John Ballentine Tait

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends at the Hamilton General Hospital on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at age 77. Deeply missed by his younger brother Donald Tait (Linda nee Southam) of Innisfil. Cherished uncle of Geoffrey, Melissa, and Christie (Drew). Loved great-uncle of Blair and Wesley. Dearly missed by Cindy and her brothers. Predeceased by his parents Warren and Dorothy Tait of Hamilton, as well as his brother David. John will be missed by his wine community and close friends who are too many to name individually.

John retired from the LCBO in 2005 after 33 years of dedicated service. He became the first wine consultant at the Dundurn Street Liquor Store in Hamilton in 1973 and then opened the first all-Vintages store outside of Toronto, at Sherwood Forrest Village in Mississauga. From 1985 to 2005, John was one of three core members on the Vintages Purchasing Panel. He was also a former Director of both the Independent Wine Education Guild (Toronto) and the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers. In his retirement, he served as an independent wine consultant, evaluating wine collections, hosting private, corporate and charity wine tastings, and crafting bespoke wine lists for events, social clubs and restaurants.

John’s knowledge of wine was encyclopedic, helping him build an influential career and indelible legacy. His enthusiasm for wine and travel brought him to more than a thousand wineries in all corners of the globe. Every wine label could spark a story about the winemaker or a trip to the winery. But wine was actually the key that opened the door to his true passion for connection, leading to deep, longstanding friendships that spanned many decades.

He was always down-to-earth and genuine. He could make anyone feel at home over a glass of wine, regardless of their own knowledge. John was endlessly curious about the world and the people around him, sharing a story or a laugh as effortlessly as he shared a bottle from his cellar.

He had a love of reading (and libraries) that developed early in life and continued into his golden years. As a child he would ignore his parents’ instructions to go to sleep, sneaking a flashlight to read under the covers. By age nine, he had read every children’s book available at the Westdale Library and the librarians had to direct him to the Central Library to find more. John started learning to play bridge with his parents at eight years old, sorting hands for adults who left for the bathroom. He would count points and whisper the scores to the players when they returned. By age 11 or 12, he began joining the games officially, cementing his lifelong appreciation for the game.

John was an avid stamp collector, chasing the entire British Empire set and getting extra enjoyment from how his hobby intersected with his interest in geography. He was a sports fan, closely following his beloved Toronto Blue Jays and (thankfully, to a much lesser degree) the Montreal Canadiens and Miami Dolphins. John also enjoyed following golf and the Tour de France, perplexing his brother who notes that John didn’t golf or bike much himself. He had a deep appreciation for great food, sharing boisterous dinners with his close friends at favourite restaurants, including the Apricot Tree and One Duke Tavern. John especially cherished the lifelong friendships he forged in High School.

But John’s legacy wasn’t just what he loved – it was how he loved. He adored his family. He was a faithful brother, who was happy to stay up late watching sci-fi on TV. He was earnestly supportive of his nieces and nephews and a constant presence in their lives. He never missed celebrating a birthday or an important life milestone. Even if he couldn’t be there on the special day, he always made sure to mark the occasion. John’s gifts were always so thoughtful and personal, so specific to each person. Year-round, he would be thinking of Christmas gift ideas tailored to his family members, without any pretense or any hint of expectation. It was never an obligation; it was a genuine act of love.

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at the Spinal Unit of the Hamilton General Hospital and the RRC Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program for their compassionate and dedicated care. As well, thank you to Dr. Harper and his team.

Traditions and gatherings carried deep meaning for John. To honour John’s memory, please join us in celebrating his life at the National Club, 303 Bay Street, Toronto on September 27, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Hamilton Health Sciences. Condolences may be shared on the funeral home website. Arrangements entrusted to Marlatt Funeral Home – Swackhamer Chapel, Dundas.