Son of Former City Manager Dies at 29

The 29-year-old son of former city manger Joe Tait who has been called playful, happy and full of life by friends, died Sunday morning. 

Jeffrey William Tait was born Nov. 13, 1981, in Provo, Utah. His parents, Joe and Denise, were "thrilled, scared and excited to start their new family," an obituary states. He is survived by his wife, Emily, and young daughter, Taylor.

Joe Tait was an from July 2009 to March 2011, and currently works as a consultant to the city's utilities department. His first son, Jeff, evolved into the "greatest" of big brothers to Greg, Jennifer—who died in 1985—and Jason, according to the obituary.

"I was heartbroken to hear about Joe's son," said Kelly Tokarski, the city's spokeswoman.

The obituary did not disclose a cause of death.

Jeff spent two years on a mission to Boise, Idaho, before marrying Emily Pryor in 2003. That year the couple honeymooned in Kauai where Jeff fell in love with the islands. They soon gave birth to their daughter, Taylor, "who is talented and cherished beyond description," the obituary states.

"One thing I know for sure is how much he loved his baby girl, Taylor Jane,"  a friend posted on Jeff's Facebook memorial page. "There wasn't a time we would chat that he wouldn't mention her name," the post said.

The obituary goes on to describe Jeff as a trusted friend with immense talents and loyal companions, who "gave unconditional love without prompting."

Chapel services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Eternal Hills Memorial Park Chapel in Oceanside.