By Rick Wright

Staff Writer

“The earth has lost an amazing man. But heaven has gained a great soul.” 

That’s how Rachel-Leah Quill described the passing of her father, South Portland Firefighter Timothy Deane Carr, at a memorial service last week.

Approximately 250 friends, relatives and former co-workers attended the service that was held in the Hutchinson Union Building’s gymnasium at Southern Maine Community College.

Carr, of South Portland, died of cancer Dec. 18 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. Carr’s family was by his side when he died. He was 59.

Carr spent 25 years working for the South Portland Fire Department before retiring in 1998 as a captain. Following his retirement, Carr taught fire science courses at SMCC.

The memorial service was held with full firefighter honors that featured a bagpiper and color guard.

The crowd included many uniformed firefighters who came from Westbrook, Windham, Portland, Gorham and South Portland to pay their last respects to their fallen brother.

“In the classroom, Tim nurtured his students by working from the ground up,” said Matthew Duveneck, chairman of SMCC’s Fire Science Technology Department. 

“He never gave up on his students.”

A passionate community activist, Carr co-founded the South Portland Land Trust, helped establish the Pleasantdale Neighborhood Association, served as a trustee for the Spring Point Ledge Light Board and was a member of the South Portland Historical Society.

“Most people here today knew Tim Carr as a public servant,” said Quill. “I knew Tim Carr as a family man. He was a man of integrity. The way my father showed love to us was through acts of service.”

An expert gardener, Carr was legendary for growing the best fruits, vegetables and flowers in his neighborhood. He also had a special talent for making wine.

“You haven’t lived until you’ve tasted Tim’s wine,” said South Portland Fire Chief Kevin Guimont. Deputy Fire Chief Marty Toderico said Carr’s dandelion wine was especially good and potent. 

“I still have to smile when I think of Timmy,” Toderico said.

“God gave him a super green thumb,” said Peter Carter, Carr’s longtime friend. Carter sang two songs to open the memorial service.

After graduating from South Portland High School in 1968, Carr went on to earn associate degrees at SMCC in fire science and electronics technology. He also graduated from the University of Southern Maine with bachelor’s degrees in accounting and vocational technology.

Carr’s brother-in-law, Floyd Hartford, said of him: “It takes a lot of courage to be a firefighter and it took a lot of courage for Tim to fight cancer. He was a leader. He was great under pressure. That’s why he was a captain. He loved the fire department like all good firefighters.”

After the eulogies were over, Carr’s casket was wheeled from the gym, passing through an honor corridor of firefighters standing at attention, giving one final salute to the captain.

Firefighters gently placed Carr’s casket on the back of a 1941 antique fire truck provided by South Portland Fire Department’s Engine 6 Call Company for the ride to his final resting place, Brooklawn Memorial Park in Portland.

“The days of sickness and pain for Tim are over,” said the Rev. Bill Leighton, who presided at the memorial service. 

“The very moment that Tim drew his last breath, he was in heaven with God.”

Rick Wright can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 237.