Barton H Tayer

Barton H Tayer, “Bart”, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, dear friend and colleague to many, passed away peacefully at the age of 89.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, in 1935, Bart was the youngest son of Nathan and Pearl (Goldberg) Tayer. Bart’s early years were marked by family gatherings, neighborhood sports, and summers at Brookwood Camps, which he loved so much that he later returned as a counselor.

After graduating from Midwood High School, Bart attended the College of William and Mary, where he balanced academics with fraternity life and a job at Danny’s Campus Grill. Bart, a government major, made the unconventional choice to apply to dental school at the urging of a friend which then necessitated a summer dedicated to the prerequisite science courses. He graduated from Tufts Dental School in 1960. It was while in dental school that Bart met and married the love of his life, Marjorie Horvitz.

Bart's dental career began in the U.S. Army where he achieved the rank of Captain. After returning to civilian life, Bart then earned a degree in orthodontics as well as a master’s degree in the Science of Dentistry at the Boston University School of Dentistry. Bart then went on to establish a thriving 30-year private orthodontic practice in Brookline.

Bart was active in his professional life as president of the Brookline Dental Society, the Northeastern component of the Edward Angle Society and the Northeastern Society of Orthodontists. He also mentored orthodontic students as a faculty member at Boston University and then Harvard University Dental Schools, where he served as Director of the Orthodontic Teaching Clinic. He also taught the Doctor/Patient course and a seminar in the Harvard School of Dentistry. In recognition of his outstanding service to the orthodontic profession, Bart was presented with the Frederick Moynihan Award from the Massachusetts Association of Orthodontists.

As a proud and involved 61-year resident of Brookline, Bart served as a Town Meeting member and as long-term chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Consistent with his strong commitment to public service, Bart also held leadership roles in local organizations, including Chairman of The Brookline Community Foundation and Co-Chair of the Brookline Civic Association. The beautiful trees lining Bart’s home street of Harvard Avenue in Brookline are a lasting legacy, the result of an encounter Bart had with the Town arborist.

Bart was passionate about physical activities, frequently walking from Brookline to the Harvard Club in downtown Boston for workouts, swimming a mile in the pool at Wightman Tennis Center in Weston, where he served as a former president, swimming in open oceans and playing tennis wherever he could. As a founding member of the Bay Club in Mattapoisett, Bart also developed a fondness for golf, despite occasional frustrations with the game. He also loved sailing on his boat, the “Pearl,” at his beloved summer retreat in Mattapoisett.

A lifelong sports fan, Bart transitioned from rooting for the Brooklyn Dodgers to being a devoted supporter of Boston’s teams. An evening relaxing on the couch, with reading material in hand and the latest Patriots, Celtics or Red Sox game on the television, was his comfort zone. Bart also cherished evenings at the theater and opera, or just listening to classical and Broadway show music.

Above all, Bart was devoted to his family. He delighted in the achievements of his children and grandchildren and cherished time spent together. Bart lived by his favorite expression, “You only live once”, embracing life with generosity, dedication, and love. His family and friends will miss him deeply. Aside from his adoring wife, Bart leaves behind his three children, Amy Goldman (Howard), John Tayer (Molly) and Suzie Montgomery (John); along with 6 grandchildren, Max, Morgen & Sam Montgomery and Nate, Zach & Lucas Goldman; and great granddaughter, Murphy Montgomery. He is predeceased by his parents and his brother Donald.

The memorial service will be private.

We welcome you to visit with the family at the home of Amy Goldman, on Monday, January 20 from 10:00am-1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brookline Community Foundation, 40 Webster Place, Brookline, MA 02445-7937, www.brooklinecommunity.org