Holladay, UT-It is with great sadness and deep sorrow, yet with many fond memories, that we announce the passing of our beloved Thomas Michael Zarr at the age of 80 on September 10, 2025, after struggling with cancer. Thomas was born to Eudora (Billings) and Michael Cahir, a surgeon and Captain in the Army, on New Year’s eve of 1944. Michael passed away in a vehicular accident shortly after returning to service in WWII. Eudora continued to raise young Thomas under the watchful eye of her parents and with the help of extended family.
Eudora taught English and French at East High School in Salt Lake City. An “office” romance led to her marrying a co-worker (Valois Albert Zarr) who taught German, Debate and coached Soccer. Thomas played soccer, excelled in debate, and became an Eagle Scout and Sterling Scholar. He also spent time in Germany as a foreign exchange student.
Tom’s achievements earned him enrollment at Trinity College in Connecticut. As a sophomore at Trinity, he attended a mixer at a time when Trinity was still an all-male institution and Connecticut College was all-female. He met Louise (Snay) on a blind date who became the love of his life, a dedicated mother and particularly dedicated wife, especially when it came to Tom’s health and care in later years.
Despite Eudora’s insistence that Tom apply to Harvard Law, he opted for Boston College wanting to stay close to Louise where he earned his J.D. As a “Legal Eagle” and soon-to-be father, he signed up for Army Reserves during the Vietnam War figuring that some choice in the matter was preferable to being drafted. He enlisted at the rank of Private and specialized as a medic tending to the wounded, ultimately concluding his service as Sergeant. A job opportunity in Salt Lake City drew the young couple west in 1971 where they started a family.
Tom managed to pass the bar exam in two states on first attempts and secured a license to practice in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. He practiced law as an associate, specializing in transportation and public utilities while also becoming the “family lawyer” where he joked about his special family rate: charging double. He became a senior partner in two firms before going into private practice. He also opened a small business specialized in non-emergency medical transportation that he eventually sold to another provider. All of Tom’s legal colleagues knew him for his quick wit and sense of humor. Interactions with them revealed his genuine warmth and humor in a field not associated with either.
Tom enjoyed collecting model trains and nutcrackers, keeping fish, and in his younger years, taking his family skiing on weekends. He was a caring father, gracious father-in-law and beloved grandfather. His three grandchildren were the apples of his eye. Aidan will miss his visits with “Big Ba”, Elliot will miss playing Chess with his “Graham-Paw” and Sadie will miss sitting in the lap of her favorite “Santa.”
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Louise; his son, Thomas Jr (Emily); his daughter, Melissa (David) and 3 grandchildren: Aidan Michael, Elliot Thomas and Sadie Grace.
He will be laid to rest with Eudora and Valois at Mount Olivet cemetery in a private ceremony.
