Tara Catherine Allman

ALLMAN, Tara Catherine Nora (nee Black) March 17, 1967 June 28, 2010

Tara, "Mother Nature" loved to run. She ran in joy, serenity and peace. She loved quiet spaces and literature. Tara married her soul mate and love of her life Zack. The role in life she relished most was being his wife and mother to their beautiful children Noah and Piper. She created a magical safe place for them all, a place with cookies and fairies. A place to grow and learn. Tara's creativity came out when the family played marimba. Tara loved to play and played with skill and passion. Tara courageously managed her illness with grace and dignity and was truly a special human being. She leaves many happy memories with her loved ones, husband, Zack, children Noah and Piper, Parents: Garvin and Tania Black, Brother Kent and his wife Tara, Nephews Jordan and Rowan, Mother & Father in law Jim and Susan Allman, special Aunty Jane, loyal friend Cheryl and many relatives in Ontario, England and Italy.

GONE TOO SOON

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We didn't know Tara, but we know of her from Gillian and Craig and from reading all the stories from all the families whose lives you touched. We are so sorry for your loss.

Rachel Allard & Martin Rathgeber, Chicago Illinois

My condolences to all of Tara's family. She will be sorely missed.

Paolo Caldato, London

Our condolences to your family. We are so sad that such a beautiful person and soul is gone from this world. Terry and I both have fond memories of Tara. My memories of Tara are from elementary school. I remember her laugh most of all, walking home from school, band, and our times running cross country. Watch those braids fly! Tara was always smiling and had the best handwriting ever : ) Terry remembers her from band and hanging out with her on the weekends when they were in Spencer. She touched our lives.
Both of us wish her and her family peace.
With love,
Gigi (Robson) Olney, Terry Olney, Nathan and Jeremy.
Tracy, California.

I heard about you,Tara,long before I met you.. and Zack, Noah, Piper. Byron talked about the trip to Kennedy Lake, your wedding, the Veggie Club.....When I finally met you all [Piper just 2 yrs old and so very very cute, Noah already mountain biking] I knew a special family had entered my life. A walk in the forest, lots of talking, muffins, laughter.....I left with lots of baby gear, and a special place in my heart for you all.

Tara..so kind and gentle, earnest and enthusiastic, fun, loving, running with the wind....a beautiful soul , a wonderful gift to your family and friends. You always had a special hug for Kai and lovely talks with Jonah [the same name as your beloved dog!] I loved spending time with you. I even heard about Home Schooling from you- how's that for changing a life?!

Zack, Noah ,Piper, please know our family is here for you now and always.

Over the past few weeks we've been to some places where we've met you all over the years. Dancing to Marimba at Providence Farm, my eyes met Jenny's, and soon tears were falling. And last year at Nhemamusasa, it was such a magical time... everyone dancing and having so much fun, and the kids playing into the morning hours. This year, it was so special again, ..... dancing and laughing, Marimba filling the night, Jonah finally sleeping in my arms...., Zack Byron, Noah ,Piper and Kai lying on the grass, watching the stars,....and Tara all around.

Elaine, Byron, Kai and Jonah - Victoria

My Dearest Tara,
I think of you every morning when I am running in the early morning silence with the dogs and thinking that somewhere in the spirit world you are doing so too:) It is a bond we share. I will always remember one of our first outings together at Helen's ?0 birthday and you and Zack quickly became the best dancing partners I have ever encountered!! We still laugh at some of the dancing moves, "dog with worms, the washing machine, churning the butter"! You guys were top of the list for Emerald's disco party. I think back now and realize where you were health wise during that time and feel sooooo touched that you all took the time to come to celebrate our girls' birthdays. I am picturing Piper at the Survivor party. Thank goodness you have raised her to be a Survivor girl who doesn't need to wear a bikini!! :) By the way, our week has totally changed because Survivor is on Wednesdays this fall!!! Can you believe it!!?? Zack said maybe he'll bring the kids up one night and we can have a Survivor sleepover! I will think of you ever wednesday night now. ( thanks for introducing me to another reality show that shall remain nameless! I've got one for you now I'll tell you that in private :) I think of how you took the time on Noah's birthday to come to our moon cycle celebration for our eldest and how touched she was. She wears the necklace all the time. I can't tell you what that meant to me but please know that I will be there for your girl when she needs it and maybe we will do something similar ( or not:) but I will be there, whatever it is she needs, celebrating her growth and change. By the way, thank you for introducing me to some great friends up here! You sure helped us find a little niche and made the move so much better. I'm only sorry you guys left as soon as we came. Fate was intervening. You are such an amazing person. I have never known anyone like you. One of my favourite things is your sense of humour. I miss your forwarded emails terribly. I have kept the last few emails you sent me just to read every now and then and it feels like you are still here. wish I could have done more, been more for you and your family. I know you wanted your privacy and I respect that. I hope that Zack and the children know we are here for them. You have an incredible partner there and I know he will take such great care of your children. I'm sure that has been the hardest part for you., leaving them. I hold our last conversation at May Day close to my heart. I am so blessed to have had a lovely chat with you and to be in your presence for some time. Had I known.........
I miss you Tara, I think of you always and I am here for your family with open arms.
I love you,
Jenny
and George, Belle, Emerald, Lavender, Poppy, and Honey White
from the Cowichan Valley

Dear Tara,

It seems hard to believe that you have gone, my friend. As you well knew, there are all these common threads that run through our lives so that now it seems as if you are just around the corner. I am so grateful:) I see Ella's little shoes and know you live on in the voices of your children. I've had many conversations in my head, in lieu of those lovely, earnest chats we shared, often snatched amongst the other goings on of our lives. In my mind's eye, I hold you playing marimba. You were luminous, Tara! You blessed us so with your wisdom, your delightful sense of humour and your kindness. We shared so many significant milestones along our way and now, we're walking on, Tara, holding you close.

With love,
Helen
with Adrian, Dan, Benja, Meah and Ella - Victoria

Tara and I didn't mind the breaks in between songs in marimba class. As Noah said "Mama and Lesley get the chance to gossip". We always managed to get in a quick exchange before starting the next song. We had so much fun, though we two were often very nervous before performing and would do a quick "clammy hands/sweaty armpits" check, laughing at ourselves and each other as we did it. For my 50th birthday present last year Tara organized the group purchase of a marimba. I was completely surprised and so touched by the gift and the time and thought that went into it. I have many happy memories of time spent with Tara. She was gentle and kind but with a little impy edge to her that I adored. Her birthday card to me last year sums up that edge - A 40's woman in a sweater set with one eyebrow arched and the words "old enough to know better, too young to give a rat's ass".

Oh Tara, I miss you. I will think of you every time I pick up my mallets. I'll see you on The Other Side, my friend.

With love,

Lesley, Michael and Lena
Mill Bay

I'm sorry to say I did not know Tara as well as I wanted. We started connecting only in the last year of her life. Tara was so filled with life that I didn't even realize she was sick. She never showed it if she ever felt sorry for herself. Tara lived her life with incredible courage.

Tara was truly in love with her children. She was tender and thoughtful in her words of Noah and Piper. They were the world to her, and she was so sweet to them. As a mother, she was inspirational. It's the memory of how beautiful Tara was in motherhood that I carry with me — a little part of Tara to inspire and help me.

I loved talking with Tara who enjoyed a good conversation about ideas. She was intelligent, funny and vibrant. Tara was always smiling and was a joy to be with. She was an amazing woman I wish I had known better.

Christina Schlattner, Sooke

Tara, Zack, Noah and Piper came to Matt's 8th birthday. At the time we had four little kitties. Piper was pleading hard to Tara for this little one.

Tara you were such a gentle, loving mother and I admired your softness.
I only wish that I had a chance to know you more.
Thank you for the memories that I do have.

With love to you, Zack, Noah and Piper.
May you be running from cloud to cloud shining your golden glow down on us.

~Kristal, Rob, Sam, Matt and Noah
Cowichan Valley

Tara,
our darling daughter, you gave us so much joy and laughter, the memories will be forever in our hearts.
God Bless our love, Mum and Dad

I will miss you terribly.
A big hug and a kiss - magic, inspiring always.
Forever loved.
~ Auntie Jane, Vancouver

To my lovely cousin Tara, today I went to Albert Head and saw your final resting place. The beauty and tranquillity gave me some peace from the awful, wrenching sadness of losing you. So many funny childhood memories, so much laughter and then your reflective spirit that touched me so much as we matured, became mothers and bonded even more despite the physical distances between us. I can't believe we will no longer talk on the phone, you won't offer calm thoughts and advice and giggles. I love you and miss you and look for signs of you in this beautiful land you inhabited and continue to inhabit with your spirit. Poo poo Tara.Tania
~ Tania Caldato Hayes, Mantova (but visiting Victoria)

Tara, when I think of you I remember you as a carrot topped two year old asking your daddy for a sweetie in an English accent. You were just the cutest, sweetest little girl with big periwinkle blue eyes. You grew up to be a beautiful woman, inside and out.

You were loved by a lot of people and this world will miss not having you in it. But heaven just got a little bit brighter.

Auntie Lorraine
~ Lorraine Warmington, Mississauga, Ontario

Our last meeting at Christmas was a very happy and hopeful one for the future. I admired you for your courage, strength and ability to still laugh. You will always be fondly remembered by myself and Uncle Mike.
~ Cheryl Allman, Sooke, British Columbia

One of the most beautiful women I had the pleasure of knowing. So full of love and life, so sweet and caring. We became friends long ago and by some crazy twist of fate you became family to me. I will always have a place in my heart for you. I hope that you are enjoying spreading your wings, I take heart knowing you will be watching over us all. xxoo Savanna
~ savanna levenson, yellowknife, Northwest Territories

We will miss you Aunty Tara more than words could ever express. Lisa, Tim, Nicola, Sarah and Alanah
~ Lisa Kravjanski, W. Vancouver

I am a long time friend of Tara and I was shocked and saddened by her passing. I have known Tara for over 25 years. Please send my deepest condolences to Zack, Noah, Piper , Mr. and Mrs. Black and Kent.

Doug Yuen, Victoria

My deepest condolences to the family at this time. Tara was a wonderful friend to grow up with. I will miss you Tara.
~Michelle Robertson (Boudewyn)

We may not know you well, but offer our deepest sympathy to you and your loved ones at this time.
Sincerely, Fran and Daryl Pallister. (Emma and Jimmy's grandparents, your neighbors.)

Deepest sympathy to Tara's family. Tara was a very special young woman. She will always be remembered by her family and friends.
George & Gail Madill.
Princeton

I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Tara's passing. She truly was a magical person. We had so much fun together as children. I will always remember her beautiful red braids! My heartfelt condolences to Zack and Piper and Noah; Tania, Garvin and Kent and family...you are in my thoughts and prayers.

~ Karilyn Walker, Victoria

Heaven received a true angel. To Tara's family - may your memories of Tara carry you through this difficult time and always know she will always be sitting on your shoulder.

Tania Downey (Flamand)
~ Tania Downey, Victoria

We only met Tara, Zack, and their beautiful children Noah and Piper a few years ago. We have admired their courage and strength. Our heartfelt sympathy to all the family. Rest in peace Tara.

~ Vivien & Joe Stott

Dear Sweet gentle Tara.
We treasure the times spent with you in Canada. You will always have a special place in our hearts. With Love. Sue & Mervyn
~ Susan Osborne, Portishead

The sound of Tara's giggles, the mischief in her eyes, the melody of her sweet and caring voice, the purity of the way she lived her life ... these things will never die. She is alive in the flowers, alive in the gathering clouds, alive in the music of wind chimes, alive in the sunlight on the waves, alive in the glint in a baby's eye. Anyone who ever knew Tara knows that she will be with us forever, and for that we are blessed. Thank you Garvin and Tania for your gift to all of us, in that beautiful, beautiful girl.

~ Dana Marie Warmington Kingstone, Toronto, Ontario

Even though we never met Tara we came to understand how beautiful and special a person she was through Tania and Garvin. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Tara's family.

Bob and Donna Thompson
Redding CA

Just reading through this guestbook shows how much Tara meant to everyone and what a special lady she was.
I will forever treasure the short time that I spent with Tara in 1998 - a lovely lady from a lovely family.
Our love goes out to all her family xxxxxx

~ Hannah and Jez Quick, Dorset, UK

I am heartbroken to hear about Tara. She was the best of friends. Anyone could see what a wonderful wife, mother, daughter and sister she was.

Her wonderful sense of humour brightened my life and her spirit lives on through Piper and Noah.

Gavin and Tania, you raised Tara to be a truly good and fun person. I know how much you loved her and I am so sorry for your loss.

Zack, even a brief meeting showed me what a wonderful couple you were together. You kept the twinkle in Tara's eyes and made her so happy.

My love to you all,

Teresa Sargent (Lindner)

I knew you not enough.
I knew you too much.
What a wonderful light,
you brought to the world.

With love to your family.
~ Roger Whitson, Victoria

I will so miss my dear friend, Tara. So quick to put a smile on my face, usually through her wonderfully joyous, and often hilarious anecdotes of her family life. Anecdotes which so reflected her amazing love and commitment to Zach, Noah and Piper. Tara, you truly were part fairy, or perhaps woodland sprite, and a bit of magic touched all of us when you were around. We will all remember that magic well.

~ Terri Lidstone, Comox

We are heart broken, words can not express.
You will forever be loved and missed.

~ Curt Katie, Nepean, Ontario

I have lots of wonderful mememories of Tara as we grew up through junior high & high school. I wish that we had kept in touch after Graduation. From the rest on the guestbook entries, not surprisingly, she touched many peoples lives in a very positive way. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered. Rest in peace my friend.

~ Pauline Holding (nee Kenneth), Delta

I’d like to express my condolences to the Family. I never meet Tara but I know it must be a terrible loss for her Family to bear. She watches over you from Heaven now.

~ Tom Dayton, Victoria

My heart is heavy as I have just learned this news. I too have wonderful childhood memories of Tara and all of the silly antics we got up to as children whether it was climbing trees, seeing who could stay up the latest at a sleepover or marvelling at her skill on the soccer field.

Though we lost touch through our adult years, she will have a lasting impact on me and my family and we will always remember her fondly.

Mr. and Mrs. Black and family, I am truly sorry for your loss and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

~ Gina Pala (Stenger), Victoria

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

~ Dave and Gail Murdoch, Victoria

I learned so many life lessons from Tara. I have carried her with me, all these years, hoping to one day catch up again and learn something new.
My heart and prayers go out to Garvin, Tanya, Zach, Noah and Piper.

~ Lynda Roach, Victoria

It is with a heavy heart I heard about Tara’s passing.

Although our adult lives separated us we shared many magical runs in the forest, laughter, and treasured teen-aged giggles.

Tara’s spirit lives on with those she touched throughout her life time.

My condolences go out to her entire family.

My thoughts, prayers, and blessings are with each of you.

~ Laura Vizina (Blank), Victoria

I last saw Tara eleven years ago when I was fortunate enough to be in Canada. I'll never forget the happy (too short) time we spent together. Love to you and condolences to all the family.

~ Jonathan Wall, Bristol

The loss felt by your family is unimaginable, but your legacy is so positive.

~ Lisa Crees, Bristol

Death leaves heartache, no one can heal. Memories are treasures, no one can steal. My love to the family, especially my friend, Tania – your loss is heaven’s gain. Stay strong my friend.

Love Debi Wince, Duncan, BC