David M. Tanner

David was born and raised in Bakersfield. After graduating from South High School, he left home to attend a Baptist college in Illinois. Much to the chagrin of his family, he dropped out before completing his first term and began living as a bohemian rambler of sorts. Given that it was the mid to late '60s, his recollections of his years in Chicago and New York were unreliable, if not highly entertaining.

He returned to Bakersfield, married and raised a family, and worked as a dispatcher for Wheeler Ridge-Maricopa Water Storage District for over 30 years. An autodidact, he spent his life amassing a prodigious home library, and took great pleasure not only in reading and discussing these books, but also in the notion of bequeathing them to his children and grandchildren.

He loved music and passed on his eclectic taste and knowledge to his sons, both of whom became musicians as a result of his enthusiasm and encouragement.
He loved writing, fishing, baseball and the Giants, cooking and eating, and being in the company of his family and friends. He loved his church and served in many capacities at All Saints' and at St. Paul's. He had many friends from many walks of life; he is loved and will be missed.

He is survived by his wife Sharon, his sister Linda, his son John, his son and daughter-in-law Joe and Maureen, and his granddaughter Claire.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 9 at 11am at All Saints' Anglican Church, 3200 Gosford Road. A reception will follow in the church's Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you would consider making a donation to a charity or church of your choosing.