whether he was in our store, sitting in McDonadls having a coffee or anywhere else around town he always had a smile on his face and called me by name. My condolences.
Mary Lou and all the Taitfamily -Our sincere sympathy to all of you at this time. Our thoughts are with you. Norm’s huge smile and gentle manner will be missed.
Our deepest sympathy to Mary Lou and the Tait Family.
He will be missed by many.
Norm was always cheerful and great to talk too.
Cherish his memories and He will always be with you all.
Mary Lou and family
We are so sorry to hear of Norm’s passing. We spent many hours together during our time pastoring at Exeter. A beloved friend who ministered beside me in the church with his many talents and giftings.
– Don and Rona Lee Forrest
Mary Lou and family, our sympathy to all of Norm’s family. He was a friendly man. He will be missed for his immeasurable volunteer time in the community. Cherish your precious memories. Hugs and prayers, George and Sue Wilson
Our sincere sympathies to Rob and Irene and Vaila and Luke and the entire Tait family on the loss of a wonderful Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. Thinking of everyone at this difficult time.
To Mary Lou and the Tait children, and now their children, we send our respects to you all!
Norm and Mary Lou could be found in many places where helping others was involved!
We will remember Norm when we see Rob just down the street!
‘ Great families raise great families who raise great families.’
My sympathy and condolences to the my friend Graham and Jenn and the Tait family. many happy memories I have about talking to Norm and his wife Marylou especially at Noah’s Arc and at their home when visiting there with Jen(Graham’s partner). He will be sadly missed by the community.
My sympathy to Marylou and all of the Tait family, Norm will be missed…
John & Cathy Taylor
Rob and family, our condolences on the passing of Norm.
He was our London Life Insurance agent from 1975 to present day
passing the insurance baton to you Rob on his retirement.
In the days and years ahead you will have many memories to share
with each other of a husband, father, grandfather, community champion and so much more.
CAJON (just for you Rob)
MaryLou our deepest condolences to you and your family. Norm was a wonderful person! Praying Gods ultimate peace, love, comfort surround you! Love always deepest sympathies.
I am so sorry for your loss Mary Lou and family. I have missed seeing you both at McDonald’s since I moved to st marys. I always enjoyed talking to you both. Sending big hugs and thinking of you.
Rob, Irene, Marlee, Shawn & Family
You have our thoughts & prayers at this difficult time
Bev and Family,
So sorry to hear about your dad. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Deepest Sympathy on the passing of Norm.
Dennis & Darlene Hallam
Tait family
My sincere condolences on the passing of Norm. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Cheryl Becker(Dowson)
Dear Spencer and Leeanne,
So sorry to learn of the death of Spencer’s grandfather. What a wonderful charitable man he was – such a terrific role model.
Marlene & Dan
So sorry to heat of Norm’s passing. Our sympathy to you Mary Lou and your families. He had a well filled life.
Please accept our condolences. Stay close to each other and share the good memories. We pray for comfort and peace in such a time as this. What and amazing man this world and family will truly miss. Praying that the Lord will cocoon you all in love, peace, comfort and hope. Im sure the Lord is saying, “well done, my good and faithful servant!” In our thoughts and prayers.
To the Tait family: Ken and I are sorry for your loss. RIP Norm.
Connie and Ken
Our prayers go out to the whole Tait family and especially MaryLou. May the God that Norm knew so well, give you His peace and comfort. A pleasure to have known a man of integrity and great faith. Bert and Wilma Visscher
Deepest Sympathy on the passing of Norm.
Karin and Dave Roger
Mary Lou and family,
So sorry to hear of Norm’s passing. I have enjoyed having you as neighbours this last while.
May our God give you peace at this sad time.💞🙏
Mary Lou and Family , our sincerest sympathies on Norm’s passing . He was a a very kind and caring person and will be missed by everyone who was blessed to have known him . Cherish the many memories and he will continue to live on in your hearts for ever . May God be with you all during this most difficult time .
Our sincere condolences to all the Tait family during this difficult time.
Thinking of you. Tim & Maria Hamather
TO THE TAIT FAMILY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF ” NORM ”
WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM WHEN I HAD THE GARAGE AT THE NORTH END .
OUR CONDOLENCES FROM BETTY BLUE AND FRIEND JACK TRIEBNER .
Bev and Vaila and families I am very sorry for the loss of your Dad. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Mary Lou and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
We so enjoyed meeting with you and Norm for our daily coffee sessions and our monthly breakfasts. Norm was always so pleasant and considerate of others – a true gentleman! It was our pleasure to have known him.
Praying that God will surround you with his love and comfort.
Evelyn and Gaylan
Our sincerest condolences to all of the Tait family. Our thoughts are with you.
Jim and Marilyn Bowie
I had the great pleasure to work with Norm, and for many years before that, he was our agent for London Life. Deepest sympathy to his entire family. He was a kind and gifted gentleman.. May he Rest In Peace.
Rob, Vaila and families,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father. May your memories bring you comfort in the days and months ahead.
Susan Mann
Dear Mary Lou and family
So very sorry to hear of his passing. It is very hard to believe. Norm was such a genuine loving person. His smile was truly a blessing and His caring heart. We never had to worry about our home when you lived here for the four years. It was just like we left it. Thanks Mary Lou for being such great friends. Trust our friendship will continue after all this challengeing times is over. Love and prayers are for all at this sad time.
Russell and Verona Snider
To Mary Lou and all your family: So sorry to hear of Norm’s passing. We send you our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. The memory of your family living beside mom and dad on William Street will always be happy ones. Norm joined the fire department the same time as John and we spent many memorable hours in your company, practicing, singing and talking. He was so involved with young children as Fire Prevention Officer and they loved listening to him. He will be missed.
MaryLou and family sending deepest condolences to you are your family. Norm was a wonderful man alway a big smile and hello when ever I would see him! Mike and JoAnne (Inch)
So sorry to hear of his passing. What a beautiful family. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Bev Hearn
So sorry to hear of Norm’s passing. Hugs to you Mary Lou and all the family. Didn’t get together to often due to the distance, but when we did it was nice being together and sharing family time.
We are deeply saddened for the Tait family during this loss. To Aunt Mary Lou and family. Our deepest sympathies to all of you during this loss.
Darren , Luisa Gould
I guess Norm will be having a cup of tea with mom and dad.
Jeff & Darlene Turner
To all the Tait family,
Many fond memories from the Exeter days growing up around Norm. Most recently in my daily travels through Exeter I would bump into Norm at the local McDonalds while he was enjoying a cup of coffee socializing with many local folks. Always had time for a quick chat and smile.
Love and prayers to everyone during this time and from Carl & Bev.
Jeff & Darlene Turner
Mary Lou & family:
We are deeply saddened to hear of Norm’s recent passing.. We are so sorry for your loss. I know how close your family is & I know they are all devastated. We really liked Norm. He always has a big welcoming smile and was ready to shake hands. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
Sincere condolences to the Tait family,he was a good man ,cherish all the love he gave you all .
Jim Oesch
To the Tait Families…I came to know Norm over the years as he was my husbands Ins. Advisor and we both thought very highly of him…he was reached out to say hi whenever we would see him and as my husbands name was also Norm their names and hellos were always exchanged with a smile…I remember…I offer my condolences…Kay Tripp
Graham Rob And Family’s We have know Norm for many years. He sold me my first insurance policy and many more. Always remember the good times and keep them close to your hearts. He will be missed
Sincere Sympathy to Marylou and family at this very difficult time. We will sure miss Norm, he was a wonderful, caring man. Our daughter Rachel has fond memories of working at Noahs Ark with Norm and Marylou. We will miss seeing you around EPT family gatherings as well. May God give you all his peace and comfort!
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of your husband, father, grand father and great grand father. Norm was a kind and gentle soul. Peace to all of you at this sad time. Peter and Wendy Case
Dear Mary Lou:
I just received news of Norm’s passing. It saddens me and leaves a real sense of loss in my heart. I have so many
memories of you and Norm while I was growing up at Bethel Tabernacle on Ontario St. in Stratford. Condolences to
you and your family. May God be your strength and comfort during this time of sorrow.
Our sincerest sympathy during this difficult time. We have such fond memories of working with Norm during our time in Exeter. He was a blessing to so many and we know his presence will be surely missed in the lives of all those Norm touched throughout the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Don & Susan Romphf
So sorry to hear of Norms passing. I remember him fondly as he and my Dad worked together for many years at London Life….thinking of all of th family at this sad time….
Rob and Irene and family,
Our sincere condolences on the psssing of you father, thinking of you at this time, hugs, Frank and Dianne Dietrich
Mary Lou
So many wonderful memories with you and Norm. Norm always had a smile and loved a laugh but above all he loved the Lord and was always so encouraging. Many of our fondest memories include you and Norm.
Dave and Karen Tigani
Dear Mary Lou and family .Sorry to hear of Norms passing, he was well known and likeable. Thinking of you with deep sympathy Bob & Jean Crawford.
I am so very sorry to hear of your great loss Aunt Mary Lou and family. Uncle Norm was a true gentleman with a huge , warm and friendly heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time.
Mary Lou and families, we are so sorry to hear about Norm . We shared lots of great conversations and many laughs and happy times together over coffee. Norm had a big heart for his family his church and his community. We will truly miss this great man. So long, until we meet again.
Our family will be eternally grateful for the support, care and guidance that Norm provided our family over the years. He was a true pillar of the community and a man of sincere and contagious faith. Our sincerest condolences.
May God bless you, bind you together by his love and support you in this time of sadness.
My sincere sympathy,
Peter Warner
What a dear friend. There are few like Norm. That smile and contagious joy would change the atmosphere in the room. You lived for Jesus well and loved like HE did as well. Love and prayers to mary-Lou and the family.
Mary Lou, So many fond memory’s of Norm, His quick smile, advice, worship leading, willingness to help. Some of our best years were with you in Exeter. A wonderful man, he will be missed. Our love and prayers are with you you and your family at this time. Hugs, Gary and Liz Moore
Mary Lou and family
Lois and I were truly saddened by the news of Norm’s passing. We have great memories. Wish we could hear a piano duet again. We are praying for you Mary Lou and kids and grand kids. Heaven’s sounding sweeter every day.
Dear Graham and family ~
So sorry to hear of your loss.
My thoughts are with you and your family at this very sad time.
Margaret
Mary Lou and the entire Tait family. Our deepest condolences of the loss of such a great man.
He truly touched so many lives through his endless self-service to anyone that needed it and shaped so many lives through his endless devotion to his family and his community. Our hearts are with you as you navigate this loss during this difficult time.
MaryLou and all the Tait family.I had the pleasure to work with Norm for many years.He will be missed by all of the Stratford London Life team.He was a leader and a positive influence on everyone he met. You have my sympathy
Mary Lou: We extend our sincere sympathy to you and your family. We were foster parents as you and Norm were and we enjoyed our times together then. Know we are thinking of you. John & Kathleen Siertsema.
to the Tait family please accept out sympathy we were a customer of Norms and a fellow fire fighter he was a friendly man and a true gentleman
Rob and Family,
Sorry to hear of the passing of Norm. Thinking of you guys during this difficult time.
Scott, Lynda, Luke and Heath Bogart
I am very sorry to hear that Norm has died and send my deepest sympathy
My sincerest condolences to the Tait family. Rob and Irene you are in my thoughts and prayers….your father was a very kind and gracious man whom I remember with great respect. Take care of each other in this difficult time
Tony and I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to all of Norm’s family. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you and the many wonderful memories you have of Norm.
With caring thoughts,
Leah and Tony Allen
Best to all the Tait family at this challenging time. George (Taylor) Moore – Lisbon, Portugal
To the Tait family go our deepest sympathy in the loss of Norman, one of God’s choicest servants. A man well respected loved and honored for his integrity and godly life style. His promotion leaves a deep hole on earth but sounds of angels singing a “WELCOME” in glory are a great comfort. Our hearts go out to you Mary Lou and family for the void left behind but we rejoice with you in that there will be a reuniting one day. Love and prayers, John and Greta Zwaan.
Cherish all those wonderful memories you have contour husband, father, and grandfather. Condolences to the Tait family! Prayers to you all!
Martin and family! Sending my sincere condolences and prayers on the passing of Norm. Cherish those wonderful memories of a great man, husband, father, grandfather and friend!
Sorry to pass on our condolences late Was gone last week Missed attending the services Our sincere sympathy with Norm passing Always admired his faith Also appreciated his service on the fire department May God bless you all
To Mary Lou and family, my sincerest condolences for your loss. I have such fond memories of Norm and his dedication to helping others. He was filled with pure kindness. My thoughts are with you all. He was a great man.
What a loss to your family, our church, community and charitable works. So many good memories….. his obvious love for MaryLou, his gifted ability with music…. so many things. Playing duets with MaryLou on the piano and organ, backing up the worship team with his guitar. Pray that God raises up men to take his place.
I pray for LuLu, Pastor Bob, and all Norms family. Such a heritage!
It was with great sadness that I heard of Norm’s passing. He was a true gentlemen and so willing to help others in need. I enjoyed talking with Norm when our paths crossed because he always took the time for a chat or a laugh or two. May his life be a reminder to us all that one person CAN make a difference. God’s peace to you.
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Vaila and Luke, Spencer and Leeanne, Marlee and Shawn;
May all your wonderful and fond memories of your Father, Grandfather bring you comfort during this difficult time in your lives. Our heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
-Jim and Robin-