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John Brian Tanner (Field’s 1950–1954), retired solicitor.
Died on 2 June 2018 after a deteriorating illness.
John, born 21 September 1936, lived in Sussex all his life and his childhood home was at All Saints Vicarage, Portfield, Chichester, where his father, Reverend Bernard William Tanner, had his parish. He went to Pilgrims Prep School in Seaford, East Sussex and was Head Boy for the Autumn and Spring Terms in 1949/50 before entering Field’s House at Lancing College for the Summer Term of 1950. His father, Bernard William, and grandfather, Walter John (who rowed for Pembroke College at Oxford in 1877) were past pupils, and his great uncle, Bernard Henry Tower, was Headmaster of Lancing College 1902–1909.
John enjoyed his time at Lancing College, very much enjoying all sports, especially cricket which he later went on to play after leaving Lancing when he became Secretary of the Lancing Rovers for many years. He played hockey for Worthing and cricket for several clubs including the Sussex Martlets, Ferring and then for many years at East Preston, finally becoming Chairman for over 20 years.
After leaving Lancing College, John joined Tanner and Worley, the family solicitors on his father’s side, in Bishopsgate, which merged with Barlow, Lyde and Gilbert by the time he qualified.
John married Christine shortly before qualifying and they had two children, Richard (Sanderson’s 1979–1984) and Belinda, and after moving down to East Preston, where he lived until his death, joined the firm of Davies, Thomas and Cheale, which later merged to become Marsh, Ferriman and Cheale.
John and Christine celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2015 during which time they joined Angmering Tennis Club where John played and was Chairman for several years.
John was a very proud of being a member of the MCC for over 50 years, which was such a joy to him.
John is survived by his wife, Christine, and his children, Richard (who married Dawn in 1993) and Belinda, as well as grandchildren Emma, Rebecca and Katie.
Richard Tanner (Sanderson’s 1979–1984)