MAYER Tanner Michael Anthony Mayer passed away tragically on September 7, 2009 at 15 years of age. He will be greatly and sadly missed by his parents Bill and Trisha Mayer and little sister Elizabeth. Also left to mourn Tanner's passing are grandparents John and Doris Lukowich and Corine and Mark Kennedy along with Uncles Mike (Meghan) Lukowich, Mike (Vanessa) Mayer, Mark (Stacey) Kennedy, and Anthony (Barbara) Kennedy, and cousins Mackenzie, Nya, Berkley and Abelie. Tanner also had a large extended family that will also sorely miss him. Tanner was born on November 5, 1993 in Flin Flon, Manitoba. He moved to Alberta when he was almost one and lived in Sylvan Lake. Tanner attended elementary and middle school in Red Deer and high school in Rocky Mountain House. Tanner was in Grade Eleven at West Central High School where he studied in all core classes in anticipation of attending University. Tanner also maintained a part time job at Extra Foods. As with most teenagers, Tanner spent a great deal of time with his many friends. Tanner also spent a lot of time with his family biking and walking his dog Jake along the river bank. He enjoyed getting together with friends and family for holidays or otherwise and always was extra excited about the food. He loved stand up comedy, music, playing the drums, guitar and filling up his iPod with songs he had downloaded. Tanner's newest passion was finding accessories for his new car which was waiting in anticipation of obtaining his license. Tanner had an amazing personality. He loved to laugh and had the ability to make others laugh and feel comfortable. Tanner was always telling stories and jokes but was also a great listener and would sit back and let others tell their stories. He loved to be silly and goofy, but was also very kind and compassionate. Tanner was a great friend to everyone and was one of those special people who genuinely took joy in others' joys. Not seeing his beautiful smile or hearing his wonderful laugh is too hard to imagine. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration of Tanner's life was held on September 14 in Rocky Mountain House at the Lou Soppit Community Center with Reverend Dale Hansen officiating. The following was a poem read at Tanner's service by his grandmother: You will always be remembered with great love and many tears. But to only feel pain and sorrow would not be fair to you. Your life meant so much more to us, more then words can say. You were here so briefly, I wonder if you knew all the ways you’ve touched our world and our hearts and everyone who knew you since the day God called you home. Now my child, you’re an angel with your heavenly father above, we see not only what we’ve lost but our capacity to love. There will always be a big void in our life and hole in our hearts that will never heal. Our souls will grieve for ever. Will we forget or stop loving you? No! Not now…not ever. As this day is upon us, oh, how our hearts still hurt. But even as we mourn your death, we will always celebrate your birth. It was the happiest day of our lives.