Tanner Shaw Yeates

Tanner Shaw Yeates, a beloved, son, husband, father and friend, passed away on December 4, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of those who loved and cherished him.

 The youngest of 7 siblings, Tanner was born in Ogden, Utah on April 5, 1986. Being the baby of the family, all of his brothers and sisters loved and cared for him endlessly and he looked to his mother for his every need. He loved to laugh and we loved not only hearing but watching him laugh. He grew up in Layton, Utah and graduated from Davis High School. He remained close to his childhood and high school friends throughout his life.

 He loved to boat and competed for Wake Utah as a sponsored, elite wakeboarder. He honed his craft by taking the wheels off of a skateboard, duct taping boots to the board, tying a boat rope to a beam on the porch and extending it to his trampoline where he would practice endlessly doing flips and turns. Saturdays, he and his father Delyn would travel to various lakes and reservoirs throughout Utah in the early mornings to compete. Being on the water was therapeutic for his soul as well as the hours spent with his dedicated father.

 He served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines, San Pablo mission. He loved the people and their culture and for a person who grew up with a very limited palate, learned to enjoy the delicacies of the people. He had a knack for learning languages and become nearly fluent in Tagalog with a native accent. To further immerse himself in the Philippine culture, he returned to the Philippines following his mission on a solo backpacking trip.

 He studied at BYU and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Arizona State University. It was while he was at BYU that he met his talented and beautiful wife, Emily Day. They married and had two precious children who Tanner adored, Lydia and Bowen. Lydia shared his passion and joy for music and Broadway musicals. She was the star of his eye. He passed his unquenchable desire for learning and ability to absorb and grasp new subjects on to his intelligent son Bowen.

 Traveling the world together and exploring nature through hiking, camping and snow skiing, as well as strumming his guitar and games with his family are where he found the most joy. If you came to Arizona to visit Tanner and Emily, you would quickly find yourself winded as you enjoyed the vista of Camel Back Mountain as Tanner pointed out the various points of interest. When you were with Tanner, you were the center of his universe and he gave you his undivided attention.

 He and his co-worker Kevin Chapman started the Arizona office of HCVT, a public accounting firm, where they expanded from two employees, one folding table and two chairs in a janitorial type closet to the over 15,000 square feet of space with over 30 employees. He was a problem solver at work and would not give up until he found a creative solution to a complex set of facts. Many clients, family and friends benefited from his professional counsel and advice. Tanner mentored many throughout his career and was compassionate and thoughtful in dealing with other’s tragedies and supporting them in their passions outside of work.

 Despite seemingly having it all, in recent years Tanner suffered from deep depression and anxiety. He sought professional help and guidance in an attempt to overcome, and despite many beautiful happy vistas, he was tormented by what his mind saw as the vast, dark and unclimbable valleys. May he feel peace and happiness as he gifted to us through his friendship and love.

 Although our hearts are broken, we willingly pay the price of tears shed for loving Tanner. From everlasting and eternal love and hope, we celebrate his life and his many contributions. We love and miss him, but will always remember him and the impact he had during his too short journey in this life. 

 When such a friend from us departs,

We hold forever in our hearts

A sweet and hallowed memory,

Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee. 

 Tanner is survived by his beloved wife, Emily, children, Lydia and Bowen, his parents, Delyn and Vicky Yeates, and siblings, Chaleh (Chris) Trujillo, Jared (Natalie) Yeates, Matt (Heidi) Yeates, Josh (Brittanny) Yeates, Charissa Waters, and Chelsey Yeates, and many nieces and nephews who loved and revered their Uncle Tanner. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Keith and Fay Yeates and Lawrence and Norma Bowen. He also was devoted to his Day family, Emily’s parents, David and Shanna, and Emily’s siblings, Kyle (Brook), Eric (Kristi), Alex (Ashlea), and Danny (Hannah).

 Family and friends may gather to offer their condolences on Saturday, December 21, 2024 from Noon – 1:00 pm at 1402 N Fort Lane Layton, Utah. A short service will follow from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00p.m. where family and friends may share memories.

 A Celebration of Life will be held in Paradise Valley, Arizona on December 14, 2024 for close family and friends.