Stan was born March 25, 1928 in Sugar City, Idaho, to George Shepherd and Mildred Louise Hogge Tanner. He grew up in Moscow, Idaho, with his two sisters Jewell and Shirley. He fondly remembered many trips to visit Grandma and Grandpa Hogge’s ranch in Charlo, Montana. There he learned to fish, ride horses, put up hay, and care for farm animals. At the age of nine, Stan was allowed to travel 300 miles alone on the train from Moscow to Charlo, where he took a 12 mile bike ride to the ranch, returning likewise more than a month later.
Stan attended Moscow High School, where he was involved in many activities including newspaper, yearbook, and choir. He graduated in 1946 second in his class and lettered in track and basketball. Stan attended the University of Idaho while living at home. He was awarded a scholarship through the Navy ROTC and took a Naval Science class each semester, going on Navy summer cruises visiting Vancouver, BC; Panama; the Galapagos Islands; and Hawaii. He graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science (Pre-Med) with highest honors and was commissioned Ensign USNR, also graduating from the LDS Institute of Religion.
He was ordered to the aircraft carrier USS Boxer CV 21 and assigned to the communications department. A month later with the conflict in Korea, he was assigned to the Staff of Commander Naval Forces Far East in Tokyo, Japan, returning to the Boxer again after nine months, remaining until his honorable discharge.
In 1953, Stan began medical school at the University of Utah. There he met Nona Watson at an LDS Institute Halloween dance. They were married June 30, 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple. Stan and Nona lived in Stadium Village student housing and welcomed their first two sons, Martin and Sidney, there. Upon graduation, the family moved to Chicago, Illinois, where Stan completed his internship, then residency in Ophthalmology at the University of Chicago Clinics. He was Chief Resident his final year. Curtis and Janice were born during these years. Settling in Holladay, UT, Stan and Nona completed their family with the births of Gordon and Susan. Stan joined an Ophthalmology practice, caring for patients at both St. Mark’s Hospital and Tooele Valley Hospital from 1961 to 1999. He continued to volunteer his time after retirement, providing free eye exams for low income children in many Utah public schools.
Stan was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving in many positions, including Scouting. He generously gave his time and resources to take many youth on camps, conferences, and activities; many youth learned to waterski behind his boat. He served thirteen years as the President of the Holladay Stake Young Men Special Needs Mutual. He built floats for parades and sets for road shows. He taught first aid to many Scouts and signed hundreds of youth physical activity forms.
Stan loved the outdoors, especially fishing with his sons, grandsons, and many other family, friends, and neighbors. On family trips to Lake Powell he would rise early, getting in fishing time before the rest of the family awoke. He had a keen mind all through his nearly 96 years and knew much about many topics from astronomy to geography. He was an avid reader. He fixed things himself, sometimes creatively. Although reserved and humble, he was quick witted, patient, honest, generous, and kind. In his final years, he especially enjoyed regular visits to the gym with Martin and frequent visits with all his family.
Stan was preceded in death by his wife, Nona, his sisters Jewell Woodward and Shirley Myers, his parents, and his granddaughter, Kimmie Tanner. He is survived by his children: Martin Tanner, Sidney Tanner (Sidney), Curtis Tanner, Janice Salazar, Gordon Tanner (Shawn), and Susan Parkin (Greg), as well as 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 12:00 pm at the Holladay 26th Ward, 4601 S Chapel Street (2565 E), where family and friends may visit Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 pm and Thursday morning from 10:30 to 11:45 am prior to the services. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT 84106.
https://zoom.us/j/6865616245?pwd=dEVETGNrQTMxZ0ZRZko1Z1UvWUFOZz09&omn=98907709443" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://zoom.us/j/6865616245?pwd=dEVETGNrQTMxZ0ZRZko1Z1UvWUFOZz09&omn=98907709443 (https://zoom.us/j/6865616245?pwd=dEVETGNrQTMxZ0ZRZko1Z1UvWUFOZz09&omn=98907709443)
