Obituaries

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Floyd Franklin Tanton announces his passing on November 19, 2025 at the age of 74 with his family by his side.

Floyd was predeceased by his parents Robert and Cora Tanton; his sister Carol Tanton; and many aunts, uncles, and relatives. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Jennifer Tanton (née Anaka); daughter Tara Mason; son Jason (Vicky) Tanton; grandchildren Chance Bonneau, Fawn van Schothorest, Ella Tanton, and Evan Tanton; five great-grandchildren; his sister Cheryl (Calvin) Wagar; sister-in-law Marlene (Ernie) Kozak; nieces Caroline (Floyd) Sookochoff and Carol (Jason) Danyliw; nephews Glen (Michelle) Kozak, Darren (Tanya) Kozak, Brad Wagar, David Wagar, and their families; along with many aunts, cousins, and extended family. Floyd will also be fondly remembered by special friends Harvey and Pat Prokop and Brent Stroh.

Floyd was born on June 30, 1951 on a farm outside Stenen, Saskatchewan. His family later moved to Stenen, where he attended school. He spent his summers at the family cabin at Crystal Lake, swimming, lifeguarding, teaching swimming lessons, and playing card games with family. On August 19, 1972, he married the love of his life Jennifer.

Floyd loved hunting and fishing, a pastime he shared with his son Jason and many friends. If you knew Floyd, you knew he was an exceptional fisherman. Jennifer and Floyd also shared a deep love of gardening, tending their flowers and vegetables together every summer and taking pride in the beauty they created side by side. After retirement, Floyd (lovingly called Papa) devoted much of his time to his grandchildren, Ella and Evan, dropping everything to be there for them. He taught Evan to fish off the dock and showed Ella how to catch frogs at the lake. He shared his love of Crystal Lake with them, creating memories that will always be special to him and to all of us. Papa was endlessly proud of the young adults his grandchildren had become, beaming at their accomplishments and delighting in their stories.

Floyd’s health declined earlier this year, but he faced it with courage and strength until his passing. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Father Spyro Vandoros for the countless visits, Dr. Hagel, Dr. Panjwani, Dr. M. Khan, the Palliative Home Care nurses, and the nurses and doctors at Regina Pasqua Hospital (Units 5D - Oncology, 4A - Medicine/Family, and 2C - Medical Surveillance), as well as the entire team at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre. Your care and compassion over the past five months have touched Floyd’s life and ours in ways we cannot fully express.

A Celebration of Floyd’s Life will be held at a later date in summer 2026. Flowers are gratefully declined. Please consider a donation to the Allan Blair Cancer Centre in Floyd’s memory.