Tanis, Everett

January 20, 2025

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Date of Service: January 31, 2025

EEUWIT “EVERETT” TANIS woke up in the presence of his Lord and Savior on January 20, 2025 at the age of 85 years.

Everett was born on December 25, 1939 in Holland to George and Elizabeth (née Verhage) Tanis.

Dad was the loving father of George (Jessica), Bert, Liz, and Gwen (Nicholas) with blended family Douglas (Karry), Marilyn, Rachel, Jodee (Alan) and grandchildren. He is survived by his siblings Aad (Eeuwit), Kees (Nellie), Gerard (Corrie), Krijn (Clarie) and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his Parents, infant son Bert (1982), his wife Maasje (1996), his sister Durvina (2009) and wife Annetje (2020).

Everett volunteered many hours for various organizations and associations, living out his passion for helping others. He cared, for his family, the community, and the country as a whole.

His passions included farming, hiking, gardening, camping and traveling. He loved birds, wild flowers and puzzles. His faith was reflected through every aspect of his life.

We would like to thank the Nurses and Staff on 4B of the Chinook Regional Hospital for the outstanding dedication and support they gave our Father during his brief stay.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 - 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at Huntsville Cemetery, with Funeral Service to follow at 11:00, at the IRON SPRINGS CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 220 Centre Street, Iron Springs, AB with Pastor Paul Droogers officiating.

The Service may be viewed by livestream under Everett’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

As Everett supported a variety of charities, the family would like to suggest in lieu of flowers, donations be sent in Everett’s name to the Picture Butte Ambulance.

Our deepest condolences with the loss of Everett. It was always nice to have him show interest in the sheep Industry, he often came to borrow a ram, and we usually ended up talking for a long time. We will miss him as we also miss Ann.

Case and NellekeSlingerland , February 1, 2025

Everett was a friend and colleague in many endeavours over the past 4-5 decades. We spent many hours working together on Citizens for Public Justice work in the 1980s. Thereafter we met, talked, and worked on many issues over the decades. From the South Saskatchewan River Basin CPJ submission, to poverty, to school and university justice, to criminal justice. He was a solid, principled Christian who truly cared for the weak and vulnerable, for agriculture and ecology, for Indigenous rights and refugees, and for peace and justice. His broad sweeping vision of the Kingdom of God meant care and love in all areas of life, not the least in politics. He had deep commitment to seeking the common good and public justice in politics. He worked faithfully with people of every partisan stripe, a real witness in view of the divisions and tensions that plague current politics. He was loyal and encouraging to me personally through to the last weeks of his life, when in December he emailed his condolences and encouraged us with the death of our son in September. A truly fine friend. Peace to you, Everett Tanis, until we meet again. John and Shirley Hiemstra

John Hiemstra, January 31, 2025

Living in another province, I didn't get a chance to see other parts of his life, but I thought I'd share the small slice of Everett's life that I got to experience. I enjoyed my many talks with Everett over the years. Whenever I had a chance to come visit my parents in Picture Butte, I would also have a chance to sit down and chat with Everett about politics, either at church or at Koster's Bakery. It wasn't talking politics for its own sake but that we believed in creating a better world. Growing up, my father, also a farmer, was friends with Everett. And as an adult, I came to appreciate Everett and his passion for political issues. A political science professor of mine (at King's University College) mentioned to me once that he also knew and appreciated this farmer in Southern Alberta who was deeply involved in progressive politics in the province. I really appreciated how Everett stood up for what he believed in. He wasn't afraid to show his political affiliation in a place where voting Liberal or NDP is unpopular. He displayed his Trudeau sign proudly on his red truck wherever he went. He believed politics, led by a Reformed understanding of the Bible, could help create a better world.

Herb van den Dool, January 31, 2025

Evert was a smart and caring man who was not afraid to stand apart from the crowd. I always enjoyed chats with Evert about politics and history and how his personal values informed his carefully formed nuanced opinions. He always came prepared with facts and empathy. Evert was truly one of the good guys, and I am glad I got to know him a little. My condolences to his family for your loss.

Bryan Rudelich, January 31, 2025

Dear Gwen, My deepest sympathy. I know how close you were with your Dad. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers

terry tokariuk, January 31, 2025

I very much admired Everette and he was so well-informed about political issues regarding both Alberta and Canada. I saw him often at the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs. He was a smart man.

Debby Gregorash , January 30, 2025

My deepest condolences to your family; wishing you strength and courage during this time.

Gerda VanGarderen, January 28, 2025

I saw Everett’s obituary this morning. I am so sorry for your loss and for our loss. I got to know Everett through politics. We didn’t agree on party but our we leaned more or less in the same direction because we showed up at the same non-political events! I always knew Everett was around when I saw his pickup truck advertising his stand on things. He was a fixture and he will be missed.

Leona Jacobs, January 28, 2025

We offer our sincere condolences with the loss of your father. He was one of the best and one of a kind! Another huge loss for our community!

John & Cynthia Papworth, January 25, 2025

Our condolunces go out to the family of Evert, our family met Evert in 1967 when we moved to the farm, we harvested sugarbeets together for a long time. He was a great guy to get along with, never had to say anything bad about anybody, may he rest in peace. Art and Margaret

Art and Margaret BergenHenengouwen, January 24, 2025

My deepest condolences to you, Everett's family. I feel honoured to have met your Dad through my dear husband John. It's marvelous how they remained close friends for all their years. I've heard so many great stories, their winter jobs in Smither, BC lumber mill, Everett being best man at his wedding in 1973, and so any more. I enjoyed going for coffee with john at Eddies to see Everett (the two of them sitting next to each other) and the rest of coffee row. That's such a super group that I like to call my friends, they have welcomed me after John's passing to help me through my loneliness. Recently, I met the lady (now living in Cranford area) who together with her husband had had a saw mill in Smithers, and she was asking after your Dad and John. I was excited to go to coffee and tell your Dad all about my conversation with her. Everett got a happy spark in his eyes with the news of her greeting to him! It will be different to go to Eddies on a Saturday morning and have Everett not there to bush with his beans. He will be so missed. I wish you many happy memories to help you, and to give you knowledge of your Dad's spirit is still with you. My warm thoughts and prayers are with you, Christine Zeinstra

Christine Zeinstra, January 23, 2025

So sad to hear of Everett’s passing. He leaves a spot on coffee row - we will miss his gentle nature. God bless your family.

Chris and Ruth Pelletier , January 22, 2025

Tanis, Everett

Date of Service: January 31, 2025

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