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In a fashion my father would roll his eyes at but expect from his daughter -- that is, extremely late -- I sadly announce the passing of my dad, David Alan Tanner, peacefully and on his own terms on May 6th, 2021 at the age of 70.
David leaves behind his wife, Susan Tanner (don't mourn for her loss - she's in the late stages of dementia and has no idea), his daughter Sara Tanner (mourn for my loss - this sucks), and his two beautiful grandchildren, Alexander and Robin. He is missed very much by his friends and by those in the music community.
He was an incredible talent, extremely generous, and had a bizarre sense of humour if you got to know him. In true "boomer" form he had a lot of feelings that he mostly kept to himself. He loved deeply, and was deeply loved. In his last few years, he'd tear up fairly easily when anything overly cute or sweet or nice happened with his daughter or his grandchildren. It was beautiful.
Those who know him are aware that his health wasn't great over the last while. Take solace in knowing that he's now at peace, and he had a great life that he was extremely grateful for.
I'll never do my dad justice with much less than a novel's worth of words, so I'll end this here. But if you want to read more about his life, or have any questions about him or his wife, feel free to reach out to me (Sara, the daughter). You can find me on the google machine, or facebook, or instagram. And if you can't, ask someone under the age of 40 to help you. There are also write-ups about him on the internet from the past that are easily found on google as well.
When I was a Broadcast Student at Conestoga College in Kitchener, back in the late 70's, Dave taught us musical theory. He did it in a way that was far more interesting than the topic sounded,...in fact,..I enjoyed his class more than many others. My condolences to his family and friends.
Dear Sara...My sincere condolences are sent to you and your family. I had the pleasure knowing and performing with your incredibly talented father...and mother. I had the utmost respect for and was awestruck by your father's musical genious. I wish l had met you before but have a sense that l knew a bit about you through your wonderful parents. They were very proud parents and grandparents...may you find peace in having a wonderful family. Sincerely Lynne Ferguson NOC Member
Sara, having enjoyed sharing bandstands with your Dad for many years, we both had the same bizarre sense of humour and passion for music. I share your grief and hope that each week gets a bit easier for you and your family.
Hi Sara I was lucky enough to work with David in early 2000's in real estate at Royal LePage and connected well with his personality and sense of humour. I am sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts are with him and you all Sara. Ps I think your tribute to him is wonderful.
Greetings Sara, I knew your Dad & Mum in NOC and enjoyed & admired them a such skilled musicians elegant performers & teachers and simply Lovely warm caring people. I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your Dad and it must also already feel like the loss of the Mum you knew, though she is still”with” us but in her own way, so cruelly modified by dementia. She was such a wonderful gifted & flexible pianist. Music was their joy & salvation and I hope there is much of that of their creation and others to help sooth and renew you and feed your much challenged heart & soul. Kudos on your delightfully eloquent and somewhat unconventional obituary. Well done! You brought him back so well in my memories. I can hear David’s wonderful chuckle and laugh & see his smile as I read it. I remember seeing his many small kindnesses to me & others. I stood in the front soprano line at NOC rehearsals and concerts, close enough & long enough to be blessed by hearing firsthand and cherishing his musical skill and humour… & enjoy a little banter. As a retired nurse having lost both parents in similar fashion I can certainly empathize with your ongoing plight frustrations and challenges. Time doesn’t heal the wounds, but lets us learn to live with them in increasingly positive and productive ways, and make the scars fade. Hang in. It sounds like you are doing a great job. My husband Duncan & I hold you in our hearts & prayers. Linda (Reddall, now Walker ) & Duncan Walker, Cobourg.
Hello Sara We were very sorry to hear of David's passing. We spent some time with him and your mother when he was confined to the downstairs of the house because of his knee problem. We had some really nice visits there. Your father was a terrific cook; we enjoyed a few delicious meals at the house. He was an excellent musician on a number of instruments, and the arrangements he made for the Concert Band and the Northumberland Orchestra and Choir were unique, sometimes challenging and very creative.he will be missed. Diana Storen and Gayle Carver
Hi Sara, so sorry about your dad. I got to know David a bit more each time we'd meet and I really liked him [ and your mom ]. I was lucky enough to play with him in pit band and orchestra, he always took things up to a higher level and I loved his arrangements. He will be dearly missed. George Lee
Sara, I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. I really enjoyed working with him and we became quite good friends. We lost touch over the past several years but he gave me one of his albums so I'm going to go and listen to it. All my best to you and your family
Dear Sara, The Northumberland Orchestra and Choir would like to extend our sincere condolences on the passing of your dad, David Tanner. David's legacy of making music will live on in the works he crafted and arranged, and the memories we have or performing them. We also remember fondly Susan, who spent many hours as our Choir Accompanist. Both will be remembered with both pride and admiration. Our best to you and your family, On behalf of the Board of Directors for the Northumberland Orchestra and Choir members, volunteers and audiences. Ken Noronha, President
Sara, Many thanks for this memorial notice. I've had the pleasure of having dinner with your mom and dad several times and always enjoyed their company, and your dad's sense of humour. I knew him to be a man who liked to appear fairly crusty, but at his heart, was a very sensitive soul. In my role at the Northumberland Orchestra and Choir, we always appreciated his enormous talent. I know that he and I did not always agree (those were some spirited discussions!), but we always parted on good terms. David was tremendously helpful to me as I found my footing in Cobourg...and I am sorely saddened for your loss, and even more so, for the loss of the real Susan Tanner ( and her laugh). “May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace”
Sara, as you know I worked real estate with your father in the late 1990's to the early 2000. I knew him to be introspective to a fault and I really appreciated some of our discussions. All the best to you and your family in your new circumstance. Peter
Wow the Big teddy Bear took his final Journey to Heaven to shine up his golden wings. David was my Landlord when I lived on the corner of King and Darcy st. He told me so many stories and so many jokes some clean some not so much lol. He told me how he loved boats and loved to travel all over. He was such a kind man with a huge heart. When he knew that I was home alone and nervo7s being alone, he'd always pop by with a Timmies in one hand and a box of Donuts in the other lol he kept me company for a bit then he would smile so big then leave. He was such an amazing landlord. The best i ever had actually. Rest in Eternal Peace now and may we all find comfort in the many memories we all have. Goodnight David.
Dear Sara, I love your words here to celebrate and mourn your fabulous and very talented father. I love the photo you chose. Although I am not among those who knew him well I was still privileged enough to work with him on some musicals and to sing some of his compositions with the Concert Band of Cobourg in accompaniment. I have listened to his heart being poured out on musical staff paper and via his flute and saxophone. I watched your mom and dad work together to create. I wish you all the best as you continue to work through your losses. May much strength be available to you. Anne
Our deepest condolences. A talent that will be sorely missed. Sending thoughts your way.
Sara, Matt, Alexander and Robin, We are so sorry for your loss. Your Dad, Granddad, was a great talent and an excellent neighbour. Our sincerest sympathy, The McCaughey's