12 April 1936 - 4 Feb 2025
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Brian Aubrey Tarr, 88 years, of Barrie, Ontario, on Tuesday February 4th, 2025.
Brian’s early years were in Peterborough, ON with his brother Terry and parents Helen and Francis ‘Scotty’ Tarr. The family moved to Niagara Falls, Ontario where his mother earned a BA at Niagara College, New York and his father worked as an engineer at Acres in Niagara Falls. Brian and his younger brother Terry graduated from Stamford Collegate and shared interests, especially flying.
Brian and Terry earned their wings at the Niagara Flying club. There, Brian met Marion ‘Betty’ Willms, and they planned and achieved their respective careers of land surveyor and nurse before marrying in 1965. They took a steamship to Germany from New York for their honeymoon, and studied German while living there for six months with an international group of students. Brian and Marion used German here and there with each other their whole lives. It was a harkening back to their special time together as newlyweds.
When they returned, they found a home in Chippewa and soon after, Heidi was born. A few years later, Brian found work as a land surveyor with Ontario Hydro in Barrie, and the family moved to Davies Crescent in time for Tammy’s birth. Brian worked for Ontario Hydro and enjoyed golfing with his colleagues until he retired.
Brian had many interests over the years. He took up scuba diving and went on dozens of dives, some of them with his brother. He was an early adopter of computers, and loved to spend time exploring the world using the internet. He joined the computer Club in Barrie which he talked about fondly. He enjoyed taking French classes and kept going back for the humour of his class cohort, who nick-named him ‘Tiger,’ a counterpoint to his gentle character. He used to go running and swam with the Barrie Trojans Swim Club at YMCA and later at Allendale Recreation Centre. He always had a great appetite, and Fancy’s Fish and Chips was a regular haunt.
Brian was just so good-natured. He was known for his affable and easy way with people. He loved a good pun and those who knew him appreciated his sincerely friendly way. He will be remembered for his love of science, curiosity about technology, for his gentle laugh, his loyalty and love for his sweetheart Marion, and his gratitude for his family and for all those helping him as his health declined.
Brian is survived by his spouse Marion, daughters Heidi (Garret) and Tammy, grandchildren Fionnuala and Feidhlim, and brother Terry.
A private ceremony was held for the family in Wasaga Beach at Carruthers and Davidson Funeral Home on Thursday February 6, 2025.
A special thanks to everyone at Gardens of Wasaga Beach Retirement Home where Brian lived with Marion for the last six months. Deep appreciation to Campbell House Hospice in Collingwood for the tender care he and his daughters received in Brian’s last few days.
To Tammy Labine, Melissa Moreau, and Shelly Ferrigan, who cared for Brian with such kindness and generosity: your presence in his life was a blessing. We will always be grateful for the memories of your love and support
Brian said recently that he wished he sang more. Please make donations to Glowing Hearts Charity for youth music programs in Simcoe County.
Cheque: Glowing Hearts Charity, 31 Mountbatten Crescent, Barrie, ON, L4M 1T6.
E-transfer: [email protected]
Include your name and mailing address for a tax receipt.
To sign Brian’s Book of Memories, please visit www.carruthersdavidson.com