The family of Jesse Tanis invites you to a celebration of his life. The service will be held at 1 pm on March 11 at the Elk’s Hall, 98 First Ave. South, Williams Lake. Refreshments will be served after the service.
Jesse was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA on July 9, 1935 to Philip George and Jessie Estella Iris Tanis. He graduated from Cabool High School in Cabool, Missouri and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He married Alta Lou Unger in 1957. After serving his country for four years, he was honourably discharged at the rank of Aviation Electrician First Class. Jesse and Alta moved to Kansas City, Missouri where he attended Calvary Bible College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Theology.
In 1970, after several years of mixing college, work, a growing family and pastoral ministry, Jesse and Alta moved with their four young children to Chilanko Forks in the Chilcotin. There they began a lifelong work with Interact Ministries, sharing God’s love with the people of the Chilcotin, the Cariboo and throughout the western provinces. They lived in Chilanko Forks, Alexis Creek and Williams Lake, later moving to Quesnel and Kamloops before returning home to Williams Lake to stay. In 2010, after a spirited fight with cancer, Alta went to be with her Lord and Saviour. In 2015, at 80 years old, after 45 years of ministry, Jesse retired.
Jesse was predeceased by his parents and beloved wife Alta, his brothers Philip Jr., John, Eugene (Vic), Wesley and his sister Marion. Jesse is survived by sisters Carol Gunter, Beverly Odom, Sonia Brozovich (Joe) and Donna Rokicki; his children Jon (Tracey), James (Jamie), Ann Shiels (Gordon) and Joel (Trudy); his grandchildren Jessie Deyo (Toby), Sarah Kobes (Les), Hattie Deyo (Amos), Braden Tanis, Victoria Somerville, Amanda Somerville, Mitchell Somerville, Josh Noble, Nathan Noble, Kaleena Tanis and great- granddaughters (in no particular order) - Jael, Violet, Grace, Daniella, Juniper, Anya and Elizabeth. He loved his family and had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers please direct your donations to the BC Cancer Foundation, Cariboo Community Church Benevolent fund or a charity of your choice.