Erhart Rudolf Muller

Erhart Rudolf Muller, 105, of Harvard: conservationist, philanthropist, passed away due to complications following hip surgery on March 20th. He had resided in Shaker Village for over 60 years, where he was a prime mover in conservation issues. A founder of the Harvard Conservation Trust, he donated significant parcels of land to help retain the rural character of the area. An ardent amateur horticulturalist and botanist, Erhart inspired many. He was a founder of the local mycological society and gave lectures on the topic. He was a collector of Shaker artifacts and served as a volunteer docent for the village.

Educated at the Gunnery School (Washington, CT), in schools in Germany and at Harvard College (anthropology, '32), Erhart participated in an archeological dig in Guatemala and an anthropological study in eastern Europe as a young man.

Erhart, the son of Gertrude Erbsl�h and Robert Otto Muller, was born in Pelham Manor, NY on August 13, 1909. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Ruth Tate Atwood, by his brother, Robert Otto Muller and sister, Monica Gertrude Muller. He is survived by his niece, Christina Cowles of NY, niece Diana Gray of CT, niece Frederica Aalto of CA, niece Gertrude Moore of CA and nephew Robert Muller of CT, as well as by his half sister, Eva Smith of VT and John Muller of NH, as well as by numerous great nieces and nephews.

There will be a memorial and celebration of life later in the spring at his home in Shaker Village, where his accomplishments will be more fully elucidated. Those wishing to be kept informed please contact ; (faalto@northcoast.com).