Frederick H. Tarr III, 83, of Rockport, passed away at his home in Rockport on Tuesday evening, September 25, 2018. Ted was born in Newton, MA on September 20, 1935, the son of the late Frederick H. Tarr Jr. and Elizabeth (Rogers) Tarr. He attended both Gloucester High School and the former Governor Dummer Academy, followed by his pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA.
After college he served in the U.S. Army, as Specialist 5 in the language interpreter service, spending time in Japan using his knowledge of Russian. Once back in Massachusetts, he worked in the state laboratory in Framingham, focusing on cancer research, then moved to Arthur D. Little, where he worked for a number of years while living on Beacon Hill, before returning to Cape Ann. Throughout his life, Ted’s passion was nature, wildlife, and hiking, as well as local politics and public service, and he was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.
The stories about Ted are truly endless, but one of the most interesting is how he purchased a mail order alligator while in the 6th grade which he named “Alger Hiss”. He kept the alligator as a part of his family for forty four years! Passionately committed to the environment, he offered his services for many years as an environmental consultant – always recognizable by his license plate, “Eco-Sys”.
He actively worked to preserve many of Rockport’s treasured open spaces, including the Atlantic Path, Halibut Point State Park, Thacher Island, Woodland Acres, the Kieran Preserve and many others. Ted also served on countless town committees and boards including the Rockport Board of Selectmen, Conservation Commission, Planning Board, and the Millbrook Meadow Committee, among others. His interests and passion extended to the whole region, however, and he was also an active supporter of Cape Ann Trail Stewards, Es County Greenbelt, Dogtown Advisory Committee, and many other conservation groups.
He also served for many years in Rockport’s Forest Fire Service, and his classic Hummer was a fixture in the Annual 4th of July Firemen’s Parade, often serving as a platform for “cousin Bruce” – State Senator Bruce Tarr. What Ted may be best remembered for, however, is his devotion to his weekly Sunday Morning Walks through the woods of Cape Ann, which he led for more than 40 years. He carefully planned his walks and typically trimmed and blazed the trails the day before to make sure the going would be easy for everyone else.
The Sunday hikes continue to this day, led by others who are committed to keeping Ted’s weekly tradition going. Ted is survived locally by his first cousin Sharon H. Chace and her husband Ernie of Rockport, along with a number of more distant relatives scattered around the country. In keeping with Ted’s explicit wishes, there will be no visiting hours or church service.
Instead, because of his love for all of nature, a short hike will take place in his memory at Halibut Point State Park on Sunday, October 28 at 11 a.m., rain or shine. Family, friends and acquaintances are cordially invited to join in this walk, in remembrance of Ted and his work for nature. Gifts in his memory can be made to the Thacher Island Association, the Millbrook Meadow Conservancy or the environmental organization of your choice.
Arrangements are by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester.
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