Michael Ellis Tanner

September 16th, 1941 - April 30th, 2016

Beloved husband, Dad, and Grandpa, Mike Tanner, died April 30 from a head injury. He fell against a piece of furniture and discovered 5 days later that there was blood leaking into his brain. He was on a blood thinner which normally is safe. It was a combination of the thin blood and bump on the head which caused his death. The trauma went undetected until he had a headache late at night and went into a coma one hour later. The damage to the brain was irreversible. I am including all this because in seniors a bump on the head should be taken seriously if you are on a blood thinner.

After graduating from Roosevelt High School Mike earned his BA from the University of Washington in 1964 and in 1965 married Vicki. He worked as a medical case worker for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Port Angeles and later went back to Seattle and worked at Harborview and St. Frances Cabrini Hospitals as their medical case worker. He was motor pool sergeant in the National Guard for six years. Mike and Vicki bought the Stanwood Hotel and ran the bar and hotel for 10 years. His last work choice was at a lumber yard and has been retired for 9 years.

He loved boating and fishing and later went back to riding motor cycles. He loved Sturgis, SD and went there for the last 14 years. Whatever he did, his wife of 51 years joined him and enjoyed all the trips they took on his favorite Harley, the Springer. The only time they were not together was when he did yard work which he enjoyed or when she was at her shop. He was a supportive and loving husband.

He enjoyed spending time with his sons, Nick and Joe. They all loved fishing, riding motorcycles, and chatting about cars and guns. All of the way up to the very end, his sons asked many favors from him including help with their yards, houses, cars and motorcycles, and even résumé/proposal building and he was ALWAYS happy to help. He taught his grandson, Tristen, how to do pushups and encouraged him in Karate.

Please do not give flowers, give your special person extra kisses and hugs and donate to CASA. Mike loved their three dogs (Cowboy, Gypsy and Betsy Ann) and had a daily routine which included one hour in the back yard so the dogs could have "running and smelling time". He would put our small old dog under his jacket so she would be included.

Mike died way too soon and we are struggling as a family to get by without him but we would like to thank everyone who has prayed for him and us, and everyone who has offered their help through this tough time.

The Tanners

Funeral services will be held at Gilbertson Funeral Home in Stanwood on May 12th at 11:00 am. After the service we would love to have you join us for food, drinks, and story telling at Mike and Vicki's house located at 200 Glacier Peak, Camano Island.