Spence Reid Tait Jr.

Spence Reid Tait, 85, fell asleep in Jesus December 29, 2015. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ardith, and four children: Stanton of Nashville, TN; Bradley (Jill) of Malden, MA, Shannon Houda (Steve) of Glen Ellyn, IL; Weston (Kristine) of Round Lake, IL; eleven grandchildren; one great grandchild; and a brother, William Herman Tait, of Coldwater, MI.

In the spring of 1955 Reid received a B.A. degree in chemistry from Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI. He took further chemistry class work at Michigan State and in 1957 was hired by the Dow Chemical Company. For the next 37 years, with the exception of a two-year teaching stint at Andrews, Reid worked in the Michigan Division as an analytical chemist, group leader, environmental laboratory director, associate research chemist and environmental quality assurance director. After retirement he remained active for years in the American Society for Testing and Materials and received numerous awards for method writing and leadership activities.

Reid was actively involved in the Midland community by participating in the Big Brothers program, promoting the Sharing Tree and volunteering at and directing the Midland Adventist Community Services center, which gives away household and clothing items to the needy. Over the years he and his wife opened their hearts and their home to troubled youth and struggling adults to give them an opportunity to find meaning and purpose in life. During his high school and college years he was a member of the Michigan (Coldwater) National Guard Co. A, 126th Infantry Regiment.
Reid enjoyed a wide range of sports. He was a star sprinter on his Coldwater High School track team; was a member of the Andrews University gymnastic team and through the years enjoyed scuba diving, flying private planes, and downhill skiing. He also had many hobbies-tropical fish, photography, archery, and model boats and trains. But all these were overshadowed by his interest in building and flying model airplanes of all kinds, a passion he and his brother Herman shared since childhood.

During his college years at Andrews he became a Seventh-day Adventist and since then has served the church in various roles-head deacon, head elder, member of the Camp Au Sable planning committee, member of the Tri-city Adventist School board and Adventist Community Services representative on the Midland Faith-based Community Action group. But his most important contribution was his approximately sixty-year involvement with the Pathfinder Club, an Adventist coed international organization of youth ages 10-15. Hundreds of church and community youth and adults value their Pathfinder days under their "fearless leader" as one filled with life-shaping experiences and glorious memories.

Even as he dealt with pancreatic cancer for over two years he often thanked God for His blessings and looked forward confidently to seeing his Savior on the glorious resurrection morning.

Funeral and committal services for Mr. Tait will be conducted 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 3, 2016 from the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2420 E. Ashman St., Midland, with Pastor Darryl Bentley officiating. Private interment will be on Monday in Homer Township Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home on Saturday from 4:30 until 7:00 pm and at the church on Sunday from 9:30 until the time of service. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to Midland Adventist Community Services, Pathfinder Museum (International) or charity of your choice. Personal messages of condolence may be offered at www.wilson-miller.com

Sunday, January 03, 2016
10:30 AM

Midland Seventh-Day Adventist Church

Midland, Michigan 48642