1926
2012
Kenneth Marriott Tarr, 85, of Concord died on Saturday, February 18 at his home on Beacon Street.
Ken was born in Columbus, Ohio on June 17, 1926, the son of late Samuel B. Tarr and Nelda (Marriott) Tarr. He was a 1944 graduate of Mt. Vernon High School, Mt. Vernon, OH. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the U. S. Army and served with the 737th Tank Battalion, known as "Patton's Spearheaders". His unit was engaged in many major battles of WWII including St. Lo, Bastogne, and the Battle of the Bulge. For his service, he was the recipient of two Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart.
After his honorable discharge, Ken relocated to Concord in 1946 and enrolled in the first class at New England College where he played on both the basketball and baseball teams. He then began a 23 year career as a typesetter with Merrimack Electro at the Rumford Press, where he assumed leadership positions with the workers union.
Ken continued a long and distinguished career in public service with his appointment in 1969 by then Governor Walter Peterson as the Commandant of the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton, NH. He served over two decades in that position and was instrumental in transforming the Home into a state of the art facility for NH veterans. His extraordinary service to the veterans of NH was recognized in 1993 when a new building at the facility was named in his honor. He also worked tirelessly on the initial development of the State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH.
He served on the Concord City Council, the New Hampshire State Legislature, Governor's Commission for the Handicapped, Long Term Care Task Force, Alzheimer's Disease Commission, and Prisoner of War Commission. Ken was a Legislative Officer of the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, a member of the Vietnam Veterans Council, Veterans Needs Assessment Commission, Chairman of VFW Post #1631 Scholarship Committee, and was the former President of the National Association of State Veterans Homes Administrators. He was a long time active member of many local organizations including American Legion Post #21, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Disabled American Veterans.
Ken was an avid and talented athlete who competed into his 50's. He was a renowned fast-pitch softball hurler known throughout New England. He coached American Legion Post #21 baseball for many years and also served as the District Director of American Legion Baseball. He was a player/coach on numerous local amateur basketball teams and was a mentor to many area youths. His passion for athletics continued throughout his life and, in his later years he took great joy in attending sporting and other events involving his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ken was a wonderful husband, father, and Grandpa to his family. A caring and humble man, he had a keen sense of humor and was a renowned storyteller. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.
He was pre-deceased by sisters Wilda Harris and Isabelle Payne, and brother Robert Ewart.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, M. Elizabeth (Betty) (Gately) Tarr, son Thomas and wife Sandra of Laconia, son Michael and wife Diana of Danbury, CT, daughter Tracey Tarr of Bow, and son John and his wife Carolyn of N. Falmouth, MA. Ken's grandchildren include Lori Derosier, Derek Tarr, Colin Tarr, Alissa Tarr, Aaron Phinney, Andrew Phinney, Rachel Wells, Liam Wells, Caitlyn Tarr, Julia Tarr, and Isabel Tarr and great-grandchildren Jacob Derosier, Matthew Derosier, and McKenzie Tarr. In addition, he is survived by his sister-in-law Margaret Thorpe and her husband Howard of Concord and numerous nieces and nephews.
The Bennett Funeral Home, 3 Church Street, Concord NH (The Brick Building) is handling the arrangements. Calling hours are scheduled for Wednesday, February 22 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm. A celebration of his life is scheduled for Thursday, February 23 at 1:00pm at the Bennett Funeral Home. A graveside service with military honors will immediately follow at Blossom Hill Cemetery.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory be made to the Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association, 30 Pillsbury St. Concord, NH 03301 or the NH Veterans Home Resident Benefit Fund, 139 Winter St. Tilton, NH 03276.
Arrangements under the direction of Bennett Funeral Home, Concord, NH.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
June 22, 2012
Alissa Tarr, Granddaughter
Months later, the pain of losing my grandfather is still evident and I miss his animated story-telling & hearty laughter dearly. However, upon his passing I have truly started to realize the profound effect he has had on veterans, community members, friends & family alike. Your kind words mean everything to me tonight as I read over your entries, encompassed in both sadness and fond memories. I can hear him now telling me that "It'll be alright, darlin"... Thank you all for your kind words, love & support.
March 8, 2012
Mandy Deshaies
I was in Florida the month of February and missed the notice. My husband, Larry Deshaies, was employed by Mr. Tarr as the Director of Social Services and was I, as an RN 25+ years. Mr. Tarr was so devoted to the well being of war veterans and for his employees. He was a wonderful man. My condolendes to the Tarr family, Mandy Deshaies
March 8, 2012
Mandy Deshaies
My husband, Larry Deshaies, was employed by Mr. Tarr as the Director of Social Services and was I, as an RN 25+ years. Mr. Tarr was so devoted to the well being of war veterans and for his employees. He was a wonderful man. Mandy Deshaies
February 28, 2012
My sincere condolences to all of you.
Mr. Tarr was a great asset to the community and a great person.Even though I was from the "other" park I always had a soft spot for Whites Park and especially the Tarr family. My deepest sympathy
Mike McGrath (Ocala,Fl)
February 27, 2012
Tom & Jennifer Luckern
Tracy and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Take care,
February 26, 2012
Rita & Dennis McDonald
Tom and Sandra, Denny and I wish to convey our condolences on the passing of your father. What a great life he lived - so honorable and respected by everyone. Even though he was blessed with long life, you are left with a great void in your lives and you will miss him deeply. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
February 25, 2012
Tom Walsh
My belated condolences to the Tarr family. I just returned from vacation and learned of his passing. As a former Post 21 player my family and I were quickly befriended by Ken and his family. My brother and I also enjoyed playing for Post 21 with Ken' sons, Tom & Mike. Ken's accomplishments at the Veterans' Home are well documented. His service to those in uniform and to humanity as a whole will long be remembered.
February 25, 2012
David Sandoe
A perfect human being has left us. Ken gave so much of himself for others. My condolences to Ken's family. Ken and I worked at Rumford Press for many years. He at one end of the top floor as a plate maker and I at the other end as a typographer. Ken was a leader, respected by fellow workers and the office. I will miss him.
February 24, 2012
Rick Mudge
My condolences to the entire Tarr family. Ken was a big help to me when I moved to Concord after my Dad died. Having served 24 years in the Navy I certainly appreciate the work and effort he put into Tilton. Sincerely, Rick Mudge. Westport, MA and New Port Richey, FL.
February 24, 2012
Linda and Rick Figari
Dear Tracey and wonderful family,
You are all in our thoughts during this most difficult time. You were blessed with a such an incredible man in your life, and he was terribly proud of you all. Take care and know that you are all in our thoughts.
February 24, 2012
Kenny, wherever you are, you must be beaming knowing you have a family that "get's it".
Being in their presence yesterday was a special right.
God Bless.
George Kallechey
February 24, 2012
Brian Burris
Hi Tracey,
I am so sorry to read about your father's passing. My Mom sends her thoughts as well. Thanks for being a friend all these years.
February 24, 2012
Wes Cook
Tom and Sandra--I am sorry for your loss. Ken always had a smile on his face and was so supportive of the community. The Tarr family is in my thoughts and prayers.
February 23, 2012
I worked with Ken when I worked with the Legislature. Not included in his obituary was his successful fight to get the National Cemetery in NH. He was also diligent in his attention to what was going on regarding retiree pensions in the NH Retirement System. I had great respect for him and know that a great person is now at rest.
MJ Turcotte.
February 23, 2012
Tom, I am sorry for your loss. I was out of town on family matters and was unable to his service. Dave Cooley
February 23, 2012
Pat Desanto
I was fortunate to have met your Dad, Mike. I would have liked to have known him for a long time,but Diana has shared so many stories. I feel I can appreciate the wonderful man he was.
February 23, 2012
My deepest condolences to the Tarr family.Mr. Tarr was one of a kind. A first class guy that has left a legacy in all that he has touched. My prayers are with you.
Sam Mahoney
February 22, 2012
Judy & Jerry Boulay
To Tom & family Although its difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you all tomorrow. Ken was a very thoughtful & caring man. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and the family.
February 22, 2012
Ceil Wilson
Dear Tracey
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad..my prayers and thoughts are with you.
Ceil Wilson
February 22, 2012
Janice Holmes
My thoughts and prayers are with you Tom, Sandy and family. May those memories that have been created as a family will always be with you.
February 21, 2012
Peter Boucher
My sympathies and condolences go out to the Tarr family. I am good friends with John (his son) and grew up together. He will certainly be missed...........Peter Boucher (Sun City West, AZ.)
February 21, 2012
RON ROY
CAITLYN I AM SO SORRY ABOUT THE DEATH OF YOUR GRANDFATHER. YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS
February 21, 2012
Karen Hildreth
Tracey and family,
How blessed the world, particularly New Hampshire, has been to have been touched by the skills of your father. Visiting the Veteran's Home, you can see that it was the dream of a person who fought for his country and knows what veterans need in the later years of their life. The Veterans' Cemetary is the epitome of honor for those who have served this country.
May God bless you and bring solace to you in the way of memories shared of happier days. We celebrate Ken's life and contributions.
February 21, 2012
We are in Florida at present but would like to express our condolances to Ken's wonderful family. Ken was such a great person in so many ways. We were privileged to know him. Jessie and Dick Osborne
February 21, 2012
frances monahan
February 21, 2012
Scott Chase
February 21, 2012
Gary Dodge
Tom,
My condolences to you and all of your family. I hope that all of you will be able to remember the fun times you had together. My thoughts are with you.
February 21, 2012
Don & Denise Labrie
To the Tarr Family
Please accept our deepest condolences. Ken was so involved in the community and his family. He will sorely be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
February 21, 2012
Joe Walker
Mr. Tarr was a mentor to me from the White Park days to the Concord Parks and Recreation youth basketball team. He guided me to many feats on the court that I don't think I could have accomplished without him as a coach, considering my size. Mr Tarr always told me, "I have faith in you Joe." Hats off to one of the greatest men that ever lived. Mike and Tom your Dad was the best. My deepest sympathy to the entire Tarr family.
February 21, 2012
We will miss Ken and hope he knows how much he was loved. He is one of a very few men who left this world better than he found it. Averill and Jane Cate
February 21, 2012
My condolences to the Tarr family. I worked with Ken at Merrimack Electrotype and played softball with him. He was a great guy and always fun to be around. I am sure he will be missed by many.Don Marquis
February 21, 2012
Susan Ewart Gordon
My family and I share your grief and sadness. Although the miles separate us, our fathers bind us together. Let us celebrate what great guys they both were for us and for others. Love to you all.
February 21, 2012
Dear Tom and Mike, Thanks to the eloquent Jeff Smith, I have just heard of your dad's passing. My condolences to you and the whole family ... he has left an incredible legacy of which you can all be proud. The memories of White Park are ever present ... Connie (Kallechey) Barnes
February 21, 2012
Gyme Hardy
My deepest sympathy to the Tarr family on your loss. Ken was a very kind and thoughtful man. I first met him during his tenure as Commandant of the Veterans' Home. After he retired, I enjoyed seeing him on his walks at the Mall....he never failed to stop and chat. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
February 21, 2012
Betty and family,
Ken and my Dad shared many happy times together. They are probably telling each other about some of their stories right now. Ken has left "footprints" on many hearts.
Love,
Jane and Steve Shaban
February 21, 2012
LOUISE DAY
I KNEW MR TARR AS HE WAS MY COMMANDER WHEN I WORKED AT THE TILTON VETERANS HOME. HE WAS DELIGHTFUL TO WORK FOR. MY THOUGHTS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY. MAY YOU ALL FIND COMFORT IN GODS LOVE.
February 20, 2012
Frances Monahan
I remember Ken as a child and then as an adult as the wife of the late Frank Monahan , he was such a warm and caring man and I feel the loss and understand the grief that you are all sharing at this time.
My sympathy is directed to you Betty, Tom, Michael, Tracey and John and to all of your family. He will be truly missed by all of you and his friends.
Your entire family is such a tribute to a wondeful man.
Frances Monahan and Family
February 20, 2012
Bob Chisholm
John and family, Sheila and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. I know how hard it is to lose a father; but the memories of the fun, laughter, and love you shared with your Dad will help get through these tough times. Bob
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