Honouring the life of Tannis Richardson Blog

The University of Winnipeg Foundation joins the community in remembering Tannis M. Richardson, whose remarkable life was defined by leadership, generosity, and a deep commitment to community care.

A proud graduate of The University of Winnipeg Collegiate, Tannis maintained a lifelong connection to the institution. Her ties were further strengthened through her late father, Dr. Paul H.T. Thorlakson, who served as Chancellor from 1969 to 1978. A dedicated supporter of education, she gave generously to numerous awards at the University, including the Susan A. Thompson Scholarship for Women in Leadership and the Honourable Douglas Everett Entrepreneurial Opportunity Bursary—helping students pursue their goals with purpose.

Tannis carried her passion for service into decades of volunteer leadership across Canada. A Member of the Order of Canada, she contributed her time and expertise to a wide range of organizations spanning health, arts, and culture. She held leadership roles with the United Way of Winnipeg, the Kidney Foundation of Canada, and the Health Sciences Centre Foundation, where she was the first recipient of the Laureate of Excellence Award in 1991.

Her impact on the arts community was equally profound. Tannis supported and served organizations including the Winnipeg Art Gallery—where she helped lead major fundraising efforts—the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Manitoba Opera Association, Rainbow Stage, and the Canadian Association of Youth Orchestras. She also contributed to institutions such as the Manitoba Museum, Western Canadian Aviation Museum, and the Winnipeg Public Library Foundation.

Tannis’s dedication to juvenile diabetes advocacy was especially meaningful, inspired by her family’s experience. She played a national and international leadership role with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), serving on its Executive Committee and Board of Chancellors, and co-chairing major campaigns. In Manitoba, she founded the highly successful A Starry Starry Night fundraiser in 1988, advancing awareness and critical research.

Tannis Richardson’s legacy is one of compassion, vision, and enduring impact. She will be remembered for the countless lives she touched, the institutions she strengthened, and the communities she helped build.

This material was prepared with the assistance of generative artificial-intelligence tools. All content was reviewed, approved, and remains the responsibility of the author.