The marine industry lost a highly valued member last week with the passing of Bob Tait after a long illness.
Bob Tait will be remembered by many in the marine industry through his companies Diversified Products and Tohatsu Outboards and for his many years of service to the marine industry.Â
In 2009, Bob became the first person to be awarded a life membership of the Marine Industry Association of New Zealand (now NZ Marine), in recognition of the enormous contribution Bob had made to the industry: seven years as president, two as vice president and many years as chairman of the Boating Industry Training Organisation. Bob was a major influencer and industry leader and helped shape the NZ marine industry to the success it is today.
He was also a member of the Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show Hall of Fame and a strong supporter of both the NZ and Auckland Boat Shows.
Bob was a great supporter of our publications, Pacific PowerBoat and Alloy Boat magazines and was always active in getting the Tohatsu brand name to the fore. He was an outstanding advocate for the marine industry and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
There will be a private cremation for Bob, followed by a memorial service in Wellington in a couple of months’ time and Jill has asked we keep NZ Marine members informed of details for this when available.Â
