Ellis Wilson "Pete" Tanner passed away June 26, 2016 at his home in Hood River, Oregon where Pete has resided for the past 65 years, farming and being the keeper and care giver of his land. Pete was one of 5 children born to Joseph Melvin "Joe" Tanner and Mary Mamie "Mae" (Brace) Tanner in Fargo North Dakota, July 14, 1918. Pete was 97 years of age, 18 days shy of his 98th birthday.

Pete was raised and schooled in Fargo, North Dakota until September of 1937, when the family, nearly all grown journeyed a long trip west on a flatbed truck traveling fifteen to twenty miles per hour.

Upon arrival in the Hood River Valley, Pete went to work in the fruit orchards, harvesting crops. Pete's first job outside of the fruit industry was truck driving hauling ice cream, milk and feed product from Portland to Hood River, byway of the old winding highway, for Mayflower Farms. Other jobs Pete held over the years were, driving school bus, Hood River Bottling Works, Jim Sherrell Distributors in The Dalles, ending his working career working for Mid. Columbia Distributors in Hood River. Pete was a life time cowboy, and raised horses, cows, pigs, grew hay, and farmed the land when not working out.

Pete served in the United States Navy in 1944 and was Honorable discharged at the end of 1945 during WWII. After the Navy, Pete contracted T.B. and was treated at the Veterans Hospital in Portland for a 18 month stint.

Pete met and married Maudenne Hagen in November of 1939. They had four children, Alice, Rita, Ronald and Donald. They were later divorced.

Pete was a long time member of the Hood River Saddle Club, Hood River Elks, American Legion, Moose and Eagles organizations. After retiring from working but not farming, Pete and his companion, Betty Bjerke traveled the United States and enjoying each other’s companionship and joined the snow birds in the winters traveling to Arizona and Mexico until Betty's passing in 2013.

Pete is survived by Daughters, Alice Pierson and her husband Roger of Hood River, Rita Stevenson of Hood River, Sons; Ronald Tanner of Portland and Donald Tanner of Hood River; 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Memorials are encouraged to be made in Pete's name to: Hood River Saddle Club.

The family gives thanks and appreciation for the helpful hands and care givers of, "Hearts of Gold."

Services for Pete will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 9th, 2016 at Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031). Pete’s service will be led by celebrant speaker Bob Huskey, Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Navy, fraternal rites by the Hood River Elks Lodge. Private graveside rites will take place at Idlewilde Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

Please visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.