Written by Jesse Tanner’s Memorial Service
Cathy, Andy and I attended Jesse Tanner’s memorial service today. The service was held in our church, St Mathews Lutheran, not far from our home. Kirby Unti (our loving, popular pastor who reminds us of Garrison Keillor) performed the service; he was assisted by two of Jesse’s grandchildren, our City Executive Jay Covington, and Renton’s Events Coordinator Sonya Maylander (who sang a beautiful solo -“How Great though Art”). The speakers all did a wonderful job of describing Jesse’s life, and sharing many memories. I was laughing and crying during the service, as I so often do when Kirby performs a celebration of someone’s life.
After the service, Cathy and I joined the police-escorted procession to Greenwood Cemetary, for the graveside memorial. There, in a light rain, Jesse was given a 21 gun salute by the Veterans of Foreign wars, as well as a flag ceremony by the police honor guard. Kirby also lead a prayer service.
Lastly, we attended a reception in the Spirit of Washington Pavillion Events center downtown, the building Jesse and I and others had worked so hard to save and remodel. The sunny, bright setting, with its 1930’s era bow-truss wooden ceilings and warm interior was a beautiful venue for Jesse’s reception. There was again lots of story sharing and celebrating of Jesse’s life. Along with Jess’s wonderful family and many friends, and many diginitaries from the city, I had a chance to see others I have not seen in a while. My old friend and campaign manger Dan Lynch, who also managed Jesse Tanner’s successful Mayoral election campaign, sat with us during the service. (Dan is actively raising his young family in Woodinville now, so we do not see him enough) Bob Edwards, my first council office partner, and current Seattle Port Commisioner sat with Cathy and I, and swapped home-schooling stories. We also enjoyed visiting with former mayor Don Custer, a funny charming man who sold us our duplex in Renton highlands. And Rob McKenna, State Attorney General, came down from Olympia to attend the service. And so many other friends…just too many to mention.
Janice Tanner was so kind and so brave, and my heart breaks for her–she loves her husband so much. Jesse’s grandson Brandon, who brought us all to tears during the service, was also fun to visit with….Jesse was so proud of Brandon when he ran with the Olympic torch some years ago, and Brandon had been one of Katie’s swim teachers.
We also met Jesse daughter Linda, a Texas resident who has become a successful author and sold a script to hollywood in a million dollar deal. Even though she and I had never met, she knew me by reputation, telling me how much I had meant to her dad. ( My eyes are tearing up as I write this).
Jess Tanner meant a lot to me and this city. I will miss him very much. He’s probably working on some economic expansion plan in Heaven right now, making it a better place for when we all see him again.
Thanks for all the memories Jesse…we love you.
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