Tanner Orion Connelly

July 3, 1991-Feb. 8, 2017

Tanner Orion Connelly, 25, of Homer, died at home on Feb. 8, 2017.

Tanner was born in Yankton, S.D., on July 3, 1991. He was adopted by Scott and Maximillia Connelly. He and his sister, Sascha, spent their first years in Homer before moving to Bainbridge Island, Wash., where their mother married their stepfather, Brian Lord.

Tanner was a born fisherman, and he would spend hours fishing for what he called “The Papa Fish” even before he was out of diapers.

Tannner loved living on Bainbridge Island and as he grew he would visit his father in Homer every year, and eventually moved here to finish high school after the tragic loss of his mother to leukemia. He loved the outdoor activities that Homer had to offer. First and foremost he had a lifelong love affair with fishing, but he also was an avid hunter, snowmachiner and ATV rider.

Tanner loved working on commercial fishing boats. He was happiest when he was on the water. Any of Tanner’s friends will tell you that he had a great sense of humor and we all have many memories of good times sitting around bonfires with Tanner. He leaves behind a big hole in our hearts.

Tanner is survived by his beloved daughter, McKenna Maximillia Connelly; his sister, Sascha Scheider; his father and stepmother, Scott and Diana Connelly; stepfather, Brian Lord; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Tanner was preceded in death by his mother, Maximillia Lord.

A memorial service will be announced for later this year.