Former writer and publisher of religious research Jerald D. Tanner, 68, died Oct. 1, 2006, in Salt Lake City.

Mr. Tanner authored more than 40 books, including "Mormonism: Shadow or Reality?" and "The Changing World of Mormonism." He established Utah Lighthouse Ministry, a nonprofit organization that continues to print his research. He served on the board of the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake and served as an elder on the Governing Board for Discovery Christian Community.

He was a prominent critic of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often pointing out discrepancies within accepted doctrine. Along with his wife, Sandra, Mr. Tanner received public criticism after studying the authenticity of the Salamander Letter, which was later determined to be a forgery by Mark Hofmann containing facts about the Mormon prophet Joseph Smith.

Mr. Tanner was known to be committed to Christ and loved to pray and memorize scripture. He graduated from West High School and the Salt Lake Trade Technical Institute. He was an avid Utah Jazz fan and loved a good practical joke.

Memorial services will be today at 10:30 a.m. at the Salt Lake Christian Center, 4300 S. 700 East. Visitors may call 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. before the service.