Following a long fight against cancer, Ian Tait, former Session Clerk for 21 years, passed away on Saturday 24th January. St. Mungo's was filled with Family and friends, many of whom attended with other colleagues from Ian's previous workplace at Mortonhall Crematorium where it was standing room only in the large chapel.

Ian was born in 1941 in Kirkhill Road, a stones throw from St Mungo’s Church where he was baptised. A member of the Sunday School, Life Boys, and BB where he was promoted through the ranks to Warrant Officer. In 1960 he was made a Queen’s BB at 19 years of age.

A pupil of Penicuik Primary Junior High, Ian became Prefect, Captain of the Cricket Team, and Vice-Captain of the Rugby Team. He left school in 1956, age fifteen

Ian's working life was at Mactaggart Scott & Co Ltd, where he joined on 2nd April 1956 as apprentice Turner/Fitter, finishing his apprenticeship in April 1963. He became a Production Controller in the Machine Shop, and then Assistant Production Manager in 1969 before being appointed Production Manager.

He spent time in the United States between 1984-86, before returning as Despatch Manager until February 2006, retiring after 50 years service.

Ian was a life long member of Penicuik Rugby Club, holding positions of Captain in 1969, Vice-President 1981-86, President 1986-1998,  Honorary Vice-President, and Treasurer for 15 years.

Ian joined St. Mungo's Church in 1958, and remained a member for  50 years. He was ordained an Elder in May 1983, and served for 25 years, with 21 of those years as Session Clerk from 1986 to 2007.

Ian leaves wife Hazel, daughter Louise and twins Blair and Clarke. Ian married Hazel on 26 October 1963, after meeting on a blind date in 1958-59. Daughter Louise was born on 4th July 1965, and twins Blair and Clarke on 19th March 1968. Ian and Hazel have one granddaughter and one grandson.
 

Ian's Presentation celebrating 21 years as Session Clerk

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