Chapel of the Valley

Robert Tanner

Robert Lee Tanner, born January 18th, 1937, went to be with Jesus on April 7th, 2025. “Papa Lee” passed peacefully at home with his loved ones around him. Lee is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Mary Tanner of Auburn, son Jim (Shelley) of Casa Grande, AZ, son Patrick (Tina) Cologne, Germany, daughter Kim Hankins (Greg) of Applegate, and son Mike Smith (Debby) of Auburn; Grandchildren Jill, Maegan, Daniel, Andy, Delaney, Chris, Brad, Zach, Whitney, Courtney; Great Grandchildren Alexis, Ryan, Trey, Scottie, Stevie, Halle, Lilly, Logan, Conner, Evan, Wade, additional nieces and nephews, and all the “Little Darlins” of the daycare. Lee was preceded in death by his father Bruce, mother Katherine, brother Willard and sister-in-law Esther, daughter Pam and son-in-law Allen, and grandson Steven. Lee was born in Martinez, CA. His family soon moved to San Mateo, where he attended and graduated from San Mateo High School. Lee was honorably discharged from the military as a Cold War Veteran, having served as a signalman in the US Naval Reserve from 1954-1962. Lee worked with his father and uncle in the elevator business. Lee entered the retail grocery business in 1957, worked in the greater Bay Area, and ultimately moved to South Lake Tahoe, CA. For nearly 20 years, Lee worked for Raley’s Supermarket, holding many positions during his tenure and spent his last several years running the back room. It was during these years that he met the love of his life, Mary, and they were inseparable from that point on. Lee retired in 1992, after spending 35 years in the retail clerk's union. In his younger years, Lee enjoyed the outdoors, camping, hiking, cross country skiing, and fishing. During his “retired” years, he and Mary enjoyed traveling, ballroom dancing, spending quality time with family and friends, and running their daycare in Auburn. Many local children spent their time at the daycare with “Miss Mary and Papa Lee!” And to this day, these same children who are now adults, enjoy stopping by and saying hello to them both! Papa Lee will be cremated and taken home to be with his loving wife, Mary, and a Celebration of Life will be held in Lee’s honor later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made in Lee Tanner’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Foundation: www.alzfdn.org

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Robert Tanner Obituary | Chapel of the Valley