Richard F. Tanner "Dick", 78, of Big Piney passed away Thursday, October 7 ^th , 2021 at Intermountain Healthcare Hospital in Murray, Utah.

Dick Tanner's life journey found this man raised a proud Wyoming country kid. He enlisted to fight for his country and provided comfort and guidance to families in grief. Over the years, Dick served his community in many local manners, yet his greatest achievement was as a family man. Dick was born December 8th, 1942 and was the 3 ^rd son born to Francis and Helen Budd Tanner. Dad had big shoes to fill, following in the footsteps of older brothers John and Bob. After graduating from Big Piney High School, Dick attended college at Arizona State College, University of Wyoming, and California College of Mortuary Science. Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army and while based at Fort Lewis he was called home to take over the family mortuary business following the death of his father. Dad chose an amazing woman to be his partner in life and married Linda Garris on January 10, 1970, at St. John's Episcopal Church in Big Piney.

Dick and Linda were a wonderful duo who brought out the best in each other. They provided an amazing upbringing for their children, Kenna and Ryan. Their kids never lacked love, respect, guidance, and were often reminded to sit back and appreciate the small moments in life. If you knew Dick, you knew besides adventuring with his family his favorite thing to do was sit on the back deck and watch the sunset. I believe this was when Dick felt closest to God. He often remarked this was as close to perfection man could witness.

Dick served Sublette and Lincoln County as the county coroner and owning a funeral home in Kemmerer. After selling the mortuary business, Dick and Linda moved home to Big Piney to raise their family. Dick continued serving others by working for the local telephone company and then owning and operating Clear Cut Glass. Dick enjoyed retirement by traveling with family and friends all around Arizona and southern Utah. Some of his best times were shared riding alongside Linda, John and Shirl, and their new "family" of friends from the Globe/Miami/Tonto Basin area.

Dick was proud to serve his community. His involvement over the years ranged from being a member of the Masonic Lodge, Korean Temple of Shriners, Eastern Star, County Coroner, member of the Big Piney Cemetery Board, School Board Member of School District #9, Founding board member of the Green River Valley Museum, and served on the vestry boards of the Episcopal churches in Big Piney and Globe, AZ.

Dick loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed sharing his many trades and skills to his kids, supporting his kids in all their crazy endeavors, rock hunting, riding the side-by-sides, and camping. What Dick loved the most though was spending time with his grandchildren. He beamed with pride after every visit with them. He is so proud of Ryan and Abbie and the life they are providing for their kids.

Dick is survived by his wife Linda, daughter Kenna, son Ryan (and wife Abbie), Grandson Barrett Nicholas, Granddaughter Hattie Marie, and Brother John (and wife Shirl). He so loved his nieces and nephews and their families. There was a special place in his heart for Jeff and Buck Bell, Jak and Grace Tanner, and Cassidy and Hays Espenscheid. He thought of you and so many others as his own kids.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Helen, as well as beloved brother, Bob and his wife Helen.

All who knew Dick were blessed with the kindness, relentless teasing, and generous smile Dad shared with all. Dick was truly a GENUINE soul. He loved hard, spoke softly, wasted no words, and gave all of himself no matter the cause.  I think Dick would ask three things of each of us. Love your family, take care of your community, and end each day enjoying the sunset God provides us with those you love.

A graveside service with military honors was held Friday, October 15 ^th , 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Plainview Cemetery in Big Piney.