Eldred Tait Hunter, Jr.

"Tait" passed at Liberty Shores Harbor House facility in Poulsbo, WA on September 24th, after a heartbreaking 13 year battle with Alzheimer's. He was born on May 19, 1924 in Pendleton, Oregon, later moving to Washington DC in 1941 to begin engineering studies at George Washington University. He interrupted his college studies to become a Merchant Marine engineering officer for the remainder of WWII. While serving in the Atlantic, he was credited with saving a ship and its crew from a potentially catastrophic engine room fire. He returned from the war, married May L. Mooney of Redlands, CA, completed his engineering degree at GW, and then worked with his father for several years. He then spent over 37 years with Lockheed Aircraft Corp., serving first in the "Skunk Works" in Burbank, CA, and later at "Plant 7" in Marietta, GA. During his career he worked as a field service representative, maintenance instructor, parts design specialist and ultimately as an engineering Department Head. Projects he was involved with included the F-104, C-130, C-141, C-5A, XV-4 and the Stealth Fighter. He retired in 1988. Until being sidelined by Alzheimer's, Tait was an active member of Kiwanis International, a driving instructor for AARP, an avid golfer and an incorrigible "tinkerer". He was preceded in death by his wife, May Hunter and his sister, Patricia Stromberg. He is survived by his son David and daughter-in-law Suzanne, of Bainbridge Island, WA, grandchildren Ramona, Keith, Nicholas and Nicole, and one great-grandchild, Hunter. A private family memorial service was held in Seattle, WA, with interment to take place next to his wife in the Cremation Garden of the St. James Episcopal Church Cemetery in Marietta, GA. Arrangements are under the direction of Cook Family Funeral Home (Bainbridge Island, WA) and Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home (Marietta, GA).