Robert M. "Bob" Tanem

1930 - 2022

Robert M. "Bob" Tanem July 1, 1930 July 10, 2022 With his ever-sharp mind, Robert "Bob" Tanem passed away with his three children at his side. His 92-year-old body could not keep up. Dad was a wonderful provider for us all and contributed his passion to the county of Marin, its gardens, the community and everyone he met. He was a legend because of his giving nature and through his family's business, Tanem's Garden Centers in Santa Venetia and Tiburon. His infectious laugh, even heard in church, carried him into retirement as "America's Happy Gardener" as he hosted "Bob Tanem in the Garden" on KSFO Radio. His "side" career began in 1980 with guest appearances on KGO Radio and on Bay Area TV, informing viewers on gardening. He won numerous awards for his radio show, including those endowed by the Garden Writers Association and Garden Communicators International. Bob leaves behind his children, Bill (Abby), Kathy (Brian) McBride, Edie (Juan) Morales, their kids, Nick, Will, Robert, Miguel, and great-grandchildren, Martin, Dean and Solomon. His wife of 63 years, Beverley, the extraordinary special education teacher at San Rafael High, passed away in 2017. Dad was a principled man who followed the Boy Scout Oath. Born in Placerville and raised in Willits, his humble upbringing influenced his lifestyle. In 1986, Marin BSA Council awarded Bob the Silver Beaver, which is only bestowed on a select few. He served on the Marin BSA Council, led Boy Scouts across high Sierra trails, took a group canoeing in Wisconsin, and ventured to the National Jamboree. His community involvement had no bounds. He was a Cultural Commissioner with the Marin County Fair and influenced the adoption of a "one-price" admission. From the 60s, Bob built garden exhibits for Marin, Sonoma, and Alameda County Fairs, including at the Marin Art & Garden Center in Ross. His gardening passion continued into retirement at Homeward Bound: New Beginnings where he helped convert a parking lot to a self-sufficient garden. In 2015, he was awarded the Peter E. Haas Community Service Award at his alma mater, U.C. Berkeley for this work. His commitment to the garden and his dear friend, David Jordan, never ended. Bob's career in the nursery industry didn't start with academics. A member of Acacia Fraternity, Bob graduated from Cal in 1953 with a degree in political science and married Bev shortly after. After serving in the Army, he started in sales. By happenstance, he made an offer in 1960 on the property that would become the family business. Faith and luck supported his venture and he grew the business. Later, he would purchase the Tiburon nursery, with a signed commitment to pay over time. Bob prospered in trustworthiness. He sold the Santa Venetia property in 2002, which allowed him to enjoy more of life. Bev and Bob caught up with long overdue vacation trips to Europe and beyond. Bob will be missed by many, including his family, his many communities and his lifelong friends. As per his wishes, please buy flowers and help small businesses grow. Please also consider donating to the New Beginnings Center c/o Homeward Bound of Marin - Hbofm.org. The family would like to extend its appreciation to Hospice of Marin and Visiting Angels for their comforting services. On a parting note, his saved fortune was "Always be modest and be proud of it." You can view more about Bob via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WwqC2Uc4kw and on his website at Bobtanem.com. Memorial services are scheduled at Saint Anthony of Padua, 1000 Cambridge Street, Novato for Friday, July 22, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.