Obituary of William Tanis

TANIS, William Edward, Sr., saved by grace, unexpectedly went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, March 22, 2010. Born in Paterson, he lived in Upper Saddle River for the last 55 years. A veteran of the United States Army, Bill served his country during World War II in the Pacific Theater as a Tech Sergeant. He received the Combat Infantry Man's Badge, several campaign ribbons, star awards and other commendations. A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in labor management, he was a business representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. During his career he actively negotiated numerous corporate contracts for the IAMAW. He was a member of the AFL-CIO and retired secretary treasurer of the NJ State Council of Machinists. Bill regularly attended Pompton Plains Reformed Bible Church. Bill is survived by his beloved wife Linda to whom he was married for 63 years, his son William E., Jr. and wife Karna of Bridgeton, NJ and his son David B. and wife Lora L. of Warwick, NY. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Sayard M. Tanis, William E. Tanis, III and wife Linda, Joshua D. Tanis and Lindsay V. Tanis, whom he dearly loved and cherished. Friends may visit the family on Thursday, 7-9 PM at the Vander Plaat Funeral (www.vpfh.com) Home, 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff. Funeral Service, Friday, 10:30 AM at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Totowa. Memorial contributions to Pompton Plains Reformed Bible Church, 415 Boulevard Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 or Hudson Valley United Reformed Church 1043 County Road 12, New Hampton, NY 10958, would be appreciated.