He was born in Syracuse, New York, son of Everett Adelbert and Reba Nellie Puffett Tanner, both deceased. He is survived by his wife, Marcia Wright Tanner (married in 1966), son Stephen (Laura) Tanner/Mahrt (of Oregon), two sisters – Virginia (Tom) Miles (NY) and Louise (John) Tanner/English (NY) – and one brother, Ronald (Mary) Tanner (NY). Two other siblings, James and Kay Tanner, preceded him in death. Also surviving are a large cadre of cousins, nieces, nephews, their families, and grand-furs.
Bruce graduated from Michigan State University (BA, MA) and worked as a counselor and therapist at the VFW Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, and Tri-County Mental Health in Lansing, Michigan, from which he retired in 2000. Helping people was always his strong suit, and his kind, warm-hearted, loving and giving personality fit well into this line of work.
He grew up on Oneida Lake, NY, and as a young person he enjoyed water sports, especially water skiing. In high school he ran track, setting a school record for long jump which was unbroken for at least 25 years. Throughout his life he enjoyed the outdoors – skiing, camping, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, feeding backyard wildlife. For several years he did volunteer work with the Harris Nature Center in Okemos. He also enjoyed eclectic reading and music. His major hobby focused on radio of all sorts. He achieved his HAM (Amateur Radio) license (K2BET) in the mid-1950s, which gave him communication with the world and a vehicle for helping in emergency situations and service to the community. He also collected, repaired and restored old radios and was editor of the Michigan Antique Radio Club Chronicle for 10 years.
No immediate service is planned, but the family will announce two Celebrations of Life at future dates, one in Michigan and one in NY. These will be posted on this site.
Remembrances in his name may be sent to one of the following or to a charity that makes you think of him:
MSU Amateur Radio Club, Michigan Antique Radio Club, Harris Nature Center, CMH of Clinton, Eaton, Ingham Counties. Information below.
