On January 5th 2018, an extraordinary man by the name of Louie Gene Tanner passed away from complications of surgery. Louie was born to Harry and Lillian Tanner on October 2nd, 1943 In Spokane, Washington. As a young man he served 4 years in the marines, followed by a service of 27 years as a firefighter and paramedic for the Spokane City Fire Department. He welcomed his daughter Deena Tanner into the world in the summer of 1966. Louie and Deena were best friends and supported each other in every way. Deena frequently expressed how honored she was to have been his daughter. 

                Louie enjoyed fishing, camping, riding motorcycles, and woodworking. He especially loved to write music and play guitar. He was the joke master and could make you laugh or sing at any given time. Always supportive and encouraging to his family, he was an easy person to have a conversation with without fear of judgement. He was a well-read man as well and shared the passion with his granddaughter, Jade Tanner, born autumn 1996. They bonded over children’s chapter books to classic literature, frequently exchanging novels and discussion. 

                Louie was a son, a brother, and a friend, but most of all he took great pride in his role as a phenomenal father. In addition to Deena and Jade, Louie is survived by two brothers, Larry Tanner (Usk, Washington), and Jerry Tanner (Spokane Valley, Washington), as well as nieces and nephews in Washington and Arkansas state. Jerry fondly recalls learning how to be a gentleman and good man through observing his older brother. Louie’s life cannot be described in a few paragraphs; he will be remembered for all he did, the countless laughs he inspired, and the many lives he touched and saved.

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