Adam Tanner

Adam Barton Tanner (aka “Barney”) passed away peacefully early in the morning of Saturday, February 21, 2026 in Calgary, Alberta.

Adam was born on June 6, 1927 in Stirling, Ontario to his parents Margaret (nee RAY) and Thomas. He grew up on a farm near Stirling, Ontario and later moved to Edmonton, Alberta in 1951. There, he met and married Ruth Alberta NELSON. They both later moved to Calgary where they pursued their careers. During their time in Calgary, they raised two children Bryan Jamie and Bruce Lee. After raising their children in Calgary, they both moved to the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia near Winfield (aka “Lake Country”), where he and Ruth supported Ruth’s aging parents who lived in the same area of Carr’s Landing. Here, they built a beautiful home on the westward-facing bench of a mountain overlooking the Okanagan Lake. He built the home “from scratch” doing most of the work himself. He continued to work as a handyman and in the orchards and vineyards in the area, as well as the odd bout of fighting forest fires as a volunteer.

Visits from old friends and extended family were often and always welcome. After several years there, he and Ruth decided to return to Alberta so that they could spend more time with their young grandsons Adam, Colin, Bryce and Jake. They built a home near Cremona, this time on a hill with a beautiful panoramic view of the front range of the Rocky Mountains. Again, he built the home “from scratch” at the age of 72. After several happy years there, they decided to move to Calgary due to Ruth’s declining health.

Through his life, Adam was able to travel to many places, including Europe, the United Kingdom, Oceania and the US. One of Adam’s most memorable endeavours was to take a Calgary Midget Hockey team to Europe during Christmas and New Year’s in the mid 1970’s to play several exhibition games. In Germany, Norway, Denmark and Sweden. This experience undoubtfully created many enduring memories for the players.

Adam will be remembered for many things such as a very strong commitment to family and friends, a pleasant outgoing personality and a strong morale and work ethic. He was never afraid to engage strangers in a friendly conversation. He was proud to see both his son’s attain successful careers, one as a Professional Engineer and the other as a Police Officer. He loved animals, especially Labrador Retrievers (Bear, Doro & Kahula) and a Bichon Frise (Lucky). His favorite sport was hockey, and he was a dedicated Toronto Maple Leafs & Calgary Flames fan. The day prior to his passing, he asked “who is playing hockey tomorrow night”? He also enjoyed professional Baseball & CFL Football.

Adam was predeceased by his three brothers, Melville, Morley & Ray and his two sisters Annie (nee BATEMAN) and Lila (nee ADAMS), and by his loving wife Ruth Alberta Tanner (nee NELSON). Adam leaves behind his sons, Bryan (Mirvat) and Bruce (Lori); his grandsons, Colin (Rebecka), Adam, Bryce and Jake (Ivy); step-grandson, Ayman; his great grand-daughter, Freya; and numerous nieces and nephews. He made many memories with many very special friendships with the MERREL's, the KODNAR's , the ELZINGA’s, the RUDIAK’s, the BERKER’s and the BOHANNON's.

At the family's request, no Funeral Service will be held. Adam and Ruth’s ashes will be spread over the area they enjoyed for several years at in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia