Former teacher, MLA, and Deputy Speaker of the Alberta Legislature from High River, Don Tannas, has passed away at the age of 83.

According to his obituary," In 1969, Don and Chris along with their two young sons embarked on a two-year adventure in Uganda while working for CIDA. Don taught in a teacher training college and Chris provided local villagers with medical care from a small makeshift clinic on the college grounds. Their African adventure brought many friendships and spurred a lifelong passion for international travel. When they returned from Africa, in addition to their day jobs, the couple opened a successful travel agency in High River. They became their own best customers by continuing to travel the world."

Don Tannas ran unsuccessfully for the PCs in 1974 and worked on the campaigns of George Wolstenholme and later Harry Alger. 

He ran for the PC nomination again in 1989 and won after Alger announced his retirement.

Tannas was first elected to the Alberta Legislature in the 1989 Alberta general election.

He won with a comfortable majority holding the Highwood riding for the PCs.

His second term was won with a landslide majority in the 1993 Alberta general election. 

Tannas was re-elected for a third term in the 1997 Alberta general election and won by the largest majority of his political career in the 2001 general election.

During his fourth term, he served as Deputy Speaker and retired from the legislature in 2004.

His son, Scott Tannas, is a Senator for the province of Alberta.

A celebration of Tannas' life will be held on December 9 at the High River United Church.

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