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Tom Tanner Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Tom Tanner
K H
April 14, 2017
You are remembered and missed.
S F
August 25, 2013
Thinking of you today....and always.
L.A. Rankin
May 7, 2011
I still miss "The Magnet." Two years later, seems to have made no difference. Rest in peace my friend.
Joe Kulenovic
October 7, 2009
I found out about what had happened to Tom only last week. He was a highly capable economist, respected colleague and very affable person. I was deeply saddened to hear the tragic news, and my sincerest condolences go to his family.
Mark Ehlen
June 5, 2009
I knew Tom from about 1996 through 2004, when I was an economist at NIST and Sandia, using the REMI model. He was the most willing and able economist to support the work we were doing, and the nicest guy to work with. In fact, I tried to recruit him almost solely on his incredible personality --- the kind of guy anyone would want to work with. His passing is a complete surprise to me. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help others with the voids he has left behind.
Leslie Lamb
May 14, 2009
I’m so sorry this has happened to Tom. I’m just sick about it. He was so neat to me, just an amazing person. I wish I’d known him better but what fun it was to always say, what color is this whenever I saw him in the halls of Lucy Cobb. Chris Pavlak really said it all. I’ll always remember all the wonderful things that Tom Pavlak said about Tom Tanner. All prayers to Tom’s daughter and family. It’s so sad. And all prayers for Tom’s soul to be at peace.
Stephanie Venable
May 11, 2009
I knew Tom Tanner through his daughter. Words can't express my deepest sympathy for all of Tom's loved ones, family, and friends. I will continue to pray for all of you, especially for his daughter!
Craig Riffenburg
May 11, 2009
Our deepest sympathies.
Donna Thompson
May 10, 2009
I did not know Mr. Tanner, but my sympathies and prayers are with his family and the families of the other victims. Please know that people you've never met are praying for you during this time of loss.
Angie & Ben Bowen
May 9, 2009
Although we never met Tom, we feel like we did with the wonderful stories his parents would tell us when we met up with them. Dr. Tanner and Sally beamed when talking about Tom, and beamed even more when they talked about their granddaughter, Camryn. Dr. Tanner talked about the times he and his son spent hiking the wilds of Southern Utah, and about how they were trying to figure out how to access "Tanner's Crack". We were fortunate we were able to spend time in Utah with Dr. Tanner, one day hoping to go hiking with father & son out there. Although they will not be able to fully explore "Tanner's Crack" together, hopefully Camryn will follow her father's footsteps with exploring Southern Utah with her grandfather.
Sheri Klemmer
May 6, 2009
I met Tom when he cast me in the play "Godspell" for Boone Community Theater. He was one of the most talented and inspired Directors, Designers, Jack of ALL Trades, and Fathers of all time! We also walked the corridors of Iowa State University together. Over the years he was one of my best friends and confidants. He was one of the groomsmen in my wedding. I will miss him so very much. Believe me when I say that the earth has now lost a piece of it's soul and Heaven has found an Angel. Kris I am here if you need me and Camryn your Dad will be your protector eternally now. Love you Tom...
Christy Montour-Larson
May 6, 2009
I had the deep honor of knowing Tom Tanner in Duluth, Minnesota where we worked on plays together at the Duluth Playhouse. I especially remember his kind heart, great sense of humor and lovely, honest work as a member of the cast of TEN NOVEMBER in 1995, which we performed in the hull of an ore boat. My heart goes out to Kris and Tom's family. What a tragedy and what a horrific loss.
Christine Pavlak
May 5, 2009
While much has been written about Tom's involvement w/Town & Gown, little has been mentioned about his contributions to gov't service. Tom worked for my late husband, Tom Pavlak, who was Dir. of Research at UGA's Carl Vinson Institute of Gov't. (The CVIOG serves as a research arm of Ga. legislature.)
Tom & I did not have children so Tom Tanner was like a son & my Tom mentored him, took great pride in his work & pushed him to complete his PhD. at UGA. Tom T had a beautiful, brilliant mind and was a wizard at manipulating & massaging economic data. He worked on numerous projects for the state legislature and created the Georgia Economic Modeling System (GEMS) which is a valuable legacy still used at UGA.
I spoke w/his current boss, Robert Becker, Director of Clemson's Strom Thurmond Institute, and he & Tom had just started working on new models for the federal economic stimulus package, which sadly Tom will not be able to complete.
Tom T was a rare individual who combined the intelligence & understanding of the hard sciences (economics & computer science) with creativity in the softer theater arts. He had an air of gentleness about him which was offset with a dry wit & wicked sense of humor. I know he & my Tom are together now enjoying themselves talking & laughing -- definitely laughing.
Brandi Herndon
May 4, 2009
To Kris, Camryn and the entire Tanner Family~
Kris, I think of you and Camryn daily and
my prayers are with you all during this challenging time.
Teri Pfeifle
May 4, 2009
Tom was always one of my favorite people, even though I hadn't seen him in years. His sense of humor was the absolute greatest. Tell Jeff hello up there in Heaven, Tom!
Kathie Moore
May 4, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. Tanner. I never meet Mr Tanner but it is sad that his brilliant life was ended so aburptly. GOD Bless his family and keep them safe.
Kodi and Donna Book
May 3, 2009
Our family loved Tom for the gentle and giving person he was; whose considerable skills never served to focus attention to himself. His spirit and the contributions that he yet had in store for all of us will be missed.
Janice Cobb
May 2, 2009
After losing my father in February,
someone sent us this quote which was special to our family. "Grief is the price we pay for love, but life would be nothing without that love." Hope this brings your family some comfort at this difficult time.
Alison Burkett
May 2, 2009
I will miss Tom's cheerful voice messages to babysit Camryn. My thoughts have Tom, Camryn, and the family in them at all times.
Mark Doyal
May 2, 2009
I didn’t know Dr. Tanner personally, but I saw him a few years ago in "Play it again Sam". He was brilliantly funny and a true artist. I give my deepest condolences to his family.
Donny Seagraves
May 2, 2009
My sincere condolences go out to the family of Tom Tanner. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
May 2, 2009
Have no doubt, dear Camryn, you were everything to your father! G & C
margaret
May 2, 2009
To the family: I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish there was something that could take away your pain.
Steve Elliott-Gower
May 2, 2009
Tom was a prodigious talent in so many ways: a fine comedic actor, a creative set designer ("mad genius" is a phrase that's come up lately), and an accomplished professional economist. We'll really miss him.
May 2, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Catherine Petersen
May 1, 2009
Craig and I worked with Tom when he was living in Boone. He and Craig ran the lights for "South Pacific" at Des Moines Area Community College. We both had parts in "Broadway Bound" and he played my brother in "Rain Maker". He was a great actor and a dear friend. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathy to his family.
l chenault
May 1, 2009
I didn't know Tom but his photo has spoken volumes of light to me. So, may all his loved ones be comforted during this time of grief, and may his light, which will only grow, inspire us to do and be all the best.
Elizabeth Hiter
May 1, 2009
Kris and Camryn, you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. May God bless you both during this difficult time.
KAY STUDLEY
May 1, 2009
TO KRIS AND HER FAMILY,
JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL AT THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME.
PEACE AND LOVE,
Calvin Smith
May 1, 2009
Dear Family and Friend of Our Beloved Thomas,
My heart is vexed and my spirit made heavy learning of the loss of our dear tom~
please know that,
In Christ,
we shall see tom again.
Fondest Regards,
Calvin Orlando Smith
UGA A.B. 00
Cardiff, Wales
Ruth & John Daniel
April 30, 2009
We express our deepest sympathies to lovely Kris, Camryn and the Tanner family. I know that he is watching over Camryn and his deep love for her will help guide you all through this difficult time.
Cindy Nason
April 30, 2009
I want to send my deepest sympathies to the Tanner family. My heart hurts for the lost of such a pleasant young man and such a talent on the stage. God Bless.
David Knauft
April 30, 2009
My wife and I have been season ticket holders to Town and Gown productions for many years. Tom was a tremendous actor that truly enriched our lives every time we saw him on stage. We were so excited to see that he had a leading role as Dr. Watson in the Sherlock Holmes play we saw the week before he died. As usual, he did a wonderful job of transforming us into another world. Our whole community is poorer because he is no longer with us.
Sharon Bower
April 30, 2009
My deepest sympathy to you, Kris and Camryn. May you find strength from the love of your family and many friends.
M JOHNSON
April 30, 2009
I AM SADDENED BY THE DEATH OF THIS YOUNG MAN. JUST KNOW THAT EVEN THOUGH I DIDN'T KNOW HIM PERSONALLY, HIS DEATH HAS TOUCHED MY HEART. I'M SURE HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED BUT PLEASE KNOW THAT HE IS GOD'S ANGEL NOW. MAY GOD BLESS!
Renee Clark
April 29, 2009
To the Tanner family..I am so sorry for your loss.. May God watch over you and give you the comfort and strength you will need in up coming days. I pray justice will prevail! My deepest condolences.
Alice Daniels
April 29, 2009
My prayers to the family.
Christina Williams
April 29, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the friends and loved ones of Mr. Tanner. I never met him but its evident by the outpouring from the community he was a well liked and respected man.
Melissa Ferman
April 29, 2009
I used to live next door to Tom and his wife in Massachusetts. I have memories of a sweet guy whose door was always open for friends anytime he was home. My roommate and I would usually spend time with Tom watching MST3K, commenting on the goings on of his pet cats, or making fun of the color of the living room carpet. I hadn't seen Tom in the several years since then but he's left an indelible part of himself in my heart and in all those who knew him. He'll be sorely missed.
Shanna Harrison
April 29, 2009
During this time of great sadness..."throw all your anxiety upon God because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7) My deepest condolences to the friends and family of Tom Tanner.
scott cunningham
April 29, 2009
Tom was in the PhD program for economics a year ahead of me. I did not know him well, but we took a class on labor economics together in 2003. He was exceptionally smart, I remember. He did interesting, original work, and seemed very capable in every way. I had a lot of respect for him, and so sorry for his family for this terrible loss.
Shanon Hays
April 29, 2009
Tom, I first heard your name when I was working downstairs in Special Collections at Clemson University in the "bunker" that is the Strom Thurmond Institute. Later, after I moved to Athens and finally put a face with the name, I remember laughing with you about how fortunate it was that you declined to move to Clemson, since there is nothing to do there... I am so glad to have had the opportunity to act under your direction in "Moon Over Buffalo" and also on numerous set calls. Your sense of humor is what I loved most about you, and I will miss that rapier wit so very much. I will miss you always.
Karen Zitomer
April 29, 2009
I only worked with Tom briefly on a few projects at UGA, but I remember being immediately impressed with his intelligence, kindness, and humor. My heart aches for his family, especially his daughter. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Paul & Mary Ann Lundy
April 29, 2009
Tom will always be remembered for his time in Boy Scouts -- an Eagle Scout, a thoughtful, intelligent and fun loving guy.
Our thoughts are with his family, especially his daughter.
Rebecca Smith
April 29, 2009
My thoughts and prayers to all that this brilliant young man touched. I was fortunate enough to have witnessed his many dimensions, especially the love of his family.
Gloria Sams, ALPS
April 29, 2009
We so enjoyed Tom in Sherlock Holmes on Opening Night. He had so much talent and so many gifts. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Hold him in your hearts and he will always be with you.
S Earle
April 29, 2009
A gentleman, a humorist, a friend. God Bless his family. His memory will always be with me.
Shelly and Stefanie Legato
April 29, 2009
I wish there was something I could do or say to take this pain away. We love you guys and please know that we are here whenever you need us. Please give Camryn our love and hugs.
Jean Thaxton
April 29, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Rich Clark
April 29, 2009
Tom had a wonderful mind for puzzling over tough questions, and his sunny disposition and quirky sense of humor made him a pleasure to work with. My condolences go out to his family, especially his daughter who was robbed of her father far too soon.
April 29, 2009
Tom, you were a true friend and a wonderful father to our little girl. Camryn and I will miss you so very much. I hope you know how much we both love you. Watch over her, wherever you are.
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