Alvar Albert Tahti Obituary

Alvar Albert Tahti attended Casa Roble High School in Orangevale, CA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Alvar Albert Tahti.

Graduation Year	Faculty
Date of Passing	Jun 23, 2010
About	Art / Science Teacher The family of Alvar Tahti would like to reassure his many friends that his last days passed peacefully and securely at his home on Coon Creek in Lincoln, filled with family visits which he dearly enjoyed as he watched children and grandchildren, nephews, nieces and pets swimming in the creek outside his window. Alvar Albert Tahti was born in Hemet, California on March 20, 1927. His parents, Nels and Hannah, were Finnish immigrants arriving in the United States prior to World War I. Alvar's father, Nels, was a coal and copper miner, deeply involved and imprisoned without trial during the tumultuous labor conflicts in Red Lodge, Montana. Both Alvar's parents were dedicated to securing the rights and safety of working men and women of the era, a commitment and belief passed on to their son. Friends and family can readily attest to Alvar's unyielding belief in the rights and value of the working class. After the untimely death of his parents during his years at Venice High School, Alvar joined the Navy during World War II, training as a medic for the planned invasion of Japan. History records the events that led to the Japanese surrender. Subsequently, Alvar spent a year aboard ship, a voyage during which he witnessed the devastation of World War II throughout Asia, the Middle East and Europe. After the Navy, Alvar returned to Southern California, where, supporting himself by house painting he attended Loyola University, UC Santa Barbara, UCLA and USC, where he graduated with a Masters Degree in Art. He turned to teaching both science and art in El Segundo and San Juan Unified School Districts, a career that brought him lifelong friendships. While at UCSB, Alvar married Deneige Dunn, later moving to El Segundo, where they enjoyed raising their two sons, Nels and Karl. During this time Alvar lost his beloved sister Suoma and her son. Alvar's niece, Johanna, continues to hold this most precious connection to his lost family. Later, in Finland, Alvar had the wondrous good fortune to finally locate and meet his older brother, Toivo Metsatahti. In the early sixties, Alvar married Jane Fleming of Lincoln, California, and together they built their home on the Fleming Ranch in rural Lincoln. Alvar and Jane raised two children, Elizabeth and Thane, in this idyllic setting and their lives were made whole by visits from sons Nels and Karl. Alvar also loved the ocean and enjoyed gardening, home winemaking, backpacking and travel. Alvar's great joy was building his timber and glass home on Coon Creek, working alongside his sons, Nels and Karl. His home is graced by his own paintings, as well as beautiful artworks created by friends. It was in his hand built home that he enjoyed his last weeks with his wife, Jane; son Nels' widow Angela Tahti and family, Sarah and Mike Prince, Maya, and Nina; son Karl Tahti and family Heidi, Emily and Karly; daughter Elizabeth Bokisch and family Markus, Anton and Stefan; son, Thane Tahti and family Janet, Olivia and Elise; and his brother-in-law, Al Fleming and children; with Alvar's niece, Johanna and her family completing the family circle. Although Alvar's son, Nels, had gone before him, it seemed he, too, was there with his brothers and sister, caring for his father. The family extends their thanks to the comforting acts of family and friends. If donations are considered, please support the good works of Shriner's Children's Hospital of Sacramento. Published in Gold Country Media Newspapers on July 1, 2010