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1947 - 2008
 Dave Tanner died January 11, 2008 at his sister Lindas home in Pittsfield Township after the culmination of more than a yearlong fight against metastatic melanoma. Dave was born April 14, 1947 in Ionia, Michigan to Glen Keith and Margaret Tanner. He attended Emerson Elementary School, played little league baseball and was a Boy Scout. In 1956 he moved with his family to Greenville, Michigan and soon after he began his love of golf by becoming a caddy at Greenville Country Club and then as a member of the high school golf team. In 1965 he graduated from Greenville High School and continued his golf interest (as team captain) while attending Ferris State College. Golf remained as one of his avocations for his entire adult life. He and his late father, Glen K. Tanner engaged in many golf tournaments as partners and as friendly rivals as they each won their share of Greenville Country Club championship tournaments (seven times for Dave). He graduated from Ferris State in 1969 with a degree in Business Administration. While a student he began employment with the Ford Motor Company co-op program in Dearborn, MI. Upon graduation he moved to Dearborn, and later Brighton and continued with Ford as a traffic control analyst at the Wixom plant. At the age of 47 he retired from Ford and continued with his second career of owning and breeding harness race horses. Over the years he owned many champion racehorsesincluding Siss Image, Mr. Electric, Bred To Be The Best and JC. His most recent champion is RIP Daddy who won the Michigan Harness Horsemans Association, Michigan Sire Stakes for 2-year-old colts on September 22, 2007. In 2004 he was given the 2003 Owner of the Year Award by the Michigan Harness Horsemans Association and on January 26, 2008 he will be honored posthumously with their 2008 Breeder of the Year Award along with his partner/trainer James Jackson.
Dave was preceded in death by his father Glen K. Tanner and a niece and nephew, Melissa and Steven Strodtman. He is survived by his mother, Margaret Tanner of Dearborn, MI; his sisters Linda (Scott) Strodtman of Ypsilanti, MI and Holly (Daniel) Welch of San Jose, CA; his nephews Johnathon Welch of San Jose, CA. and Andrew Strodtman of Ypsilanti, MI and his niece, Susan Strodtman of Ypsilanti, MI. Also surviving are his business partners, James Jackson (Janeane and children Cameron and Jaime) of Webberville, MI, Joyce (Peter) McMillan of Howell, MI and Dennis Morehouse of Perry, MI.
Dave was a free-spirited man and generous giver of friendship and support to many people and especially to those experiencing needy times. He lived simply and precisely and was a whiz with numbers, especially when calculating timing fractions with his horses. Besides his family, business partners and many friends throughout mid and southeast Michigan, he leaves behind his beloved horse friendsSiss Image, Mr. Electric, Still Electric, JC, RIP Daddy, Fairy Tale Ending, Miss Remington, Fine Good and the yearling Rachel. His daily presence at the barn and racetrack will be greatly missed by both his human and animal friends.
David was concerned that racehorses be treated compassionately and in this spirit The David K. Tanner Charity Fund has been established. It will fund a named student scholarship in large animal medicine at Michigan State Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine with additional contributions to the MSU Large Animal Hospitals program in collaboration with the CANTER Michigan program to treat, rehabilitate and transition ex-race horses to new careers. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to this fund would be appreciated. Tax-deductible contributions payable to
MSU College of Veterinary Medicine,Office of Alumni Relations and Development, F130 Veterinary Medicine Center, East Lansing, MI 48824 (notation David K. Tanner Memorial)
Visitation will be Friday January 18,2008 between 12 noon and 2 pm preceding the funeral at 2 pm at the Hurst Funeral Home, 1801 W Washington St, Greenville, MI 48838 (616) 754-6616 with Rev. Jerrold T. Jones of First Congregational Church officiating. A reception will follow at the Greenville Country Club. Private internment, following cremation, will be at Rest Haven Memory Gardens where he will be laid to rest beside his father
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There are currently 14 condolences.
Jeff Brothers
Saturday February 2, 2008 at
12:27 PM
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Dear Mrs Tanner and family,
Please accept my sympathy. Dave had a big influence on me as we were best of friends for many years. He talked me into becoming a caddy at Greenville country club and became my instructor as he tought me to play golf. He loaned me golf clubs and talked me into playing on the high school golf team where we were team mates for four years. Golf is a passion that I still have today and have passed onto my son Wyatt (17). I owe Dave a lot for his years of companionship. We left high school and were room mates at Ferris State College our Freshman year. Dave continued there and I was drafted and sent to Viet Nam. Our paths were severed and we lost touch.I spoke briefly with him a few years ago but he was in the middle of a racing event and we didn't speak long. We had oh so many memories. Dave provided me with many laughs, support when I needed it and a place to spend the night after our cribbage marathons. What a great friend!
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Christina Tsien
Tuesday January 22, 2008 at
9:18 AM
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To the Tanner family: I felt very lucky for the opportunity to get to know him. He was a very special man and his kindness was easily felt. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Christina Tsien
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Art Ross
Friday January 18, 2008 at
8:14 AM
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The family of Dave Tanner,
Dave and I played junior golf at Crystal Golf Club against each other, played High School golf at Greenville and Edmore against each other and finally played together for four year at Ferris State. Dave was a great competitor and friend who will be missed by all of us.
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Charles C. Smith
Thursday January 17, 2008 at
2:13 PM
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Marianne and I were very sorry to hear of Davids' passing. We send our prayers and love to all of you at this time of loss. May God grant you His peace at this difficult time.
Court and Marianne Smith
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Pastor Martin and Yvonne Greunke
Thursday January 17, 2008 at
11:52 AM
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Margaret and Holly, our sincere sympathy on the loss of Dave. We lived across the street from you in Greenville when I was pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. Holly used to babysit our kids occasionally, as I recall. We moved from Greenville in 1979 to California and back to Nebraska in 1987. God bless you in your loss of loved one who will be missed.
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Vincent C. Tanner
Wednesday January 16, 2008 at
7:52 PM
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I didn't get a chance to see David often, however, I will always remember his smile. I had a chance to caddy for him once, and I was in awe of his ability to hit a golf ball. I asked him how he did it and he demured, "just a little practice". I know you cannot become that good without a LOT of practice. Aunt Margaret I cannot imagine how a loss like this must feel. You couldn't have a better family to help you than you have. Linda thank-you for being there for all of us "far flung" Tanners. You truely do hold us together. All of my family sends our love, prayers and concerns to all of you. Vincent, Valorie, Elizabeth, Amy and John.
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Pam (Merren) & Steve Allen
Wednesday January 16, 2008 at
2:11 PM
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Dear Mrs.Tanner,Holly & family. We are so sorry to hear about Daves' passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Pam & Steve Allen
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RICHARD HART
Tuesday January 15, 2008 at
8:08 PM
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To the Tanner Family:
Thanks for the great memories,when we were kids.
Dick Hart
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Mark Webster Family
Tuesday January 15, 2008 at
6:59 PM
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Mark has many special memories of racing with Dave and Jim. Dave truly enjoyed the horses and people he knew in racing. He will be missed.
Mark and Cindy Webster
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Scott Stapleton
Tuesday January 15, 2008 at
1:43 PM
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Racing looses another of the "truly" nice guys in the business. Dave will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.He is in MaryJo's and my thoughts and prayers.
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Kenneth Mikkola
Tuesday January 15, 2008 at
9:14 AM
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Very saddening to hear of Daves passing,Can never replace the good times we enjoyed racing etc. And yes HE was one of a kind!! Ken Mikkola
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John Sommers
Tuesday January 15, 2008 at
5:39 AM
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He was one of a kind!
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Michelle D. Tanner
Monday January 14, 2008 at
6:24 PM
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I am very saddened at the new of David's passing. This is a great loss for our family. I know that David received great comfort and support from his family during this illness. I remember visiting my Grandmother Phyllis and my Uncle Keith and Aunt Margret as a child. This always included a trip to the country club to see if we could catch up with Keith and Dave, out on the golf course.It was very clear to see their love of the game, but it was more clear to see the love that Dave and his Dad had for each other. I would not be surprized at all if Keith and Dave were out on the green now as I write this. Linda, you are a great sister, and nurse. You are my "Nurse Hero", bless you. Aunt Margret, I can only imagine the depth of your loss and sorrow, my prayers are with you. Holly I know how much you love David and my prayers are with you also.
Michelle.
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Stewart and Candace Larkin
Monday January 14, 2008 at
4:07 PM
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Dave and I were friends in high school and beyond and also mutual fans of harness racing. Dave helped us pick out our best horse ever, Candy's Pool, at an auction in Adrian. Although we may have ended up as competitors, he was generous with his time and expertise that day. It was always nice to see him at the fair races and catch up on old times. I am very sorry for your loss.
Candy (Jaehnig) Larkin
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