Honoring Harley Tarlitz: Support for His Family

I somehow need to put into words that my father has died. His name was Harley, and he was wonderful.

Wonderful, and ridiculous; hilarious and kind. He was beloved by friends he’d kept over decades, by family, and by the incredible network of music lovers he connected with over bluegrass. I think he loved bluegrass more than anything except his family.

In addition to being an enthusiastic contributor and leader within the bluegrass community, my dad loved both travel and acting. Travel was both a career and passion for him. Growing up, rather than hearing fairy tales, I’d more often hear descriptions of the places he’d been and wonders he’d seen. He’d gone to college as an Anthropology major and that translated into immense joy and respect for various cultures, foods and global histories. He used this knowledge to help book awesome vacations for others during his time as a travel agent.

Acting was a late-blooming addition to his life, however still a point of great pride for him. Completely of his own initiative - and starting in his 70s! - my dad found roles as both character and background acting in movies with Brad Pitt, “Jackass”, “Deadwood”, and shows like “Westworld” and “100 Humans”. He was even in a video promo for the band “Ghost”!

My mind is a bit fuzzy, but I’d like to share a few favorite memory snippets. Some highlights were long, ambling hikes in Chatsworth and Woodley Park where my dad and I shared our love of nature. Building my dollhouse together – from scratch! This man even tolerated taking me to miniature museums and shops at the height of my interest in such things. I used to find, restore and sell “My Little Pony”s as a young teen. My dad would take me to flea markets and garage sales without complaint to hunt for plastic ponies. If that isn’t a testament of love, I don’t know what is. As an adult, my dad also became my friend. He comforted me through a divorce, and has always been there for my sister in times of strife.

Speaking of my sister, she and my father were exceptionally close. She sang with him at many bluegrass events over the years. She’s currently 5 ½ months pregnant with her first child, who would have been Harley’s only grandchild. She is grief-stricken and wishes to take some time, but would like to organize a jam memorial for his friends at a later date and will be posting from his FB account when we’re ready to put that together.

We’d like to hear from any of his friends and loved ones, what their favorite memories were of Harley Tarlitz – the man, myth and bluegrass legend. We love you and will miss you fiercely, dad.

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