Edward Sylvan Tank Jr., MD obituary, 1932-2020, Portland, OR

In memory of

Edward Sylvan Tank Jr., MD

1932 - 2020

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Douglas William WALTER

May 23, 2025

Ed loved to tell stories and I love to listen to them. How I hope someone has written his stories down. I miss him every time I eat fish. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Kathy Lindsey

May 11, 2021

I am so very sorry to hear of Dr. Tank's passing. I will forever be grateful to him for the surgery he performed on my son 34 years ago! Because of Dr. Tank my son is now an amazing man, husband and a proud father of two sons of his own. I will never forget what he did for our family. I'm so sorry for the loss of such a great human

louise wiltsey

February 17, 2021

I would like to help celebrate Dr. Tank's life if his celebration will be public. Keep me informed if that's your wish.
I just found out yesterday about his passing. Thinking all evening about the wonderful things I saw him do for people, his sincere kindness and empathy. After I left OHSU, he and Rosalie came to our ranch in Jacksonville to visit. I just have many small memories of Dr. Tank.

louise wiltsey

February 16, 2021

I was his nurse at OHSU Pediatric Urology for 8 years.
I moved away.
He was such a hard work and a good teacher. I enjoyed working with him

Angela Stitt (Osterhoudt)

February 16, 2021

I was born with bladder exstrophy in 1972. Dr. Tank was my doctor at OHSU. My parents accredit him with saving my life.
Because I was so little I only have a few memories of him. I remember that he always had a little tank on his name badge. But my favorite memories are of him drawing smiley faces on the bottom of my big toes when he would come into my hospital room. It would always make me laugh and happy. He always brightened my day. I always looked forward to his visits.

Darcy Hodges

October 29, 2020

Dear Tank Family ... So sorry for your loss. You don’t know me but your husband saved my sisters life while in Ann Arbor In 1968. He did surgery on her that only 7 others had had at that time . She is now 59 .. has 2 children and has lead a happy and productive life thanks to your beloved husband and father. RIP Dr Tank.... and thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sincerely Darcy Hodges Alma Mi

Diana Robinson Parker

July 9, 2020

RIP Dr. Tank. You saved my life back in 1982. It was a dark time for a 17 year girl but you gave me and my parents hope. Ive never forgotten. Ive gone on to have a normal life and have 3 beautiful girls who are now grown. Thank you Dr.

Dick Sturtevant

June 30, 2020

I was deeply saddened to learn of Eds passing. He and I were roommates at Amherst our junior and senior years. He was a dear friend and like a brother to me. We shared our dreams, hopes, and fears. During our respective athletic seasons we cheered each other on - Ed in wrestling and me in track. During wrestling season he was known as El Tigre - The Tiger.

I visited his family at their lake house in Wisconsin and he visited my family in NY. He somehow knew the location of every dixieland band joint in NYC.

After graduation, we went our separate ways professionally and geographically. The last time we were together was at our Amherst 50th class reunion in 2004 (Picture attached).

He was a great guy who will be missed. All the best to Rosalie, Deane, and the rest of their families.

RIP old friend.

Douglas Wm. WALTER

June 24, 2020

I enjoyed Ed's generous and friendly hospitality for 11 summers in Sunriver, and cannot thank him enough for the camaraderie he extended to me. My admiration for his work as a Doctor, his support of the arts and his love of stories are things I cherish. My sincere condolences to Rosalie and all of the family members.

Lynn Demuth Averbeck

June 13, 2020

My deepest condolences to Eds family. I have a fond place in my heart for him. He introduced me to the Oregon Coast, crabbing the Salmon River, where I met his fine children and observed a bathtub full of live crab. Ed made sure I got off the crabbing skiff (borrowed, not stolen) to walk the beach, and he walked with me, pointing out how the water looked like liquid silver on the sand as the waves flowed back into the sea.

Kim and Mark Reller

June 11, 2020

I got to know this wonderful man while working in Pediatric Nephrology in Doernbecher Hospital at OHSU from 1984-1997. He was a true gentleman, excellent surgeon, clinician and teacher. My husband Mark, and son Stephen enjoyed crabbing with Ed several times at Cascade Head Ranch. His outdoor spirit was contagious and inspiring.
He will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Our deepest condolences to Rosalie and his family.

Alicia Rise' Wells

May 31, 2020

Dr Tank is the reason I am alive today. In 1979 / 1980 he diagnosed me with a rare renal condition from my dad serving in Vietnam. I used to escape the children's ward up some floors at OHSU some how i ended up down in the cafeteria with all my IV bags and tubes sitting on Tanks lap eating Ice Cream when my parents found me. He saved my life and we lost a wonderful human the day he passed I am sorry for your loss. God bless

JIM KRONENBERG

May 31, 2020

I met Ed Tank soon after he arrived to teach at OHSU in 1973; thus, as I kidded him about incessantly, ending the longest medical education in history. Ed loved to teach and his student held him in high esteem, but so did the practicing physicians throughout the state. He presented lectures to small and remote medical communities throughout the state at at time when quality educational opportunities were difficult to obtain for rural practitioners. He was an eloquent and entertaining speaker with a mastery of the materia medica that was astounding. At the end of four four-hour lectures in four towns, I rewarded Ed with his first pair of cowboy boots. He was an eminent physician, a fine man and a good friend for more than 40 years.

Tim Carey

May 31, 2020

In 1973 as a senior resident in Urology, I made a friendship that would include sharing many adventures with Ed. Always my peds surgical mentor in many difficult surgeries, I was privileged to carry his beeper (when he had a fatherly duty), he allowed me to follow his patients as his locums when he took sabbaticals (Guam). We fished and climbed Mt Hood on several occasions. He was kind enough to share your SR home with my family. Cherished times all. Wonderful friend. Tim Carey

Andrew Goldstein

May 31, 2020

I had the good fortune to know Dr. Ed Tank in the mid to late 1970s when I supervised the renal transplant lab. We talked occasionally at the weekly transplant conferences. More than most, Ed was generous with his time, always very friendly and willing to answer my questions. It was a great pleasure to have known him at a time when I was getting my bearings at OHSU.
Dr. Tank's obituary aligns perfectly with my fond memories of him. My deepest condolences to his wife and family.

Sandra Freels

May 31, 2020

I was deeply saddened to learn of Ed's death. I knew Ed from classes at PSU and always appreciated his engagement and interest along with his good will and good humor. His presence made every class better, and I know that he will be missed.

Nancy J Forman

May 31, 2020

Dear Tank Family,
I am a RN who was looking for answers relating to a urologic issue for my young daughter. My pediatrician was totally worthless and I looked up the best pediatric urologist in Portland and made an appointment with Dr. Tank. Dr Tank was everything our family needed and more. Our daughter left with her self esteem intact and I had real answers I could work with. He sat her down and spoke to her as an adult and treated her with respect. I will never forget his kindness. This was at 40 years ago and I still remember him fondly. My deepest sympathy to each of you.... he was a truly fine man who made a real difference in our lives.

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