Tim Beau Mar

Tim Mar, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away on September 14, 2026 at the age of 77.

Tim was born in El Centro, California, where he spent most of his formative years. He often recalled playing at the family’s grocery store, summer vacations at Jacumba to get away from the scorching El Centro heat, being treated to Foster Freeze by his cousin Jimmy, and other stories of growing up in a small town in the 1950s and 60s.

Quite the chatterbox, when he was young he would often have to stay late at school because he talked too much. One of his classmates signed his yearbook “to the little guy with the big mouth”. He was always ready with a witty comeback, joke or a story.

Tim had a lifelong fascination with history—including the American Indian Wars, Civil War, the World Wars, the British Imperial era of the 1800s, and French Colonialism. These interests are reflected in his expansive book and movie collections as well as the many trips he organized to Europe and Asia throughout his life (particularly France and Vietnam) and often with large groups of both family and friends.

He was also passionate about photography. When Tim moved to San Francisco in 1969, he joined Kearny Street Workshop and set up a darkroom in his apartment bathroom. He loved to roam the city taking photos and exhibited his work with other Kearny Street artists.

He completed his degree at San Francisco State University and obtained a teaching credential. For the next 40 years, he dedicated his career to educating generations of students in San Francisco's Chinatown. “Mr. Mar” was known for his thoughtfulness and generosity, often treating students to a meal or snacks, taking them trick-or treating, or attending their sporting events. Many of his former students came back to visit him, and if they were ever fundraising through selling candy or magazine subscriptions, Mr. Mar would always oblige.

While at San Francisco State, Tim met his future wife Melissa. They married in 1980, and later welcomed their daughter Arianne and son Alec. Being a father brought Tim so much joy. He loved to peek through the school fence to observe them at play or surprise them with snacks or hot lunches, and was a dedicated chauffeur who always made sure his kids got home safe. Becoming a grandparent to Robyn opened Tim’s heart even more, and she brought him many smiles in his final years.

Family was the cornerstone of Tim’s life. He was close to his father Jim, his mother Jane, and his siblings Judy, Janice, Jo Ann, Anna, and Gary, as well as their spouses. He loved to visit, share holidays, and take vacations with them, as well as his many cousins and extended family members.

Tim is survived by his wife Melissa, daughter Arianne (Alex), granddaughter Robyn, son Alec (Ashley) and community of family, friends, and former students and colleagues who will remember his warmth, humor, and curiosity. He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to the Alzheimer's Association at https://www.alz.org/ or other charities.