It is with broken hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Donald (Don) Charles Tanner on July 15th, 2024.
Cherished husband of 45 years to Julie Zahoruk Tanner.
Beloved father to Laura Tanner (Mark Ward).
Dear brother to Cheryl Tanner, Ottawa; Uncle to Jennifer Greer (Allan Greer), their children Schöne Greer (Paul Gauthier) and their son Olivier Gauthier, and Maddie Greer, Ottawa; Kristen Ashton (Roger Lynburner), Montreal and her children Amber Ashton and Jacob Wright, Ottawa; Nina Zahoruk (Nick Massicotte) and their daughter Cassie Massicotte (Mathieu Sullivan), Sherbrooke; Larry Jr Zahoruk (Nadia Michaud) and their daughters Laura and Émily Zahoruk, Rouyn-Noranda.
Predeceased by his parents, Stanley Charles and Clarice Lillian Tanner.
Don served his country for 34 years as a member of the RCMP (Sergeant, Royal Canadian Mounted Police) with postings in Fort Erie (on the water at Niagara Falls!), Port Cocquitlam (Policing), Hamilton (Security Services pre-CSIS) and lastly at RCMP Headquarters (Finance and Tactical Troop) in Ottawa.
Don also enjoyed providing service to his community as a Scuba Diving Instructor with the Ottawa Beavers Scuba Club; Past Commander AP of the Ottawa Squadron, Canada Power and Sail; and Past President Blue Knights Motorcycle Club, Ontario II.
Don also loved spending time with his daughter. He was always up for an adventure or seeing the latest scary movie when she called him up. Being an avid sports fan, his favourite time was spent cheering on his local football and hockey teams with Laura as enthusiastic season seat mates.
Don enjoyed his retirement years doing all the things he loved and had the time to do: summers sailing on his sailboat the SS Peanut on the Big Rideau Lake and St Lawrence River, winters in Melbourne Beach, Florida. His thrice a week golf games kept him active and enjoying friendships beyond the golf course in Florida and here in Ottawa with his good friend and golf mate Gerry Reid (Rhoda).
Don was all about taking in the view with his wife by his side. Whether at a Paris sidewalk café, a Caribbean harbour, the waves of Hawaii, or the Blue Mountains, it was all about the experience and likely accompanied by a local wine or beer!
Don's love of motorcycling for over 50 years led to meeting other riders and an enduring friendship with whom he called his southern family, a fellow Harley rider and retired Deputy Sheriff, Hank Schroeder (late Lise) and no year was complete unless there was a ride up to Daytona Beach for Bike Week or throughout Florida to a local restaurant.
When riding his Harley, Don preferred the scenic route, taking in the vast scenery, small town main streets, any boat harbour, enjoying a meal along the way or, a favourite of riders, finding the local ice cream shop!
Don is missed.
The family will receive condolences from 12:00 PM Eastern on October 4th at the Hall of Colours. A funeral service and celebration of life will be held in the Sacred Space at 1:00 PM and family and friends are invited to a reception immediately following. All taking place at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa, Ontario.
A private interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation in Don's name to the Dementia Society Ottawa and Renfrew County.
The family is inviting anyone wishing to share of photos of Don for the celebration of life to send them to PhotosForDon2024@gmail.com.
Digital Guestbook
Claudette and Marcel Richard
Jim Hurd
Don finished Number 1 in our troop as well as in our hearts. He was a man of outstanding character and one that we all did well to emulate. His passing is a loss to all members of Troop 18 71/72. Sincere condolences to the entire Tanner family! Another great member gone far too soon!!🥲
Robert tremblay
Je n’ai pas eu la chance de revoir Don apres l’entrainement de Depot mais cette triste nouvelle me rappelle de cette homme chaleureux et tres en forme. Toutes mes sympathies a toute votre famille.
Ron Hobbs
I echo my fellow Troopmates comments. Don was wonderful person always the small smile. We were fortunate to have trained together and later years at our reunions. We shared a few chuckles during and later years. Take care. Ron Hobbs.
Denis Arbez
Will be missed but not forgotten......
Gerald & Rhoda Reid
Rhoda and I were deeply saddened to learn of Don's passing. I will remember Don as a wonderful colleague, a cherished friend and for the fun times we had together on the golf course in our retirement years. Most of all I will remember him for his love of family.
Joan and Jim Learning
Thinking of you both Julie and Laura. Sorry to hear of Don's;( your dad) passing. It has been a very difficult and challenging time for you both. We remember our good times from Bourcier dr.
Love Joan and Jim
Bob and Lee Anne Bilodeau
Julie and Laura - Bob and I are so saddened to hear of Don's passing and send you our most sincere condolences. We enjoyed having Don and Julie as camping neighbours on the Big Rideau for many years, where we all relaxed and had fun! 💜
Fred and Karen Mueller
Our thoughts are with you Julie and Laura and we fondly remember our time as neighbours on Bourcier Dr, the golf games in Ottawa area and the visits in Myrtle Beach.
Marie and Dan Turmel
We are so sorry to hear of Don,s passing. We will remember foundly the last few times when we had the chance to rekindle frienships. So long brother. Thanks for the memories.
Don was a good troop mate (Troop 18/ 1971)and will be remembered by all . Condolences to his wife Julie and daughter Laura as well as his family.