Celebrating the life of

Stephen Tait

30 Sep 1964 - 26 Dec 2023

51 entries

Jo Madders You were a great role model and friend to our son Connor and made Iona a fun place to attend. You will be missed in the Iona community but never forgotten 16th January, 2024
Matt WielandMoo, Hallie & Campbell, Thank you for sharing Taity with us for so many years. While I sadly never had Taity as a school teacher, what I learnt from his many years as my rugby and debating coach was of such positive influence for me, and in my most formative years. Yet incredibly, thousands of others also feel such love and gratitude, at a level which is nearly impossible to replicate. We have lost a true Renaissance Man and a beautiful soul. I will be forever grateful to have been blessed by his company, humoured by his stories and inspired by his actions. Lots of love, Matty Wieland12th January, 2024
Richard O’ConnorTaity comes up so often in my everyday chats, whenever the topic of favourite teachers comes up. His stories were captivating, his relaxed and fun approach made me want to get to class. It was a privilege knowing him and my sincerest thoughts are with his family. Thanks Mr Tait 11th January, 2024
Paul and Kath BlairThinking of you all in this very sad time. All our love.10th January, 2024
Jake Buckmaster Mr Tait , Was the most inspirational teacher ,I had the pleasure to have had .Am deeply sorry for loss of such an amazing man 10th January, 2024
Ann WestlakeOur love and prayers are for all the family, a wonderful teacher, man and family man.10th January, 2024
Gaynor Begley Dear Paula, Halle, Campbell and extended family, I've had the pleasure of working with Steve at Iona for over 20 years and can honestly say he is one of the greats and will always be remembered as such. I know words can't take away the pain and loss you are feeling, but know that you are in the hearts and thoughts of Taity's extended Iona family. My sincere, heartfelt condolences on the loss of a true legend.10th January, 2024
Nicole DuttonWith great respect to Paula, Hallie and Campbell we thank you for extending the opportunity to share our grief. The tributes and the overwhelming love and support felt in The Provence Centre was all that could have been expected for a man like Taity. Unlike others, we only met Taity a few times in person but that was all that was needed to understand the depth of love he had for you all and how easy he was to get along with. What we will remember about Taity, is that look of pride and sheer enjoyment watching his kids do what they love. May you always feel his love and support around you. With sincere condolences, Nikki, Gary and Georgia 9th January, 2024
Sonya BrayMy condolences to the family of wonderful man who was a such a friend and support to those he worked with and his students.Always there when encouragement and support were needed,always smiling and positive .May his love envelop you always.9th January, 2024
Joel WaycottDear Paula, Campbell and Hallie, and the whole Tait family, Taity was at many points in the last two years my reason to come into school every day. Not a single modern history class went by where he wouldn’t leave me smiling or laughing. Taity would support my work in class and out, eventually talking me into becoming a teacher just like him. I aspire to be able to have the same impact on people that he has had on me. His extraordinary stories, his selfless personality, his passion, his actions, and his beliefs live on in the thousands of lives he influenced. Rest easy, Superman. 9th January, 2024
Phillipa MaguireDear Paula, Halle, Campbell and loving family. I was blessed to work with Stephen at Iona College. He will be remembered with such love , respect and sincerity for the wonderful man he was. In every conversation I ever had with Steve, he always took the time to listen and I knew he genuinely was interested and cared. I received many comments over the years from parents, colleagues and students about what an awesome teacher Steve was. He touched so many lives in such a wonderful and positive way and it was an absolute honor to know him. We will miss him tremendously at Iona, but I have no doubt his memory will live on and his spirit will always be with us. Thank you Steve for your genuine care and concern, your laughter, your humor, your many stories , for making a difference to so many and for just being an awesome bloke. RIP 🙏🏻9th January, 2024
Kian HardcastleTaity was by far the greatest teacher I’ve ever had and I am forever grateful that he played a part in my life. I am deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved Taity, he is truly one of the greatest humans to ever live. 9th January, 2024
Rebecca and Geoff SullivanDear Paula, Hallie and Campbell, and all the Tait family. We continue to send much love and strength to you all. I will always be grateful for the privilege of knowing Steve. He taught us so much about treating everyone he encountered with so much kindness and genuine care. In the words of Mary MacKillop, “We are but travellers here.” Steve has travelled his journey in the very best way. His spirit will always be with us. Much love, Rebecca and Geoff9th January, 2024
Michele WaltersPlease accept the Walters and Kricker families sincere condolences for your loss. My son Declan who Mr Tait taught said he was the best story teller he ever heard. He deeply admired and respected Mr Tait. May his story continue in God’s heavenly rest. Michele Walters 9th January, 2024
Allana, Brad, Cooper, Harrison, Oliver & Aiden PriorOur deepest condolences to the whole family. Mr Tait was and will always be a loved member of the Iona community. He will be fondly remembered by all. Thank you to Mr Tait for all you have done for my my boys and especially for being Harrison’s homeroom teacher. You have helped shaped him to become the young man he is today. Rest peacefully 9th January, 2024
Susan, David Ben and Emma BuchmuellerTaity you will be forever in our hearts and inspire us to be better people each and every day. Sending our love to the entire Tait family. 9th January, 2024
Narelle SteedenOur sincere condolences Paula, Hallie, Campbell, family and friends. Our thoughts, prayers and loving embrace are with you now and always. On behalf of Narelle Steeden, Mike Hansell and Carmel Tannock (SJV staff).9th January, 2024
LINDA MunroAs a long member of the Iona community my family would like to send our love, condolences for your loss, we pray for his family, friends, for those that knew him, forever in Gods love and peace always. A beautiful forever soul to watch over us all. Love Hayden Cooke and Munro family. Xo 9th January, 2024
Alvina Friswell My deepest condolences for your loss. Best wishes to your family. My grandson attends Iona hr also attended St zLukes primary. All the best. 9th January, 2024
Sean & Jemima PearceDear Paula, Hallie, and Campbell. We are so sorry for your loss. The strength each of you showed during Taity’s service was inspiring. He would’ve been very proud. Taity taught me, both English and as a rugby coach. I had the privilege to work alongside him for the past 13 years, trying to emulate his intellect and ability to connect with his students, especially those who found English a tough subject to sit through. A truly remarkable educator. My favourite time each year was night one of the annual golf trip. You would always find your way to the ‘party room’ (wherever Taity was sleeping that night) to hear stories, with Taity the key architect behind them. I sat in there until 4am on our last trip and probably said no more than 30 words. A beautiful memory and one I will cherish dearly. Rest easy, Taity. 9th January, 2024
Sharon SearstonOur prayers and thoughts are with the Tait family and our wider Iona Community. Rest easy Mr Tait, our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences, the Searston Family 🖤🤍 ( Cooper Searston year 7) 9th January, 2024
Connor RogersMr Tait has left a lasting impact on my life. An amazing teacher and an amazing story teller all in one. Much love to the Tait family. May his stories and experiences continue to be told for many generations to come.9th January, 2024
Jan and Ken HannahPaula, Hallie and Campbell Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this very sad time. We had a great deal of respect for Stephen. Josh was with us yesterday at the service as Stephen was his favourite teacher, whom he greatly admired. All our love Jan and Ken Hannah and Joshua Wyeth.9th January, 2024
Kallum RogersOne of the best history teachers to grace us with his stories wisdom and comedy. I remember him telling us stories throughout my year 12 class. He always knew how to make the classroom a better place to be and knew how to always make our weeks better even with the stress. You signed my end of year book and I will forever look forward to re reading that message whenever I need. I hope you rest in peace and I hope your family continues to be strong and safe 9th January, 2024
Jordan & Laurynn TrevisanTaity was an example of how to be a man. Before Iona I’ve never managed to meet a teacher who didn’t have a bad word said about him. He will always be an example of a man I admire and hope that I can be what he is to people in my life. Taity touched many people with his stories, advice and spirit. His spirit will live on through his wife, children, all the boys he taught and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest Easy Taity, you’ll always be missed and your memory will live on forever. To your wife, daughter, son, parents, brother and loved ones, We’re so deeply sorry for your loss. We’re sending love, strength, hugs and prayers. Rest in Peace Taity, May you forever be your loved ones Guardian Angel and watch over them ♥️9th January, 2024
Mary MiocevicOur love & prayers go out to Paula & their children. We will miss you Taity! We as a family have wonderful memories of you that make us laugh. Your send off on Monday was a true celebration of your life. We forever hold you Taity , Paula and family in our hearts. Love & prayers . Mary, Robert (Mio) & family 💙🙏9th January, 2024
Catherine ShawDear Paula, Campbell and Hallie, it was an honour to attend Stephen's farewell yesterday. As well as teaching my two sons Ben and Dan for some years, he was a valued colleague and friend to me, always ready for a friendly chat and a laugh - always a true gentleman. You are very much in my thoughts and prayers and I hope that your loving memories will sustain you at this very difficult time. God bless you all.9th January, 2024
Shaun ChapmanA truly remarkable man and a caring teacher to all. Myself (Iona Old Boy 1998) and my son who is a current student both have the privilege to say we were taught by Taity. Forever an Ionian and one of the finest. ❤️ To Paula, Halle, Campbell and the Tait Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. 9th January, 2024
Maureen AddleyA special person was Taity. My son's Year 12 English Teacher and debating coach in 2007. Such a lovely family too. My deepest condolences to Paula, Hallie and Campbell and the extended family. May Steve rest in God's loving embrace. He will be sadly missed by many! xo9th January, 2024
Jack McIntoshSending nothing but love to the Tait family. Mr. Tait made every single class enjoyable and created an endless amount of happy memories. Myself and some of the other Iona boys of the 2023 cohort yesterday shared smiles and laughs over stories of our time with Mr. Tait, an incredible human being. 9th January, 2024
Brooke Jo ex9th January, 2024
Ben & Josie DevlinDear Paula, Campbell and Hallie, Thank you for allowing us all to be a part of today. Our hearts break for you all and you will forever be in our thoughts. As will Taity. To have a friend like him is the greatest privilege. Thank you.8th January, 2024
Rachel UematsuWe send our sincere condolences for this sudden loss. My son was fortunate to have Stephen as his English teacher last year and enjoyed hearing his tales of adventure. We know his spirit will live on with the many young men that he taught. Please call on and treasure your many memories as a source of comfort at this challenging time. 8th January, 2024
Andrew RickettsA great loss. So many to mourn and so many to remember what a great bloke you are. Keep an eye out for us all and see you again. 8th January, 2024
Brendan MerrotsyDear Paula, Campbell & Hallie, I am genuinely sorry for your loss of such an awesome bloke in your man Taity. He was like a mini mentor to me, and I cherished the moment I got to spend with him, which were mostly on our annual golf tour. As you know, Taity was responsible for organising the blurb for each of the tour members. I would send my blurb in, apologise for the inappropriateness, and ask if it was too risque. Taity would always reply, 'F**k no, that's perfect'! I will miss Taity so much, but it was beautiful to celebrate his amazing but short life today, with the thousands that have come to love the great man. He is special, & with a heavy heart, I wish my sincere condolences to you all. This sucks big time.. Regards, Brendan8th January, 2024
Julia Christensen (MacDonald)Dear Paula, Haillee, Campbell, Mr and Mrs Tait and family What a devine gentleman we have all lost and how blessed you all were to call him yours. Steve leaves a gaping hole in our Iona family . I am going to miss his gentle nature and the gift he had of making everyone feel like they matter. Thank you for sharing him with us. I will miss seeing him each day. Love Julia.8th January, 2024
Kym PerryDear Bev Graeme Andrew and family, we are deeply saddened for your loss of Stephen. We hold you close in our thoughts. Our deepest condolences from Jim and Pat Harris’ family. Love Kym. 8th January, 2024
Ben and Karena WrightDear Paula, Hallie, Campbell, and the wider Tait family, It is impossible to put into words what a genuine individual your beloved Stephen was to everyone he encountered. I had the privilege of teaching alongside Taity for nearly a decade, and during that time our relationship grew from colleagues to casual friends to most recently, weekly golf buddies. He never really prepared for the yearly Iona golf trip, and 2023 was a big step toward winning the title he had chased humbly and in the best spirit for two decades. He was the anchor of the golf tour. If there was a committee, he was the president. I broke down in tears reflecting, "who's going to add up the points now?" The last words I had with Taity were after we'd unloaded the bus after the 2023 tour and everyone but us had left. We stated our commitment to golf every week this year to prepare for the 2024 tour and wished each other an excellent holiday. He was the people's favourite to win the shield, and no doubt 2024 would have been his year. No tour will ever be even close to the same without him. For me, golf won't ever be the same. Such was the strength and depth of his character that I feel like I've lost a family member; I can't imagine what you must be going through. I send you every bit of love I can muster for this unbelievably difficult time. I know we are all better people for his influence, and it would be his wish that we all live our absolute best lives going forward. In his memory I commit to that. Rest in peace, Taity.8th January, 2024
Andrew Ricketts8th January, 2024
Danielle CorbettThe Corbett family wishes to extend our deepest sympathies to the Tait Family. Steve was a wonderful help to our son during 2023. 8th January, 2024
Sandy SergeantSend our thoughts and prayers during the time. Stephen will be teaching in heaven telling all the stories. My son said Mr Tait was the best teacher even thou he only had him as a substitute teacher. RIP Stephen (The Sergeant family)8th January, 2024
Lisa Harriss We are so sorry for your loss. Your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Lisa, Mark, Dylan and Finn Harriss xxx8th January, 2024
Emma PopoffDear Paula, Campbell, Hallie and family, I share my deepest sympathy with you at this incomprehensible time and as you navigate a new and unexpected world into the future. I will be forever grateful for Stephen’s warmth and kindness and the genuine way in which he engaged with everyone around him. He will be missed. Emma7th January, 2024
Paul & Renee BellamyPaula and Family, Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. Taity was a great bloke and left an unforgettable impression on everyone who were fortunate to meet him. No matter how long between seeing him you always felt like he was a good friend, with many laughs being had. We will all miss him. Warmest regards Paul, Renee and the Bellamy family7th January, 2024
Michael GearyPlease accept my condolences for your loss. 7th January, 2024
Karen CookDear Paula, Hallie and Campbell, Graeme an Bev, Andrew Keryn, Churaig and Liza. Steve and Robert Miocevic and myself all started at Iona College in the same year 1998. Steve was a wonderful teacher, friend and colleague. Steve taught our son and nephew and they both join us in our sadness and would want you to know how loved and valued Steve was as a person and a teacher. I will forever value him coming down to chat or would just meet walking around the school and how concerned he was for his mother recently. May god be with you all and that you know Steve will be with you forever. Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. Karen & Michael Cook, Chris and Nat, Kate and Alex and Michael and Monica Foley. 7th January, 2024
Sandra DennisI was HOD of English at Cleveland District State High School when Stephen was a young English teacher there in the late 80s and early 90s. I and other people, who were on the staff at that time, were shocked and saddened when we heard the news about Steve. He was in a predominantly female staff room and coped very well with that. He was a popular teacher whose students were confused when they came to the door to ask to speak to him when he was away playing rugby for Queensland. We enjoyed saying that he was in Argentina or South Africa but would be back on Monday. One of our favourite Steve memories was when we wanted a venue away from the school campus for our end of year Champagne breakfast. Steve suggested that we have it on his father's yacht and we had a beautiful morning on Moreton Bay with dolphins and turtles swimming by. When he went to Canada on exchange, he regaled us with stories of his attempts at playing snow rugby, We send our condolences to his family and the school community and we know how much he will be missed.7th January, 2024
Karen and Justin OtwayPaula, Hallie and Campbell I am so sorry for your loss. Iona just won’t be the same without Steve. He was the favourite teacher of many students, including our son Daniel. Daniel loved History because he had Mr Tait. Steve had such a positive impact on the lives of so many students and teachers. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Please let me know if there is anything I can assist you with. You are all in my prayers. 6th January, 2024
Mel and Kyden BrittAs a member of the Iona community we would like to let you know that we are thinking of your family at this time. May he be welcomed into Gods Kingdom and share Gods love and peace always. Please accept our condolences for your loss. We are holding you in our are thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Mel and Kyden 5th January, 2024
Brian and Nicki RobbinsDear Paula, Hallie and Campbell Stephen’s ability to build positive relationships with everyone he met is unique to Taity. He inspired teachers how to teach, students to follow their dreams and taught us all how to live life with humour and compassion. I am honoured to share over 20 years of laughter, Taity wisdom and mateship with such a special person. Our thoughts and prayers are with your beautiful family Love Brian and Nic5th January, 2024
Cathy WardDearest Paula, Hallie and Campbell - Our family is lost for words and our hearts are heavy. Stephen was a genuinely beautiful soul and we all feel blessed to have crossed paths with this incredible man. He leaves a huge hole in the Iona community and of course, your lives. I personally loved our little chats around the school yard and how lucky Mark and I were to have Mr Tait as Ryan's homeroom mentor for five years. Ryan adored Stephen and would often come home with funny stories to tell from homeroom. Your family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers and please know that if there's anything at all that we can do to help or support you, please reach out - I am just a phone call away. With much love, Cathy, Mark, Ryan and Mya Ward. xx5th January, 2024

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