Bryan Howard Tanner, 66

CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Bryan Howard Tanner, 66, of Clarksburg died unexpectedly at his home on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022.

He was born in North Adams on Sept. 1, 1956, a son of the late Howard and Marlene Mirke Tanner. He graduated from Drury High School in 1974 and obtained a bachelor's degree in business from North Adams State College in 1978.

Bryan was employed for more than 38 years as a sales representative at Holland Co., retiring in 2021.

Bryan was a resident of the town of Clarksburg for all of his 66 years. Bryan took great pride in his hometown and was an active member of his community. He was a 47-year member of the Clarksburg Volunteer Fire Company, serving as chief for seven of those years. Bryan held the elected position of town moderator for 38 years. He enjoyed serving his little town.]=

In 1995, he joined the board of directors of the North Adams Ambulance service and 2022 marked Bryan's 27th year of service as a board member. During that time, he served as the chairman of the nominating committee and on the building committee in 2009 for the NAAS building expansion, and was part of the merger/transition committee in 2018 when Village Ambulance merged with NAAS. Most recently, he was elected vice president in July 2020.

Sports were a big part of Bryan's life. He loved the Yankees, even when they were in a slump. Watching his children, Aimee and Dan, as they wove their way through youth and high school sports was a great joy (although the refs might not have always appreciated his calls from the stands). He coached girls' softball in North Adams, Aimee's team, in the early ’90s. More recently his smiles and high-fives were for his grandchildren — Braelyn(B), Jack (J-Man) and Mae (Mae-Mae) — as they began their adventures in school and sports. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Mary, to all corners of New England, Florida and warm sunny islands. Kayaking, biking, time at Planet Fitness, and long walks on the beach and on the farm were his therapy.

The Tanner family farm was one of his passions. The Big Red Barn, visible from the Hairpin Turn, was a source of pride. In his very early years, he worked alongside his parents, Howard and Marlene, grandmother Mabelle, and sisters Gayle and Debra, to run and maintain the farm. As an adult, he joined his dad in growing and supplying hay to local horse, cattle, goat, and even llama owners. Aimee and Dan were taught how to help at a young age: stacking hay, feeding cows, and other farm skills and responsibilities were honed. Soon Bryan and his dad were joined by his son, Dan, and nephew, Kyle Hurlbut (Lumpy) in the daily workings of the farm. This team was a well-oiled machine. It was a family farm. Sam (Samantha), Kolin, Kaci, Shawn and Amber were a part of the team, each in their own way. Along the way there were many wonderful friends who would step in during times of need to help "get the hay in." He was eternally grateful for these acts of kindness. These special people know who they are and they are treasured. In recent years the daily workings of the farm became a two-man operation with Bryan and Dan doing it all. It was hard work, but it's what they were born to do.

In his final years, Bryan built his own little "slice of paradise" on the farm for family fun. It was his favorite place to spend long, warm, sunny days with his family. Grandchildren's snuggles, hugs and giggles were his treasures. His family was his world, his true passion and pride. He deeply loved his children, grandchildren and wife. His home was the gathering place for fun and great family times. He is loved and his love cherished by our family.

Survivors include his loving wife Mary Delisle Tanner, whom he married Aug. 4, 1978; daughter Aimee Kelly and her partner, Greg Kiernan, and son Daniel Bryan Tanner and his wife, Martha LaValley Tanner; grandchildren Braelyn Kelly, Jack Tanner and Mae Tanner. He also leaves his sisters Gayle Smith, Debra Chesbro and her husband, Peter, and Samantha Tanner and her partner, Joe Macksey; an aunt, Sharron Mirke and nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, uncles Carlton Tanner and Richard Mirke; his aunt Verna Mirke Petri and brother-in-law Raymond Smith.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services to celebrate the life of Bryan Tanner will take place Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, at 1 p.m. from Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams. Calling hours are Thursday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests donations to the Clarksburg Fire Company or Northern Berkshire EMS through the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.