William "Bill" Ronald Tanner

Bill is survived by his loving wife Elaine and his two children Linda (Chris) McCue and Lawrence Tanner.

He was born on November 11, 1934, in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, to William Patrick Tanner and Mary Elizabeth Tanner. Bill was the eldest—and last surviving—member of his immediate family, one of six siblings: Lorraine Yvonne, Glen Henry Tanner, Donald Leslie Tanner, Robert Leslie Tanner, and Doris Florence Piché.

At the age of 22, Bill was appointed a Pilot Officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1957, reflecting his lifelong passion for aviation. He was a member of glider clubs in both Saskatoon and Calgary and especially enjoyed flying his Piper Pacer aircraft.

Bill was a journeyman printer by trade, working for Meadow Lake Press, the Prince Albert Daily Herald, and Modern Press in Saskatoon. He later moved to Calgary with his young family, where he built a distinguished career teaching graphic arts and serving as a Program Director at SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology). Even after retirement, Bill continued working for the Calgary Stampede for 12 years, finally retiring at the age of 87.

Bill was an honorary Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and served actively as treasurer. He was also a devoted volunteer at Corpus Christi Parish Church until very recently. Generous with his time and spirit, Bill loved his family fiercely and was a devoted husband, father, and friend. His courage, kindness, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Funeral Service will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 404 Northmount Place N.W., Calgary on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will follow at Rocky View Garden of Peace Cemetery, 243208 Garden Road, Calgary.