Mr. Tanner was, when I was younger and more active, one of those people who seemed like he had been around forever and always would be. Mike Quadrozzi even once planned writing a side story for Boy Scouts ½ that would have cast him as an immortal of the sort found in the Highlander franchise, eventually culminating in a battle against his (im)mortal enemy Dick Clark. (This was when Dick Clark was still around himself, of course, and seemed suspiciously eternal.)
In real life, Mr. Tanner was someone who kept the history of Scouting alive. He had an extensive collection of memorabilia, including what I think was the only known complete example of a 1910 uniform. (1910 being the year the Boy Scouts of America was founded.) He would often go to various scouting events and give talks on Scouting's history, and he even had a touring show of historical uniforms, which I was privileged to be asked to be a part of on one occasion for an event up in Maine.
Those interested in more details can find an obituary here. Rest in peace, Mr. Tanner. There can be only one, and you were certainly one of a kind.