Tanner John Rizopoulos

1994-2025

It is with immense heartbreak that we share the passing of Tanner John Rizopoulos, who left this world at the age of 31. His absence has left a quietness that words cannot fill, and he will be missed more deeply than we can ever express.

Tanner was a truly unique individual; someone whose presence was impossible to overlook. He carried himself with natural confidence — not loud or showy, but effortless and unmistakable. People were drawn to Tanner because he was genuine, expressive, and entirely himself.

Born on January 9th, 1994, in Sarnia ON, Tanner grew into someone whose creativity, intelligence, and spirit touched every part of his life. Toronto eventually became his home, and he loved the city deeply — its energy, its diversity, and the sense of possibility it gave him. It was where he grew personally and professionally, built friendships, and shaped a life he was proud of.

Tanner had an extraordinary sense of style and a deep love for fashion. Whether he was stepping out in a carefully curated outfit or simply moving through his day, he expressed himself boldly and beautifully. His eye for fashion even caught the attention of Vogue, where he was photographed and featured while attending Coachella in California, a moment that captured his vibrant and expressive spirit.

Tanner had many passions that coloured his life: music that moved him, skateboarding that offered freedom, and books that fed his brilliant and curious mind. He was deeply well read, endlessly thoughtful, and carried a sharp, insightful intelligence. He also thrived in movement and challenge, with biking and running marathons, Tanner embraced the kind of physical goals that reflected both discipline and joy.

Professionally, Tanner was exceptionally accomplished. He graduated from George Brown College in Toronto and built a successful career in IT as a specialist and full-stack developer. He was thriving in his field, excelling in work he genuinely enjoyed. He had plans to travel to Europe and was excited for the experiences ahead and the future he was creating for himself.

Tanner was a devoted son/brother/grandson/nephew/cousin/friend, someone who showed up with love, humour, and heart. He moved through life with a rare sincerity, kindness, compassion and empathy. His absence leaves a profound ache in the hearts of those who loved him.

Tanner is survived by his loving parents, Shelley Wise and John Rizopoulos; his cherished sister, Taryn Rizopoulos and her fiancé, Jason Geddes; and his adored grandparents, Joyce and Garry Wise, and Elsie and the late George Rizopoulos. He is also deeply missed by his cousin and lifelong best friend, Cayden Wise, and his girlfriend, Brynn Howlett; by his cousin and good friend, Jesse Kelch; and by his caring aunts and uncles, Dee and Dusty Wise, and George Rizopoulos and Marina Schamann — together with the many extended family members and friends whose lives were brightened by his presence.

He was predeceased by his great-grandparents Sam and Marian Beatty, Mary and Ken Wise, and Agnete and Fred Larsen, who now welcome him with love.

“At bottom every man knows well enough that he is a unique being, only once on this earth; and by no extraordinary chance will such a marvelously picturesque piece of diversity in unity as he is, ever be put together a second time.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche

This quote, from one of many philosophers that Tanner read reflects the truth of his life: he was truly one of a kind. Everyone who met him experienced his unique blend of humour, kindness, warmth, and heart. Tanner could never be duplicated — his spirit, laughter, and love were entirely his own. Those who knew him carry a piece of that uniqueness in their memories, stories, and the countless ways he touched their lives.

Though our time with Tanner ended far too soon, the imprint he left, his confidence, his talents, his spirit, and his unforgettable presence, remains with us always. This world is truly a better place because he existed.

A service to honour and celebrate Tanner’s life will be held at a later date.

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