Natalie Tachuk was an individual like no one else - - a fine artist, a sculptor, a poet, a commercial artist, a lover of all
animals, and a humanitarian.

Natalie was born in Detroit, Michigan, and lived in many American cities before moving, with her father and sister, to
Long Island, NY. She and her sister, Nadine, left America as young teenagers to live with their British mother, Diana,
in South Africa. They had a wonderful year with their mother there when, tragically, Diana was killed in an auto
accident.

After their mother’s death, they lived with guardians and/or friends for years in S.A. These were some of the best
years in Natalie’s life, and later, she often spoke of her adventures there, living on a small farm in “the bush”, where
luxuries were few, but animals and interesting friends were many.
Her life as an artist flourished in Africa.

When the political situation grew desperate for foreigners in S.A.in the 1980’s, she returned from that continent and
resumed life with her father, Walter, who had since moved to Tennessee. She eventually found her way to middle
Tennessee, residing in Hendersonville for many years, and finally, to Westmoreland where she bought a farm. She
and her partner, Kim, turned the farm into their paradise, with horses, chickens, goats, cats and dogs.

In Tennessee, Natalie’s artwork grew prolific and she branched into sculpture. Virginia soapstone became her
favorite medium and she could often be found, during her little spare time, in her barn with power tools in hand,
“chopping rock”. A secret she let few in on was that her talent was inherited. Her grandfather was renown British
artist, David Bomberg.

Natalie was always one to take in stray animals. Like often happens with such kind souls, her farm became a place
where unwanted animals mysteriously “appeared." She always found them homes, whether it took newspaper ads,
posters, word-of-mouth, whatever. In her final weeks, she had been working with closely with Safe Place for Animals
(SPA) to place some animals she had recently acquired. SPA became a favorite charity for her. She knew animals
would be taken care of there.

In April 2008, Natalie, sadly, lost her life, at the age of 49 in an auto accident which occurred on her way home from
work. Her friends, family and co-workers were devastated to lose her. Her employer, ITW Dynatec, in Hendersonville,
hosted a “Celebration of Life” service and set up a display of her artwork, sculpture and family photos at their office.
Donations to “Safe Place for Animals” was listed as Natalie’s preference to other gestures sent in remembrance to
her.

Kim has said, “Natalie was born good. The rest of us have to work at it”.
This is so true. Furthering the good works of “Safe Place for Animals” is one way we all can work at it.