Tribute

Tamar Griggs was born Dec 4, 1941 in Tacoma, WA to Johanna Frieda Clement and Chauncey Leavenworth Griggs. She passed away from natural causes at her home on Salt Spring Island on the morning of Dec 27, 2024. She is now reunited with her cherished sister, Naomi Griggs.

Tamar lived with a sparkle in her eyes, endless curiosity, a deep love for her family, the Salt Spring community, and hundreds of creative projects that she pursued with passion through her final days.

In the early 1970’s Tamar taught children’s workshops about whale conservation. She compiled a collection of their poetry and paintings about whales, which was published as a book titled “There’s A Sound In The Sea”. The Smithsonian Institute created a traveling exhibition with the book for the UN Marine Mammal Conference.

In 1980 Tamar earned a Bachelor of Education from Simon Fraser University, with a double minor in Biology and English.

After enriching periods of her early life spent in New York and Vancouver, Tamar decided to settle on Salt Spring Island. She chose to raise her daughter in Sansum Narrows on rural property with boat access only. It was there, at Bold Bluff, where she ran a Nature Retreat, inviting people to experience her hearts’ home for many years. She chronicled some of the wild and magnificent experiences of living remotely in a series of essays called “Tales From Bold Bluff”, published in the local newspaper.

Tamar was a dedicated people and wildlife photographer. She spent countless days sitting in a blind waiting for a baby eagles first flight, patiently observing seals, whales, and herons, and rarely missing a chance to photograph a full moon rising. She took so many photos of the community that she held an exhibit at Art Spring in 2015 called “Faces of Salt Spring”.

After moving to Ganges in 2012, she poured her energy into writing and selling photographic art products at Mahon Hall and the Saturday Market. In 2024, at 82 years of age, she completed “Tamar At Sea: A Memoir”, which made her very proud and happy.

Tamar leaves behind her beloved daughter Maya Griggs Acosta, grandchildren Luna and Maya R Acosta, brother Mark Griggs, loving extended family, many friends, and her little dog Zuri.

You can visit Tamar at the SSI Natural Cemetery in the Barred Owl Site, or in the still moments by sea, forest, or under a blanket of stars.