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
Marie and Dan Turmel
Doug Glasgow
Don was a great guy, a friend and someone I could always count on. In fact, everyone could count on Don. Easy going and always with a smile. “ Superman never made any money
- saving the world from Solomon Grundy And sometimes, I despair the world will never see another man like him.” We have fond memories of you Don - Thank you for that!
Supt. Denis Desnoyers (retired)
I am very sad to hear of Don’s passing, although happy to read of the rich and full life he led. I had the pleasure of working with Don on the Ottawa Public Order Troop for a number years. The Troop could not ask for a more solid and reliable member. My thoughts are with him and his family.
We were so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I remember foundly our brief time together. Can’t figure it out.