David Tanner

David Smith Tanner, Son of Henry Smith Tanner and Columbia Richards passed away peacefully on January 20, 2021. He was born on April 19, 1931 in Ogden, Utah, and grew up in Salt Lake City with two brothers and four sisters, he being the youngest. He graduated from South High School and furthered his education at the University of Utah with a BA degree in Chemistry, attended Officer’s Candidate School in Rhode Island where he was commissioned as Ensign in the US Naval Reserve in 1953. Moved to San Francisco where he was stationed at Hunter’s Point in the Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory. He desired to go to dental school and was accepted at the College of Physician’s and Surgeons, now known as University of Pacific, where he graduated in 1960. In his words, “two miracles occurred”… on March 20, 1954. He spent two days fasting and in prayer and knew he was to marry his sweetheart Pat. That following September he married Patricia Hoover in the Salt Lake Temple. His dreams came true. From 1960 to 1990 they resided in San Jose, California where he practiced dentistry and raised their family of five wonderful and amazing children. As they lived there, his main love was the gospel where he was always a missionary. He was a kind and humble man who never patted himself on the back or took credit for his achievements. His love for the gospel was paramount in his life. He was a faithful, devoted servant in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings including Bishop, counselor in the stake presidency, as well as served as an ordinance worker in two temples. In 1990, they felt prompted to move back to their roots in Utah. He set up his dental practice once again until he and Pat were called to serve in the Singapore Mission in 1997. Following their mission they resumed their service at the Jordan River and Draper Utah Temple for about 20 years.
He is preceded in death by three of their angel children, Jonathan, Melanie and Stephanie.
He is survived by his beautiful wife of 66 years, their five children: Howard (Trish), Karen (Randy) Pettit, Michele (Scott) Done, David (Kristi), Catherine (Bill) Stimpson, 20 grand children and 27 great grandchildren. Three more great-grandchildren on the way this year.
Private services will be held Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. at 3115 E Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, Utah. You may join us virtually at the following link: https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/J6HQC73APQhZXjGKsND7cb?domain=us02web.zoom.us
Fun and interesting about our dad include his love of Family history work, walks at night with astronomy lessons, book writing, Love of cars of every kind, eating at “Original Joe’s” & Fenton’s ice cream (CA), daily naps, out of all the soft drinks available, Howie’s Root Beer was his favorite, their cabin in Twain Harte, California, and Park City. Yearly summer trips included Disneyland and drives to Utah to visit relatives. We treasure our memories with him. His gentle and kinds ways about him will linger in our hearts forever.
Condolences can be sent to the family at www.memorialutah.com
The family expresses its deepest appreciation to the sweet and tender care received through hospice from Megan Ross and Natalie Wright, our newly adopted family members. Their thoughtful attention to our parents was outstanding. The family also expresses it’s gratitude to Mountain View Memorial for their kind and capable service. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to the humanitarian fund or the missionary fund.
Please use this link to join the Zoom service: https://zoom.us/j/8019430831
Service Information
Viewing January 28, 2021 at 10:00 am
3115 E 7800 S, Cottonwood Heights, Utah, 84121





Funeral Service
January 28, 2021 at 11:00 am
3115 E 7800 S, Cottonwood Heights, Utah, 84121