Tom was born in Mondovi, Wisconsin to Florence and Zeno Canar. After receiving his college education from Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota and Wisconsin State University in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, he joined the Army as an MSC Officer. He was stationed at Fort Sheridan, Illinois and Korat, Thailand during the Vietnam Era. In 1969, he married Betty Zimmerli, an Army nurse, also stationed in Korat.
Tom's forty year career as a Fund Raising Executive took him to Denver, Los Angeles, Fresno, and Lansing, Michigan where he made significant impacts. After retirement, Tom spent 12 years as a VA Medical Center Volunteer.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Betty, of 54 years; their daughter Kimberly Caroline Canar; their son Patrick Joseph Canar; their daughter-in-law Laurie and grandchildren Scarlett Canar and Jack Canar; his sister Marjorie Paletou of Charlottesville, Virginia; his brother Robert Canar (Jean Owen) and their children Cori Ann (Canar) Carter of Charlottesville and Robert Owen Canar of Thailand, and, of course, his devoted dog Jameson Reagan. Tom is preceded in death by his sister Mary Jo Canar and brother John Zeno Canar.
Donations may be made to Gary Sinise Foundation serving Vietnam Veterans in need at PO Box 40726, Nashville,Tennessee 37204 or at www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Canar family.
