Norman Tanner

1914 - 2015

1914 ~ 2015
Norman Clark Tanner died peacefully of old age in his Indian Wells home on February 12, 2015.
Born October 16, 1914, in Salt Lake County, to Myron Clark and Marie Boshard Tanner, the second of six children. He was raised in Salt Lake City, graduated from East High School and the University of Utah where he was president of Pi Kappa Alpha.
Aside from his many accomplishments, Norman was known for his love of life. His warmhearted exuberance affected all those he came in contact with, and he made friends in all his pursuits, embracing every challenge with gusto, optimism and charm.
Through his hard work, his infectious enthusiasm and his vision he was instrumental in the growth of the O.C.Tanner Company from its humble beginnings (when he joined his Uncle Obert Tanner in 1938 in the basement of his grandmother's home) to a national, then an international company. He loved his work and his kind open personality helped make him an extremely successful salesman and businessman: a true entrepreneur.
Norm was in the ROTC at the University of Utah and volunteered for active duty after Pearl Harbor. He served in the European Theater with the Third Infantry Division as a pilot for the Field Artillery. As an Air Officer with eleven pilots under his command, he participated in the invasion of southern France. He was promoted to Major during the war and later to Lt. Colonel and received the Air Medal with four clusters and a Bronze Star.
His war experiences left an indelible mark on him, and he later worked for peace. He protested at the nuclear testing site in Nevada and joined a peace walk in Russia during the Cold War (Odessa to Kiev, with Russians and Americans). A strong believer in mediation and compromise between hostile parties, he and Barbara established The Barbara L. Tanner and Norman C. Tanner Center for Nonviolent Human Rights Advocacy at the University of Utah.
Always concerned about his community, Norman participated in many civic organizations and activities including the United Way (board), The Utah Manufacturers Association (President), The National Association of Manufacturers (Vice President), the M.S. Society, and one position he dearly loved, the Salt Lake City Rotary (President). After Norm's retirement he became involved with the Utah-Idaho Chapter of the National Arthritis Foundation, and as president he poured his talents and energies into helping it grow and broaden its programs. He gave generously to cultural, civic, and educational institutions throughout his life.
Norm had a passion for sports and the outdoors. He skied, played tennis, hiked and rode horses with friends and family until late in his life, his energy as boundless as his enthusiasm. He and Barbara loved to travel and were able to see many parts of the world, but whether at home or abroad, they shared an active social life with their many close friends. Within his full life he always had time for his family and enjoyed weekend skiing, summer camping trips and family outings.
Norman received many awards during his life, including the University of Utah Emeritus Alum Merit of Honor and the Distinguished Alumni Award.
Predeceased by son Clark, he is survived by his beloved wife Barbara, married for 77 years, daughters Susan Chapman (David), Deon Hilger (Jerry Delany), Deb Sawyer (Wayne Martinson), grandchildren Damon Wood (Stacey), Alison Hilger, Kristin Brown (Mac), Kimber Martinson Sawyer, Jason Martinson Sawyer, and one great-grandson in the "oven." He has a brother Dee and sister Martha Stinehart still living.
A memorial will be scheduled for this spring in Salt Lake City. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.