Tristan Edward Flaherty

SOUTH PORTLAND - Tristan Edward Flaherty of South Portland went to be with his Papa on March 15, 2014, after spending 13 love and adventure filled years here with his family and friends. Tristan was born March 31, 2000 in Portland, a beloved son of Edward C. and Cynthia (Mann) Flaherty. Tristan was a treasured student at Memorial Middle School in South Portland and had spent his elementary years surrounded by the affection, devotion and support of the Brown School family. Tristan was cherished by his family. He spent hours catching frogs and fishing with his brother, Calvin and long afternoons collecting caterpillars and salamanders with his brother Lucas. Cal and Lucas were T's best friends and constant companions. Tristan's short life was packed full of experiences and love. He loved a good story and T and his Dad devoured many books during their nightly read-alouds. Harry Potter was a favorite. Animals were a passion of Tristan's and his Mom supported this enthusiasm even welcoming an animal pelt at the head of his bed. Tristan had his dogs, Chief and Lucky... and he also had a large assortment of lizards and fish and small rodents and pond creatures! Tristan's family never let his illness define him. He was an outdoor guy experiencing more adventures than most pack into a lifetime. He had a Have-A-Heart trap at the ready and could identify any bird flying overhead. The Flahertys spent every moment filling their lives with new experiences. Tristan was often traveling to a new destination... .Fort Williams, Rangeley, Sugarloaf, Vermont, Cobscook, Mt. Blue, Isle Au Haut and Campobello were among his most enjoyable ventures. Just this summer, Tristan and his family traveled to Winter Harbor and participated IN the Lobster Boat Races and then spent a week camping on the beaches of Bay of Fundy National Park! He kayaked around Flying Pond and spent evenings toasting marshmallows around the fire. He traveled to New York for a dip in his adored Uncle Billy's pool! Tristan was always ready for an outing, a sporting event or an ice cream with his adored cousins Jacob, Maggie, and Julia Flaherty. Tristan spent many happy days with his adored Uncle Jamie, Aunt Rachel and "j", "m" and "j" fishing at the beach, playing T-ball, sledding at Purpoodock, barbequing at Two Lights and camping at Baxter. "T" also endured countless hours watching his cousins' and his brothers' "stupid" baseball games. Boston sports were an integral part of Tristan's childhood. He was a fervent Patriots and Bruins fan but the Sea Dogs and Boston Red Sox held a special place in his heart. A true highlight of his childhood was being the on-field "Play Ball" announcer at a Sox game. His much loved Susan T gave him countless special experiences like this one. Tristan was blessed with a rainforest trip to Puerto Rico in 2009. Make A Wish provided this extraordinary experience. He was also a member of The Hole in The Wall Gang and attended family camp there on many occasions. Tristan was a member of a large, close family. His cousins Jacob, Maggie and Julia Flaherty; Rosie, Sheehan, Mackenzie and Will Gotsch; Jamie, Zachary and Emma Flaherty; Peter and Sam Lloyd; Catie, Elizabeth and Andrew Barron and Audrey Mann were all crazy about Tristan and will miss their "T" tremendously. He was predeceased by his soul-mate, his Papa, Edward J. Flaherty on July 13, 2010. Tristan's Gramma, Rosemarie Flaherty, predeceased him in 2002 and his grandfather Bruce Mann passed away in 1995. Tristan is survived by his cherished Mom and Dad and his adored brothers, Calvin and Lucas Flaherty. He is survived by his grandmother, Donna Mann and his uncle and aunt, Bruce and Becky Mann. "T" will be deeply missed by his aunts and uncles; Jamie and Rachel Flaherty, Maura and George Gotsch, Peter and Ronda Flaherty, Billy and Stephanie Flaherty, Rodie and Doug Lloyd and Susan and Michael King. Eddie and Cindy would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Stephen Rioux and Dr. David Lynch. Tristan was a communicant of Holy Cross Church. His family would like to invite you to visiting hours which will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, March 20th at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A 10:00 a.m., Friday, Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland.In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored if you'd care to donate in Tristan's memory to:The Barbara Bush Children's HospitalDevelopment Office22 Bramhall StreetPortland, ME 04102Online condolences may be expressed below.