1933
2015
Harold O. Tackett left us peacefully, at his home in Coarsegold, CA surrounded by his loving family, on February 23, 2015 at the age of 81.
Harold was a quiet, humble man of many accomplishments that he would never mention. Instead he always chose to focus on helping those around him to feel good about what they’d accomplished.
Those that were fortunate enough to spend time with Harold can attest to just how loving, kind, generous and endlessly supportive he was to everyone, whether family, friend, coworker, or student.
Harold worked in education for over 50 years and dedicated both life and career to helping children become strong, resourceful, and independent. He began his career as an educator while in the Air Force in the 1950’s, and then transitioned to public education, teaching at several schools in Madera County, California. In the 60’s he was a counselor at Woodrow Wilson Junior High in Hanford, where he met the person he loved most of all, his beautiful wife and best friend of 46 years, Roberta. In the 70’s he counseled at Scotts Valley Junior High. In the 80’s he moved to the Oakhurst area in the Sierra Nevada Mountains he’d loved since first coming to California, where he worked until retiring as Director of Special Services and Special Education for Mariposa County Schools. In retirement he continued to serve the children he loved so much as a counselor for the Boys and Girls Club of Oakhurst.
Harold was proud to be an Okie living in California, and he loved to make the road trip back to Oklahoma (always with the requisite stop in Las Vegas for a pull on the slots and a game of Keno) to spend time with his beloved parents Herman and Edith, sisters Geneva and Sue, brother Howard, and his many nieces and nephews.
Harold had a wonderful, dry wit and self-deprecating sense of humor. He loved fried okra, classic cars, western and World War II movies, Route 66, and Fresno State sports. He was a man wonderfully full of seeming contradictions: the consummately calm, immaculately dressed, dignified patriarch and administrator, who at the same time loved pulling pranks on family and friends. He leaves us, still chuckling, at the endless delight he took during car shows in activating a remote control fart machine he’d hide under a giant stuffed gorilla placed in the driver’s seat of his prized, unrestored, 1960 Impala convertible.
Harold was always there to aid anyone struggling or in need, especially children, and seemed to always know just what to say in the slow, calming, warm voice we will always remember and already miss so much. He comforted us in stressful moments with many down-home “Harold-isms” that immediately put things in perspective. He could simply say something like, “In twenty years, none of this will matter,” and somehow, said in that voice, with him there, the problem really didn’t seem matter all that much, and the world was suddenly a much less frightening place. What will matter for a very long time is the part of him that will stay with each life he has touched, the people he helped each of us to become, and how much his quiet, loving, counsel will be missed.
Harold is survived by Roberta, the wife he adored; his children, Kathy, Jeff, Patrick, and Tamara; his sister, Sue and brother, Howard; and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held on Friday, March 6, 2015 from 4-8pm at Sierra Chapel, 49269 Rd 426, Oakhurst, CA. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 10am at Oakhill Cemetery, 40188 Hwy 41, Oakhurst, CA followed with a Celebration of Life at New Community Methodist Church, 49223 Rd 426, Oakhurst, CA.
Remembrances can be made to: The Boys and Girls Club of Oakhurst, P.O. Box 2757, Oakhurst, CA 93644.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 7, 2015
Tory Turner
Harold Tackett was a wonderful man and a true gentleman. He will be missed.
March 5, 2015
Rex Edgmon
A very good man who will be sorely missed by all that knew him. I will never forget him helping me out in a time of need! Goodby uncle Harold from your nephew Rex. Roberta, thanks for being a great aunt too, wish I could have been there for the funeral but know that I am thinking of all of you.What a great guy and a great legacy of loved family.
March 5, 2015
Kristie Burson
Dear Jeff and family, Thank you for sharing this beautiful story of your father. You've honored him with this lovely tribute. I was not privileged to know Harold in this life, but it's obvious that his wisdom and wit live on in the family as his legacy. I know this is a great loss for you all. Sending my love and prayers...
March 4, 2015
Randy Edgmon
March 4, 2015
Randy Edgmon
Harold was my uncle. He was one of those hardworking and unpretentious members of the Greatest Generation. He came from a great family and he made a great family and passed those values down. His life ended in a fine and dignified fashion in his own home with his loved ones around him.
I have attached a picture taken at the last full Tackett family reunion in July 2011 in Oklahoma. It is of Harold comforting his big sister, Geneva, who was in an advanced state of Alzheimer's disease. She passed away a few months later.
March 4, 2015
From Jeff's friends at Mauzy Insurance Services, Inc., we send our deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of Harold Tackett. What a lovely tribute you are giving to him.
March 4, 2015
Dear Jeff and family: Please accept my sorrow upon the loss of a loving father and friend. I know you will miss him. Thank you for the above story of his accomplished life. I wish I could have known him. All my respect and love...Aunt Gerry
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