Thomas Gillian Tait

Tom Tait passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on August 28, leaving behind a life marked by adventure, entrepreneurship, curiosity, community service and a deep love for his family.

Born in Red Deer, Alberta, Tom moved with his family to Calgary at the age of 10, a city that would remain central to his life. He attended the University of Alberta graduating with a degree in economics.

Tom’s early career gave little indication of the path that would eventually define much of his professional life. He spent three summers working in the pro shop at Earl Grey Golf Club, selling and washing clubs - an early connection to a sport he would enjoy throughout his life. In 1963, he moved to Ottawa to begin a career with National Revenue (now known as the Canada Revenue Agency). Finding the work less than inspiring, he embraced an opportunity to join Canada’s foreign service.

His diplomatic career took him across Canada and around the world. After completing a one-year program with the Department of External Affairs, he travelled from coast to coast visiting Canadian manufacturing companies before receiving a posting to Paris with the commercial division. He spent three and a half years there before moving to Kinshasa in the Republic of Congo. He later worked with an international trading company in Switzerland, travelling frequently to Africa, particularly Algeria, Morocco and Libya.

Eventually, Tom and his family returned to Calgary with their young son, Alexandre, where he embarked on a new career in publishing.

Introduced to the publishing business through the Rocky Mountain Visitor, Tom went on to become a publisher and advocate for Calgary’s tourism and arts communities. He became a partner in Key to Calgary, which eventually became Where Calgary. Following the sale of the company, Tom turned his attention to the arts and, in 2002, launched Galleries West. He continued publishing the magazine, first in print and later online, until 2025. The magazine won a number of awards, including the Alberta Magazine Award for Achievement in Publishing. Respected throughout the publishing community, he was particularly proud that its archives have been preserved by Library and Archives Canada.

Tom was also deeply committed to his community. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Calgary Downtown for more than 30 years and was an active volunteer. He was honoured with the Paul Harris Award in recognition of his service and commitment to the community.

Travel was one of Tom’s great passions, a love that began during his years as a diplomat and continued throughout his life. His travels took him throughout the United States, Europe, Brazil and Australia. For a period, he spent 10 winters in Perth, Australia while exploring other cities in the country. He also enjoyed seeing one of his favourite artists, Andrea Bocelli live in Lajitco, Tuscany. Continuing the adventure he also travelled from Venice to Paris on the Orient Express.

He fondly recalled a trip in the mid-1960s as a single golf enthusiast when he drove from Calgary to Las Vegas (allegedly pursuing a career as a golf professional) and slept in his car in the desert.

An avid golfer, Tom played as often as he could and was always fascinated by technology, particularly the latest gadgets that might improve his game. Golf was a constant presence in his life, both on the course and on television. He was also a devoted fan of the Calgary Stampeders and Calgary Flames. His love of sports began early, when he played quarterback at Crescent Heights High School in Calgary.

Above all, Tom treasured his family. He enjoyed a life filled with travel, friendship and adventure. In later years, he especially enjoyed spending time with his son Alexandre, daughter-in-law Lindsay and beloved granddaughter Cambrie, living in Oakville, Ontario. His time with Cambrie brought him particular joy.

Tom will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, curiosity, humour and willingness to embrace new opportunities. Whether travelling to far-off places, pursuing his love of golf, exploring new technology, building a publishing venture, or simply spending time with family and friends, he approached life with enthusiasm and an enduring sense of adventure.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra; his son, Alexandre, daughter-in-law Lindsay; and his cherished granddaughter, Cambrie. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and the many people whose lives he touched.

An Open House style Celebration of Life will be held for Thomas at Pierson's Forest Lawn Chapel (4121 - 17 Avenue SE, Calgary) on Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.