Eugene "Gene" Lyal Tanner

Gene was born in Little Britain, Ontario to Howard and Greta Tanner. He was the youngest of
4 boys, all of whom have predeceased him. In 1939 his family moved to Bancroft, Ontario.
In 1949 Gene joined the Canadian army and was based in Ottawa as a member of the Royal
Canadian Engineers. During his time in the RCE, he spent years surveying rough terrain in
northern regions of Canada which was critical for future infrastructure development. He loved
to regale his many friends with exciting stories of camping and travelling with packhorses on the sides
of steep mountains. Gene was proud of his military service and enjoyed military friendships that lasted
throughout his life.
In 1954 he married his first wife, Jean Robertson and they established their home in Ottawa where
Gene was stationed and raised their family.
In 1969 Gene married his second wife, Esther Taylor, and in 1970 he retired from the army. Esther and
Gene moved to Vancouver after retirement. They spent many happy years travelling to warm climates
with friends or vacationing in their motorhome. During these years, Gene joined groups of friends who
shared a passion for collector cars. He also spent many hours lake fishing in BC’s interior with some
special buddies.
His beloved wife Esther passed away July 6, 2007. In 2008 Gene moved to the Comox Valley.
He continued to participate in car clubs in Comox and Campbell River and enjoyed road trips and
gatherings with his collection of old cars. He took much pleasure in driving wedding parties and SD 71
grads to their ceremonies.
Gene is survived by his son Keith and his family Ryan, Amanda, and Jordan in Ottawa. He is
also survived by his stepdaughter Julie Spooner and her family Angela (Sebastian), Tricia,
Delwyn and Taite; as well as his stepdaughter Jill Schroeder (Harold),
and their family Mark (Dawn), Reese and Quinn, all of the Comox Valley; and Jeff (Bettina), Taylor and
Ashton in Ottawa.
Gene is also fondly remembered by his nephew John Tanner (Fran) and great-nephew Tim Tanner
(Rhonda) as well as numerous relatives throughout B.C.
The family acknowledges that it has taken a village to ease Gene’s latter years. We wish to
thank his dear friend Jackie Rose, the staff and friends at Berwick Retirement Community, his
case manager and support workers from VIHA, and his Classic Care workers, Carla and Carol.
Supporting Gene through his later months, the family is grateful for the caring staff in
Cedar House at The Views and Jennifer Bertrand SW. A special thank you goes to Dean Sylvestor
RMT for his professional and personal care.
Gene has been described as a “force”. He lived life with energy and passion for his many interests.
Gene was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Gene chose the services of MAID which was compassionately provided by Dr Scott Manktelow and
the MAiD’s team.
Donations in Gene’s memory will be welcomed by the BCSPCA Comox Valley