SANFORD — When Jack Tarbox, 88, died on Christmas Eve 2016, the world lost a brilliant mind and a wise soul.

Jack grew up in Sanford, and after graduating from Sanford High he went to MIT on a full scholarship, earning a degree in aeronautical engineering. Fresh from college, he moved to Long Island to become lead engineer on what was then a top-secret government project to design a nuclear-powered aircraft. He grew his famous beard at that time to make himself appear older. When that project was completed, he returned to Sanford to become chief engineer at the Lake Aircraft Corporation, manufacturers of several models of the Lake amphibious airplane. He was also a designated engineering representative for the Federal Aviation Administration, a title he held well into his 70s.

In college, he loved architecture as much as he loved airplanes, so he taught himself to be an architect by using the MIT library at night. It is difficult to go anywhere in the area without seeing one of the many beautiful houses he designed. He designed most of the buildings in Springvale Square during its urban renewal project. Later, he did a great deal of pro bono design work for the Town of Sanford, including the municipal tennis courts, the baseball park and several school playgrounds.

Jack was a true Renaissance man. An avid outdoorsman, he loved camping in winter and summer, hiking, wood-cutting, skiing, and mountain climbing. But his real passion was playing tennis with his good friends, David Jagger, Bruce Roberts, and T. Doiron. He was a fine artist in many genres, and for many years was the cartoonist for the MIT magazine. He loved classical music and literature, but very few people knew that he wrote poetry all his life. He left this world listening to Vladimir Horowitz playing Chopin’s Nocturnes, his favorites.

Universally loved for his profound authenticity, his cheerfulness and his wicked sense of humor, Jack was that rare being who was fiercely real and unfailingly kind. He loved his family deeply and with inexhaustible warmth. Despite his great age, all who knew him are shocked and bereft by his loss. As one puts it, he was like an Ent, a magical Middle Earth being, a great guardian tree with roots deep in the earth, one who could never perish.

He leaves: his wife, Katherine; his children, Kelly, Jessie, Ellen, Sandy, David, Becca, Abby, Charlie, and Sarah; along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As he left the world, a new baby great-granddaughter was born.

Jack asked that there be no funeral. Online condolences may be made by visiting jspelkeyfuneralhome.com. The family will have a private memorial service in the spring.