March 11, 1938 – October 16, 2026
It is with profound sadness and immense gratitude for a life filled with love that we announce the passing of Arpad Ronald Tait, known to all as Ron, and fondly as Poppa and Santa Ron, on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Pioneer Manor, in his 89th year.
Ron was predeceased by his parents, Henry Arpad Tait (known as Arpad) (1998) and Lillian Tait (née Hiscock) (1988). And survived by his sister Lynne Tait.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Frances (nee Goudreau) (Behnke) Tait, affectionately known to him as "Frannie". They shared the better part of 35 years together....dancing on Friday nights, cooking gourmet meals, boating, hunting, walking in the bush, participating and volunteering in all church activities, as well as fishing, swimming and saunaing at the home on Little Penage Lake. They took great pride in hosting large family functions, where there was never a dull moment.... skidooing, tobogganing, splitting wood, skating on their homemade ice and finally settling in front of the wood stove for a scrumptious feast. They enjoyed the most loving, and devoted relationship, and were revered by all who knew them♡
Together they shared 7 children, 19 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, with 2 more arriving in the New Year. He leaves his legacy and is survived by his children, Janet Tait, Karen Peacock (née Tait) (John), Gordon Tait (Dayna), and Heather Tait, whom he shared with their mother, Beverley Tait (née Fitchett). He was also a loving and devoted stepfather to Caroline Behnke (Michael Naughton), Steven Behnke (Michèle) and Laura Behnke (Daniel Serré).
A proud and devoted Grandfather, Ron leaves behind Justen Briscoe (Sarah), Shane Briscoe, Troy Kraft, Alex Poulin (Amanda), Ethan Leblanc (Jemma), Tatum Leblanc, Mick Tait, Sarah Tait-Melanson (Kadin), Allie Peacock Romain (Brad), Nathan Peacock (Missy), and Nicholas Peacock. He was also Poppa to David Alatalo, Stevie Behnke-Keeping, Emily Alatalo-Lo Presti (Franco), Leigh Behnke (Greg Zacker), Alexandra Behnke-Keeping (Brent Huffels), Corey Behnke (Shawn Marcoux), Sammy Behnke-Groves (Lindsay McCann), and Veronica (Behnke-Groves) Alkhoury (Manny).
He was a cherished great-grandfather to Riley Briscoe, Amelia and Aria Poulin, Parker and Elanor Leblanc, and Jackson, Darci and Bazil Romain, with another great-grandchild expected in January.
Additional step-great grandchildren also include Owen, Max & Cole, Hallie & Easton, Hazel, Olivia, Stella, and our precious Alkhoury babee, set to arrive in February 2027.
If ever there was a man who embodied unconditional love, it was Ron.
A big bear of a man with an even bigger heart, he was kind, generous, affectionate, and funny as all get out. He could drive you crazy one minute and have you laughing the next. A father, mentor, and friend, his famous "Papa Bear hugs" were legendary. There was perhaps no safer place in the world than resting your head against his chest, wrapped in those enormous, loving arms.
Born prematurely at just seven months and weighing less than three pounds, Ron often spoke with deep emotion about how proud his mother would have been of the family her tiny baby boy had grown to create.
A graduate of Ryerson Polytechnic Institute, where he studied architecture, Ron was an entrepreneur and owner of Ramsey Lake Industries, a manufacturer's representative business serving the mining community, named after Sudbury's Ramsay Lake.
His Christian faith guided his life. A member of the Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship International, he lived his beliefs through kindness, compassion, and generosity. He taught his children to smile at everyone they met, knowing that even the smallest gesture could brighten someone's day.
For many years, Ron brought joy to countless children as "Santa Ron," appearing at malls, community events, and family gatherings. Each fall, he began growing his beard longer in preparation, embracing the role with the same warmth and love he showed everyone he met.
Ron treasured his home on Little Panage Lake, where he loved fishing and spending time on the water, whether aboard his pontoon boat, canoe, paddle boat, or little nine-foot aluminum boat. He delighted in feeding chipmunks treats straight from his shirt pocket, and his love of animals extended to the family's beloved pets, for whom he almost always had a treat tucked away.
Family adventures were among his greatest joys. His children's memories include, so many adventures and outings, always in search of what he affectionately called "bush chickens"—hunting trips often filled with more sandwiches, pop, Halloween chocolates, apples, and laughter than actual hunting.
Never too grown-up to join in, he loved Nerf gun battles and water gun fights with his grandchildren. Proud of his Scottish heritage, he was also a wonderful dancer, an Elvis Presley fan, and a lover of a good butter tart.
Above all, Ron cherished his family. From a tiny baby weighing less than three pounds to a great big Papa Bear whose love embraced generations, he leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, faith, and unconditional love.
And while his arms can no longer hold us, the love we felt inside them will remain with us forever.
Celebration of Life details to be announced.