PLATTSBURGH – John S. Tanner, MD died October 1, 2020 at the age of 91, after a long life of joyous pursuits. He was accompanied in his final days by two generations of family and the love of his life, Louise "Klumpie" Tanner. He was born June 29, 1929, the younger of two children of Helen Stetson Tanner and Charles W. Tanner, DDS.

Growing up in Plattsburgh during the 1930s and 40s, he had an adventurous adolescence. He pulled his scholastic act together at Northwood School in Lake Placid, graduating in 1947. While at Northwood he became a not-so-accomplished ski jumper and an expert alpine skier, hiking up Whiteface Mountain before lifts were installed and skiing down on wooden skis with leather boots and cable bindings. His passion for skiing has been passed down three generations.

Following graduation from Northwood, he attended Colgate University (class of '51) then Albany Medical College (class of '55). Summer breaks during medical school were spent back on Lake Champlain. During the summer of 1952, while a counselor at Camp Red Cloud, he met his future wife, Louise Klump, who was a counselor at the nearby girls Camp Red Wing. John caught Klumpie's eye with his sweet wheels, but it was his sense of humor that clinched the deal. One year later they were married, and over the next six years they had four children.

In 1960, after internship and residencies in Burlington and Toronto and two years serving in the Panama Canal Zone (US Army), John and Klumpie returned to Plattsburgh to open his pediatric practice and raise their family.

Dr. Tanner's 35-year medical career spanned the development of vaccines to prevent many childhood illnesses that are almost forgotten today, to the routine survival of 24-week-old infants. He was the Plattsburgh School physician for 12 years, president of the CVPH medical staff for two years, and pediatrician to multiple generations.

John loved all things outdoors, in all seasons, with any and all willing to join in the fun. Hiking in the Adirondacks he cautioned, "don't get too closed to the edge" and, if poison ivy was around, "don't touch anything green!" He sailed, swam, scuba dived, fished, and skated with family on Lake Champlain. He, Klumpie, and life-long friends canoed the many ponds and streams of the Adirondacks, camping primitively, but not foregoing appropriate beverage choices.

After retirement, John dedicated even more time to refining his skills in the garden, and he and Klumpie were fortunate to travel the world. Back at home, John volunteered as a docent at the Kent Delord House, served on the Battle of Plattsburgh Committee, and, with characteristic panache, rang the bell over the seasonal Salvation Army kettle.

For John, family was always first. His grandchildren, who knew him as GPJ, loved his playfulness and mischief. They learned not to be distracted during dessert or else a spoonful of cake or ice cream would be snuck from their bowl. Though he loved reading "The Night Before Christmas" to his kids and grandkids, his favorite holiday was Halloween. Green body paint from his annual witch costume would sometimes linger in his ears for days.

As a result of several disagreements with gravity, he had to give up many of his favorite activities. But he never lost his childlike spirit. And even in his last years, his invariable response to inquiries about his wellbeing was "Never better!"

Dr. Tanner leaves in his long wake his wife of 67 years, Louise; son J. Stetson Tanner, Jr and his wife Suanne of Guilderland, NY; Tim Tanner, MD and wife Suzanne of Danville, VT; Beth Schwarz and husband Erik of Montpelier, VT; Katie Cultrara and husband Jim of Delmar, NY; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The family is very grateful for the kindness and dedication of John's caregivers: Charlene, Rosa, Sue, Paul, Jane and Wendy, and to Heather at Hospice of the North Country. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, there will not be calling hours. A private family graveside service at Glenwood Cemetery in Champlain, NY will occur Saturday, October 10. A memorial service will be planned for a future date. Gifts in John's memory may be made to the Kent-Delord House or Hospice of the North Country .

To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.rwwalkerfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.