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STEPHEN C. T. TANNER
Born: Jul 11, 1937
Date of Passing: May 14, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemorySTEPHEN C. T. TANNER (GEORGE) July 11, 1937 - May 14, 2017 Peacefully, on Sunday, May 14, 2017, Stephen C. T. Tanner, known to many as "George", passed away at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, after a brave battle with heart failure. George was predeceased by his father Stephen Albert in 1964 and mother Minna Elizabeth in 1983. George will be lovingly missed by his daughter Adrienne, his brother G. B. Tanner and nephew B.P. Tanner of Market Harborough, UK, nephew S. M. and K. N. Tanner and children: George and Grace of Osbournby, UK, niece R. C. Tanner and G. Dunn, children, James and Ella of West Hampstead, UK, and G. A. Mackintosh of Porthlethen, UK. He married Frances (neé Doiron) in 1972, divorcing in 1994. Born in Workington, UK, moved to Morpeth, UK, then Dunstable where he attended Dunstable Grammar School. George had a series of challenges in his life, having been partially blinded in a childhood accident and had lifelong hearing difficulties. Despite this, he excelled academically, obtaining a full scholarship to the University of Leicester where he graduated with a degree in Geography in 1960, then earned a Diploma of Education for Teaching in 1961. He started teaching after graduation in the UK until 1966. He was offered a teaching position in Winnipeg which commenced in 1967. His first position was at River Heights Junior High where he taught Social Studies until 1986, then transferred to Isaac Newton Junior High until his retirement in 1988. He and Adrienne moved to New Bothwell, MB, in 1994. George had a lifelong interest in various sports, started sprinting at a young age, and was invited to play senior men's rugby at age 11. He continued to play for 18 years and was on the Leicester Tigers' practice roster after graduating from high school. He continued to play rugby until a knee injury ended his career at the age of 29. He also enjoyed swimming, field hockey, and weightlifting. He held a record in the dead-lift at the University of Leicester which stood for 20 years. After this injury, he started coaching athletics. He was head coach of Flying "M" Athletic club from 1967 until his death. He held practices at the U of M up to six times a week. With the help of his assistant coach, Jill Seymour who was a former athlete that turned coach in 1997. George was in charge of sprinting, hurdling, horizontal, and vertical Jumps. Jill was in charge of all field events. They produced a large number of athletes who reached national and university medal standing. Some of them completed at world-class meets, such as Pan-Am games and Commonwealth games at junior and senior level, and the Francophone games. In his leisure time, George enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, sudoku, stamp, and coin collecting. He was a big fan of watching television shows and sporting events. He was a news fanatic, whether it was the Free Press, TV news, and assorted news and sports magazines. The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at Bethesda Hospital for their kind and compassionate care. The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at 2:00 p.m., at the Bothwell Christian Fellowship, New Bothwell. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of George may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 20, 2017
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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I know that this is 3 years after his passing, but I also wanted to pass on that I was in Mr. Tanners Geography class for three years at River Heights in the early 70s.. He also was my track coach, and even though I was young, I loved training with the Flying M, whenever I could. Mr. Tanner was always very supportive of the younger runners training with the older ones. His specialty was form, and attention to stride, and eliminating unnecessary and wasteful motions. He would yell "Makaroff, you're flapping like a duck", or note if our arms or shoulders were moving inefficiently. He was firm, loud and direct, and didn't stand for silliness, but it was all good. I agree that several of those he coached went on to great things in track, including at least one that I know went to the Olympics. Lately, I was just remembering some of his expressions, when I was advising my kids about running style. I remember Mr. Tanner fondly. - Posted by: Doug Makaroff (Student) on: May 08, 2020
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Mr. Tanner was my Geography teacher for at least two of my 3 years at River Heights in the early 70's. He was one of those handful of teachers that one has that you remember fondly years later. He had a passion and intensity for teaching which had left a lasting impression on those he taught. - Posted by: Doug Marks (Student) on: May 23, 2017