TANNIS M. RICHARDSON

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TANNIS M. RICHARDSON

C.M., B.Sc. (H.Ec.), LL.D.

Beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother

Philanthropist and Community Leader

Peacefully, and with the same grace and dignity with which she lived her life, Tannis Richardson, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, philanthropist and community leader, passed away on April 13, 2026, at 99 years of age.

She will be lovingly remembered by her many friends and family, including sons David Richardson (Pamela) and Hartley Richardson (Heather); grandchildren Taylor Somers (Megan), Andrew Somers (Kaitlyn), Fraser Somers, Tannis Chabot (Francois), Aidan Richardson (Malea), Thor Richardson (Natalie), Colby Richardson, Quinten Richardson (Elif) and Celine Richardson (Benjamin); seven great-grandchildren: Bodhi, Oliver, Maverick, Fiona, Hartley, Pierce and Georgia; her sister-in-law Deborah Thorlakson, niece Patricia Loewen (Michael), nephews Dr. Derek Thorlakson (Katherine) and Dr. Ian Thorlakson; as well as dear friends Karen Menkis, Cheryl McDougall, and Nicki Bruce. She was predeceased by her brothers Dr. Robert Thorlakson and Dr. Ken Thorlakson, her daughters Pamela and Karen, and her beloved husband, George Taylor Richardson.

Tannis Thorlakson was born in Winnipeg on July 14, 1926, daughter of the late Dr. Paul H. T. Thorlakson and Gladys M. (Henry) Thorlakson. She was educated at Tuxedo Public School, Gordon Bell High School and the University of Manitoba, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1948. She and George married in the fall of that same year.

A pillar of the community and a proud Canadian, Tannis will be long remembered for her inspiring example and generosity as a philanthropist and volunteer leader. There are numerous communities, organizations and causes in Manitoba that have benefited from her generosity.

As a champion of arts, culture and health, Tannis served on the boards of directors of, or led major fundraising initiatives for Manitoba Opera, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Health Sciences Centre Foundation, Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research, Balmoral Hall, Assiniboine Park Conservancy, Rainbow Stage and the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. She cared deeply about giving back to her community, and had a way of not only championing a worthy cause, but motivating others to take up the charge.

Tannis played an instrumental role in the development of the Winnipeg Art Gallery. More recently, she was closely associated with the WSO’s Sistema Winnipeg program, which encourages youth to reach their potential and inspires change through accessible music education.

Tannis was especially committed to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Canada (JDRF), serving at the national level and with JDRF International, as well as spearheading the formation of the Manitoba chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and the highly-successful fundraising event, A Starry Starry Night Gala, which was very dear to her heart.

In recognition of her exemplary community leadership and generous contributions as a philanthropist, volunteer and champion of Winnipeg, Tannis was the first recipient of the Health Sciences Centre Foundation’s Laureate of Excellence Award and was also given the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International One Step Closer Award. She was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2003.

In addition to supporting George’s career leading the family business, Tannis developed her own set of interests that always made her one of the most fascinating people to sit beside at a dinner party. She loved music, photography, and the arts, was accomplished in horseback riding, golf, tennis, and was an excellent swimmer, remaining active all her life – even continuing her daily swims well into her 90s during her summers at Lake of the Woods. Her love of photography and storytelling were combined in her 2020 autobiography, Vignettes from my Life, the proceeds of which went to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Above all, Tannis loved her family, and she was keenly interested in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Nothing pleased her more than to hear about their dreams and accomplishments, and she cherished every opportunity to spend time and share stories with them.

Tannis left a lasting impression on others simply by being herself. She will be fondly remembered for carrying a quiet strength and a deep kindness that made people feel seen, valued and at ease in her presence. She was an exceptional woman who was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.

The family wishes to extend their thanks to the personnel of the Palliative Care Program, and caregivers Edith, MaryAnn, Theo, Tessie, and Delia, who provided Tannis with such kind and compassionate care in recent months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sistema Winnipeg c/o Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra at https://give.wso.ca/for-tannis. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 18, 2026