Ken Tait
Founder. Innovator. Patriarch.
Celebrating a life built on integrity and vision.
It is with profound respect and love that we honor the life of our founder, Kenneth E. Tait. For over six decades, Ken was the visionary force behind TAIT, transforming a small consultancy into a nationwide leader in engineering and environmental services.
But beyond the blueprints and business achievements, he was a devoted husband of 68 years to Valetta, a father of four, grandfather to eleven, and great-grandfather to fourteen. His legacy is not just in the structures he designed, but in the generations he inspired.
1930-1955
Service & Foundation
Before laying the foundations of a company, Ken laid the foundation of his character. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Following his service, he pursued his passion for building, earning both his bachelor’s and doctorate degrees in Civil Engineering from Montana State University.
1957
Striking Potential
Ken’s career began with adventure. Joining Standard Oil, he became the primary engineer for the team that located El Gattar #1, the very first oil well in Libya. This spirit of exploration and precise engineering would become the DNA of his future company.
1964
A New Beginning
Looking to start something new, Ken moved his family to Orange County, recognizing the area’s beauty and booming opportunity. In 1964, he founded TAIT & Associates. As California’s population rapidly expanded, Ken supported major oil companies, designing gas stations and intersection plans that became synonymous with the state’s growth.
1970's-1980's
Innovation & Expansion
Ken was never content with the status quo. He became an early innovator in air pollution control, holding several patents for gasoline vapor recovery and containment—technologies still employed globally today, driven by a commitment to community safety, he founded TAIT Environmental Services, expanding the company’s footprint to include fuel containment and regulatory compliance.
1990's-2000's
Developing the Future of Orange County & Beyond
Under Ken’s guidance, TAIT scaled its operations to include infill development, airport fueling systems, and military facility design. The firm evolved into a multi-disciplinary powerhouse, delivering major commercial, retail, and residential projects that drive community development locally and nationwide.
Ken's Legacy
Faith, Family, & Philanthropy
Ken’s impact extended far beyond the boardroom. He was a pillar of his community, holding leadership positions in Legatus and the Knights of Malta.
However, his greatest pride was his family. We celebrate the journey of an entrepreneur through three generations of leadership. As we look toward the future, we carry forward the values Ken instilled in us: hard work, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to people.
Kenneth Tait passed away on February 14th, 2025, peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family who all love him and will miss him dearly. He is survived by his loving wife, Valetta, of 68 years, four children, eleven grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.
