Oh dear, if you’re reading this right now,
I must have given up the ghost.
I hope you can forgive me for being
Such a stiff and unwelcoming host.
Just talk amongst yourself my friends,
And share a toast or two.
For I am sure you will remember well
How I loved to drink with you.
Don’t worry about mourning me,
I was never easy to offend.
Feel free to share a story at my expense
And we’ll have a good laugh at the end.
My Happy Life
Biography of Ginger Tait
Early Life
Ginger Tait was born on Mill Road in Halfway to Mamie and Jock Tait. He was brought up in Clyde Place, Halfway, where he lived until around 2000 before moving to Welfare Avenue, where he spent the remainder of his life.
Family
Ginger had two sisters, Mary (whose husband Gibby passed away) and Jean (who, along with her husband Drew, also passed away).
Education and Early Activities
He attended Hallside Primary School and then Gateside School. Ginger was actively involved in the Boys' Brigade and attended Sunday school at Gilbertfield Church.
Career
After leaving school, Ginger began working at Hallside Steel Works. He also worked at the Hoover factory and the Chrysler car factory before starting at Fulton Forklifts in the 1970s, where he remained until his retirement.
Marriage and Family
In 1970, Ginger married Mary Mason Jones. Together, they had three daughters: Mari (partner Dafydd), Sandie (partner Derek), and Elizabeth (partner Wullie). He was close to Mary’s family, including her brothers Alex (and wives Audrey and Mandy), Frankie (wife Joan), and her sisters Marion (husband Jim, who passed away) and Margaret (husband Jim). Although Ginger and Mary eventually divorced, they remained very good friends, with Ginger still spending every Christmas day at Mary’s house.
Extended Family and Relationships
Mary later had a son, James, whom Ginger treated no differently than his own daughters, often showing his affection through playful scolding. Around the year 2004, Ginger met his current partner, June Gray. He embraced June's two sons, Martin and David, as his own, continuing his tradition of affectionate scolding.
Grandchildren
Ginger was a proud grandfather to Callum (Mari’s son), Adam and Lexi (Elizabeth’s children), and Isla (James’ daughter).
Pets
Throughout his life, Ginger was known for his loyalty to his dogs, often seen with one by his side. His beloved Labradors included Rocky, Guinness, Soldier, and Carson. Carson attended the funeral, a testament to the strong bond they shared.
Hobbies and Interests
Ginger led a very busy and fun-filled life, always finding a way to brighten up a bad situation. He served 20 years in the Territorial Army and was a member of numerous clubs and institutions, including The Apprentice Boys, The Blacks, The Orange Order, and The Masons. He was also a member of several flute bands, such as The Newton Truth Defenders, The Young Conquerors, and Cambuslang Britannia, and he frequently guested with The Larkhall Purple Heroes.
Sports and Social Life
Ginger was a keen sportsman, participating as a referee and running many marathons. He was a frequent visitor to local pubs, especially the Tudor in Halfway and, more recently, the Stonefield in Blantyre. He made annual visits to Belfast and followed his beloved Rangers football team wherever he could.
Travels and Friendships
Ginger travelled extensively for work, clubs, and hobbies, making friends everywhere he went. His vibrant personality meant that if you mentioned you were from Halfway or Cambuslang, you would likely be asked if you knew Ginger Tait. He had far too many friends to mention, but his lifelong friend Scotty and his family, whom Ginger considered his own, were particularly important to him as was his friend Bill Dickson. His friend Gordy Speirs also ensured he had someone to drink with during the lockdown.
Ginger Tait will be remembered for his warm personality, sense of humour, and the countless friendships he formed throughout his life.
Gallery
Videos
Memory Wall
Even having a few drinks and standing side by side in bar.
Till we meet again keep the bar open and remember our stories .
One morning a fellow traveler was a wee bit under the weather
He was sitting behind ginger
He ended up being sick in gingers parka hood
He gave the guy a stony look and slowly unbuttoned his hood
Folded it so as not to spill the puke
And very calmly advised the culprit to have it fully cleaned and dried for finishing time
It was
a piece in jam he annoyed her that much my mother turned and said if there were 2 kids at the gate both starving 1 was a prod. The other a Tim would you give the Proddy kid your piece naw maw came the answer awe would you give each of them some naw maw I'd eat it myself needless to say I got the slap in the jaw I was always behind him so he ducked as usual it was me that got it
Family tree
Memorial site
Shankhill Road
Belfast
BT13 2BL
