John "J T" Tarwater
Remembered with photo journal and story
Past Commander Post 291 and Staff Commodore ALYC
| click start picture below for picture storybook
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On the new page,
use the scroll arrows to move from page to next page or back a page | | A Toast to J.T.
by Ruth Spittler (Roxie's Mom)
We honor J.T. who's passed on.
As honest a man as you'll ever know.
He smoothed and ruffled feathers among us
While we laughed at his wit soft and slow
His hand was out in a greeting
When strangers joined into the fold,
With a grin he made everyone welcome.
Then, there were the stories told.
Goodbye, Dear Friend, we shall miss you.
We toast your good life with love
As you join the Post Everlasting
And watch over us all from above. |
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A virtual flotilla of 21 vessels including two Harbor Patrol boats assisted in taking twice Commander Post 291 and Staff Commodore ALYC John "JT" Tarwater; to his final resting place off the coast of his beloved Newport Harbor.
A beautiful blue sky with billowy white clouds along with a warm sun shown down on the flotilla of boats as they made their way out of Newport Harbor on Sunday morning, November 12th with his remains. The Harbor Patrol boat skippered by JT's long time friend Deputy Sheriff Terry Lundy lead the procession down through the harbor using the boats water-gun as a show of support for all that JT had done for Post 291 and Newport Harbor. JT's remains were carried out to sea on his beloved boat the "Adventurous" skippered by his friend Garth Blair.
His ashes were scattered out beyond the jetty along with flowers and rose petals and a fair amount of JT's favorite drink, vodka along with some silver dollars to tip the bartender of the deep. The vessels then slowly circled the spot where he was laid to rest; three times in a counter clockwise manner and headed back into Newport Harbor where a celebration of JT's life took place at Post 291.
There were well over 250-300 guests who took part in this wonderful show of love and support for JT and Roxie and the rest of his family. Following a short memorial service and prayers hosted by current Post 291 Commander Randy Eling and Post Chaplain Bob Carolan along with JT's son John Tarwater Jr who gave the eulogy; everyone gathered outside on 15th Street for the twenty-one gun salute and full military honors that were rendered by Post 291 Honors Rifle Squad and Color Guard. The Flag of our Country was presented to JT's widow Roxie by Squad Commander Connie Rapp and then family and friends casts rose pedals upon the waters of the harbor in JT's honor.
A beautiful buffet (we called it a JT Dock Party) followed the ceremonies in the Great Hall and story upon story of JT and all his friends were told over and over again all afternoon on the patio. I'm sure JT would have really loved the send-off he was given by his family, friends and comrades at Post 291.
As I told Roxie and the family..... the patio at Post 291 isn't going to be the same without JT being around.... he will be very much missed, but I'm sure he will be looking down upon us all and still guiding us through the tough times.
May He Rest In Peace... Connie Rapp |
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