Truman Leon Tanner

Truman Leon Tanner, born March 29, 1946 in Aberdeen WA, passed away May 18, 2023 in Bellingham WA at 77 years old surrounded in love by his family. Jack of all trades, he wore many professional hats starting at a young age that included being a cook, teacher, commercial fisherman, appliance technician, and an owner/manager of several properties. Truman loved building things and was able to fix most anything. He was an avid reader, loved classic movies, MGB cars, and held a passion for the outdoors including boating, birding and hiking. At a very young age, he became enamored with the sea where he grew up on the Washington Coast, and later loved to boat around the San Juan and Gulf Islands and go crabbing in the Strait. He circumnavigated Vancouver Island twice in his classic wooden boat, the ‘Siren’, and drove his boat many times to Victoria, a city he enjoyed and loved to visit.”. He loved to cook, especially crab cakes and salmon. It also brought him great joy to tend to his immense garden, his chickens and ducks, and his dogs and cats. Truman traveled frequently with the love of his life and soulmate, Terry, experiencing all the world has to offer together. He especially loved visiting Joshua Tree, Mexico, British Columbia and fell in love with the island of Kauai. Truman’s endless curiosity led him to continuously strive to discover the world around him, including honing the Spanish language, sign language, attending all types of music from rock concerts (even if he didn’t know the name of the band) to the symphony, and theatre. He is survived by his husband of nearly 30 years, Terry, father-in-law Ted, son Justas, daughter Ellen, niece Hope, and her children Cail, Tanner, Daen, Sheridan and Brenna, grandchildren Archer William and Wilson, Siblings Donna, Marla and Ted, nieces Myka, Athena and Karina, nephews Milan and Matthew, and very dear friends Jean, Jack and Liz. Truman’s quick wit and irreverent sense of humor left his audience either hysterically laughing or speechless. Regardless, he was a charmer and master of seamlessly making even the most shy person feel welcome and included. The pleasure of knowing and loving him was unforgettable. Even if he came off a bit as a stubborn curmudgeon, he always only had pure love for his special people and he will be greatly missed by everyone. Truman Tanner Celebration of Life Sunday August 6th, 1pm – 5pm Squalicum Yacht Club 2633 S Harbor Loop Dr, Bellingham, WA 98225 There will be food, pictures, and opportunities to share and celebrate Truman’s life through his friends and family

Truman Leon Tanner

March 29, 1946 - May 18, 2023