Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

CHESAPEAKE — It was a battle Tanner Harr fought harder than any game he has ever played. But he was against an opponent that one of the hardest to beat.
The former Chesapeake Panthers’ basketball star lost his battle to cancer early Wednesday, dying in a hospice at 5:58 a.m.
“You wish someone could be a good player, but basketball doesn’t seem real important. I’ve had to deal with some tough things as a coach, but nothing like this,” said Davis.
Harr was complaining of headaches and on Sept. 6, 2017, went to have a CT scan. The results found a golf ball size tumor. Testing was done at TMC and UMC in Tucson, Arizona, before he was transported to Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
He underwent a 12-hour surgery on Sept. 11 and the tumor was removed. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments followed.
During the fight for his life, Harr was unable to play basketball although he would often attend games using his crutches.
Coach Davis continued to list his name in the scorebook for each game and the team had warmups that were lettered “Harr 23” on the back.
“He never quit, not only basketball but trying to fight a disease, either. A very tough kid. I had him in Math class and he worked hard in class. He always worked hard above his ability,” said Davis.
“He only got to play for us as a sophomore, but he was a decent player then but with his due to work his ethic and attitude and coach-ability you knew he was going to be a good player.”