Douglas Bernard Tanner age 71 died peacefully on June 1, 2026 at the QEII in Halifax surrounded by family after a lengthy battle with blood cancer. Born in North Bay, Ontario, on January 28, 1955 he was the eldest son of the late Douglas Earl and Shirley Mae (Burke) Tanner. Doug lived in North Bay, Ont., Greenwood, N.S. and Comox, B.C., having travelled with his Armed Forces family. From there, they made their way to River Bourgeois, Cape Breton.

Doug was employed with Atomic Energy of Canada and Statia Terminals in Point Tupper, Cape Breton. In later years, Doug moved to Halifax where he was employed with Northwood care Inc. in the Environmental Services Department. He was forced to retire in 2017 as a result of vision loss, eventually becoming totally blind. In 2022 he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma which progressed to Acute Myeloid Leukemia in April, 2026. Doug bravely fought with all his health issues.

When he had his sight, Doug loved to play card games with family and friends, ride ATV’s, hunting and fishing. He loved a good feed of lobster and travelling to Cape Breton to spend time with his family was a highlight in his life.

During his high school years, Doug played hockey and being among one of the best players earned the name “Slippery”. Doug was a huge Toronto Maple Leafs fan. Before he lost his sight, he was happily able to witness a game in Boston. Although he couldn’t physically see the games on TV, one of his favourite pastimes was listening to them with the hope each year his beloved Leafs would win the Stanley Cup. He also enjoyed listening to Toronto Blue Jays games.

Doug leaves behind his devoted partner, Isabelle (Fougere) and fur baby, Brodie who gave him so much comfort. Doug is survived by his former spouse, Karen Tanner (Benji) and mother to their children, twins Alicia (Jason) MacDonald, St. Peter’s & Jeremy (Jennifer), L ‘Ardoise and youngest son, Peter (Kelly), L ’Ardoise, grandchildren, Gracie, Chloe, Bella, Kelton, Ryder, Blake, Katie, Luke and Jace. Doug is also survived by his brother Bill (Janetta), Tantallon and sister Valerie (Bruce) Millington (Bedford), niece Kimberley (Ian) and nephew Bruce, Jr. (Brittany) and many cousins.

Thank you to Dr. Alfredo De La Torre, Dr. Curtis Marcoux, Jennifer LaChance, Registered Nurse, nurses at the Haematology Section of the VG Hospital, nurses at 8.2, QEII Hospital and VON. Special mention to Isabelle’s friends, Lesley Bleil, Diana Brown and Krista Jackson who provided her with meals, transportation to and from the hospital, and help with Brodie’s care while Doug was hospitalized. Your support will never be forgotten.

In accordance with Doug’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Interment will be held at a later date.

Celebration of Life for Doug will take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 12:30 pm in the Lakeside Community Centre, 8598 West Bay Highway, Sampsonville, Cape Breton.

Donations in Doug’s memory may be made to Canadian Blood Services through their website at blood.ca or to Saint John the Baptist Parish Cemetery Fund

P.O. Box 24, River Bourgeois, Nova Scotia. B0E 2X0