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Frederick TAHK Obituary
Age 81, of Orchard Park, NY, passed peacefully on December 17, 2020. Chris was the beloved husband of Charlotte Tay Tahk; loving father of Alexander (Susannah) Tahk and Kathleen (Bryan) Tahk Lassner, and loving grandfather of Serena Tahk, Samuel Tahk, and Freyja Tahk Lassner. With a PhD in Chemistry and an MA in Art Conservation, Chris spent his career as Professor of Conservation Science and Director of the Buffalo State College Patricia H. and Richard E. Garman Art Conservation Department, retiring in 2004. A lifelong antiques collector, he was active with the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors and the Early American Industries Association. No services other than family are planned. Memorial contributions to the Buffalo State Art Conservation Department can be made at https://artconservation.buffalostate.edu/support-us. Arrangements by the F. E. BROWN SONS FUNERAL HOME, INC.
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Memories and Condolences
for Frederick TAHK
Joseph Paolucci
December 28, 2024
Chris was a good friend and fellow member of the Western New York Antique
Tool Collectors Association. We as a club miss his presence. Sincerely,Joseph
Paolucci
Joseph Paolucci
December 28, 2023
Still missing Chris at our club gatherings and his visits at Antique World. He was World Class. RIP Sincere Thoughts and Prayers, Joe Paolucci Treasurer
WNYATCA
Joseph Paolucci
December 28, 2022
Chris is sorely missed and fondly remembered.It was an honor to know him. The WNYATCA is not the same without him. Sincere condolences, Joe Paolucci
Mark van Gelder
January 9, 2021
Dear Tay & Family,
My heartfelt sympathies on your loss of Chris. I remember you both fondly from my time in Cooperstown, where you & he taught the conservation science classes for our class, (of 1988), together, and where he consulted with the students on our treatment projects, (in my case, particularly concerning an early 19th C. Silas Hoadley wooden gear clock). Two other fond memories of Chris are him recounting how his early chemistry experiments in his parents' basement nearly blew up &/or burnt down that house; and him deducing that a particular consolidation treatment made the whole objects lab smell like vomit because some of the polyvinyl butyral had degraded to butyric acid. Well, that smell itself is a fond memory only in retrospect, but Chris will certainly be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, and of benefitting from his legacy of so expertly guiding & insuring that the Cooperstown Program would continue to flourish on into the future, far from the banks of Lake Otsego.
Antoinette Baczkowski
January 7, 2021
Tay and family, my sincere sympathy for your loss. In time, I hope fond memories of all your together times will help to bring you peace of mind.
John Hartmann
January 7, 2021
I am truly saddened by this news. I can still see Chris' smile, and always think fondly of my days at Cooperstown with him. It was an honor to have been taught by him, and an honor to have known him. My favorite remberance was him closing his eyes as he lectured to us about Chemistry. He had his foot on a chair while he was talking, and took it off to step into the trash can. My days at graduate school from 79 - 81 were memborable with friends, students the Kecks, Dan, Cathy, Jonathon, and especially Chris. Rest in peace my friend.
John H. Verrill
January 6, 2021
We honor Chris's 48 years of loyal membership in the Early American Industries Association. We hope that happy memories will sustain you in your loss.
Ann. Boulton
January 5, 2021
Dear Tay and family,
I was a student of Chris´s at Cooperstown. He changed my life. I miss him too.
Toni Owen
January 4, 2021
Dear Tay and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Chris. He was a great teacher. My class (incoming 1974) was the first year he taught. I think Mrs. Keck talked him out of doing his third year internship in order to teach at Cooperstown. He was an extraordinarily prepared teacher and very enthusiastic about conservation science. I remember he once did a little dance to demonstrate how light waves travel. We all looked up to him and called him Mr. Wizard. I remember once meeting him in his office and seeing either a picture of, or model of, The Hunley, one of the first submarines used during the Civil War. I told him that according to my grandfather's family lore, my great, great grandfather, an engineer, helped build The Hunley. I remember how Chris's face lit up because The Hunley was one of his many diverse interests. We talked for quite a while about its fate (not good since it kept sinking) and its history.
Tay, am I remembering correctly that Chris did finally get to do an internship in Philly? I hope so- bet he studied clock restoration.
Chris was a brilliant, kind and generous man who will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Jane Bassett
January 4, 2021
My deepest condolences to Tay and family, what a terrible loss. With boundless generosity and a wicked sense of humor, Chris treated all of his students as family. Thank you for sharing him with us. I will continue to think of him often, always with a smile.
Cathleen Baker
January 4, 2021
I was devastated to hear of Chris´ death and my condolences go to Tay and his family. And to all of us who were so very fortunate to have known him as a superb teacher and devoted friend and colleague - we´ll keep him forever in our hearts.
Arlen Heginbotham
January 4, 2021
My most heartfelt condolences to you. I was a student of Chris's from 1996 to 1999. He was unceasingly supportive of us, always with a smile, and always with time to stop, talk, and listen. I have always admired his sincerity, caring, and gentle humor. I will miss him, and will continue to be inspired by his example.
Thomas Portue
January 4, 2021
I am completely devastated and saddened at the passing of my most beloved instructor. I am so proud to have studied under him during my days in Cooperstown. He made it memorable. And I'm equally as glad that I was able to attend the dedication in his honor at Buffalo in 2015. Such a gentleman. And such a great mind.
This loss will be felt by many.
Malcolm Collum
January 4, 2021
My deepest sympathies to the Tahk family. I was always astounded by his ability to act as the full time administrator and fundraiser for the Buffalo Program while teaching classes and remaining a warm and encouraging mentor for all of the students. He left a lasting impression on me by cultivating my professional specialization and by instilling a lifelong passion for the history of science and horology. I'll miss his genuinely sincere smile.
Rick and Sally Kerschner
January 4, 2021
Dear Tay and Family,
We are very saddened to hear of Chris's passing. Chris was a generous mentor to many of us and both of you were such welcoming friends to a young married couple during our wonderful three years in Cooperstown. Since then we have enjoyed his detailed personal responses to our Christmas letters each year. He will be sorely missed. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Brian Howard
January 4, 2021
My greatest sympathy to Chris' family and express my thanks for having had the opportunity to be under his teaching and guidance.
Liza Leto-Fulton
January 4, 2021
How fortunate we all were that our paths crossed with Chris' in grad school. I am forever grateful to Chris for his kindness , generosity, and leadership of the Buffalo/Cooperstown program. May you find peace and comfort from those who are close to you, Tay.
Marian Peck Dirda
January 4, 2021
Dear Tay and all the family,
Chris was a loved friend and great leader. I cherish my time living with Chris and Tay and other classmates at 19 Fair St in Cooperstown. We all had great fun, worked hard and looked up to Chris. He continued to do so much for the program and our field throughout his life.
Valentine Talland
January 4, 2021
Dear Tay, I was very sorry to hear about Chris. It was a privilege to know Chris as a teacher - in collaboration with you. And there are so many of us who admired his leadership as director of the program, advancing it in so many ways including the move to Buffalo. I send you and your family sympathy and best wishes, Val Talland
Rob Proctor
January 3, 2021
To say that Chris was one of the most talented and generous teacher and kindest of friends doesn't even begin to describe him. He was lived and will be missed by many!
Jill Whitten
January 3, 2021
Tay, I am so sorry to hear about Chris. I am grateful we got to speak a bit on the recent alumni 30th anniversary Zoom call. Chris was a wonderful mentor and so supportive even after we left school. So many colleagues considered him the man to call when there was a technical conservation question. He will be so missed. Take good care and best wishes.
Joseph Paolucci
January 3, 2021
Chris was a well respected member of the Western New York Antique Tool Collectors Assoc. His passion,knowledge,and quiet demeaner will be sorely missed.On behalf of the entire club,Rest in Peace Chris.
Susan Geerkin
January 3, 2021
Tay and family, I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
chuck Roeser
January 3, 2021
Our sincere sympathy to the Tahk family,
Chris was a great NAWCC member and always willing to share information on clock history and restoration.
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