LITCHFIELD, N.H. — Specialist Arick Michael Tarr, 20, died unexpectedly July 30, 2011, in his barracks at Fort Lewis military base in Tacoma, Wash. He was born Jan. 13, 1991, in Portland, Maine, the son of Richard and Jennifer Tarr.

Arick went to South Portland High School, after which he joined the Army, where he became an 11 Bravo Infantryman Soldier and served with the HHC 2-1 Infantry 22nd Brigade Company, and where he proudly completed a one-year tour of duty in Afghanistan. Arick received many honorary awards during his time of service, 1) National Defense Service Medal, 2) Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, 3) Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, 4) Army Service Ribbon, 5) Overseas Service Ribbon, 6) NATO Medal, 7) Combat Infantry Badge, 8 ) Marksmanship Qualification Badge, and 9) Overseas Service Bar. Arick was preparing to get out of the Army in January, when he was excited to move back to N.H. to go to college and start a new life with his lovely fiancée, Stefani Greco.

Arick spent last month visiting friends and family in Maine while taking a two week leave from the military. Arick set up water slides on the hill for his brothers, played video games with them, and then watched movies with them at night. Tanner and Wyatt looked up to their big brother, who loved them very much. He also enjoyed playing with his six cousins who ranged in age from 6 months to 10 years old. He had many more aunts, uncles, and cousins that were important to him and with whom he shared a great many memories. Arick had a very special relationship with both sets of his grandparents, who spoiled him with love and affection and whom he loved very much.

Arick’s smile lit up any room he walked into and anyone in that room would have to smile, too, because it was so contagious. His personality was bigger then any room he ever walked into and he had such a strong presence whenever he was around. Starting in elementary school Arick always fought for those kids who couldn’t fight for themselves, and then he decided to defend his entire country and fight for all of us so we wouldn’t have to. His Mom and Dad are tremendously proud of his accomplishments with the military; he’ll be forever loved and missed by all.

In addition to his parents, Arick is survived by his two brothers Tanner and Wyatt; a fiancée, Stefani Greco; grandparents Tom and Mary Ann Tarr of Gorham, Rick and Diane Dobson of South Portland; aunts and uncles Justin and Christine Dobson of South Portland, Jamie and Geoff Crain of South Portland, and Jessica Dobson-Roma and Todd Roma of Raymond.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Center for Grieving Children at 555 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME 04101, in Arick’s honor.

Visiting hours were held Wednesday, Aug. 10th at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland. A Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 11th at Saint Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road, Scarborough, followed by a reception at the Church. Interment will be private at a later date.