Gene Francis Canavan

Surrounded by his wife of forty -one years, Rosyln, three daughters and sons-in-law, former City councilman and prominent north side businessman, Gene Canavan entered rest on Friday, September 26, 2003.

Gene was born in the Bronx of New York City, the son of Margaret Bourgeois and John Milton Canavan. After his father died his mother moved to Boerne, Texas where he attended Boerne High School and graduated in 1960 with a full athletic scholarship to Rice University. Later he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1964 from Trinity University where he lettered in football and basketball.

Gene was Chairman and CEO of Gene Canavan Insurance Services Inc. and associated with the leading insurance companies and brokers in the nation. An astute businessman he left his indelible mark as Chairman of Gene Canavan Realtors and Founding Partner of the Dominion.

Gene Canavan will long be remembered and missed by his family and friends as a man of passionate conviction to family and to his community. His generosity and love to serve those in need remain as inspiration to all who knew him and a great sense of pride and comfort to his loved ones. He leaves a legacy of community service that includes City Council Member and Mayor Pro-tem of San Antonio, where he served in the Alamo Area Council of Government AACOB, Metropolitan Youth Agency Board of Directors, San Antonio-Bexar County Urban Transportation study SABCITS-MPO, Chariman of the Policy and Planning Committee, and City Council Liaison to Fort Sam Houston. He also served on the American Heart Association Board of Directors, Alamo Council of Boy Scouts Board, World Affairs Council of San Antonio Board of Directors, Bexar County Hospital District Board of Mangers, City of San Antonio Zoning Commission, Northwest YMCA Advisory Director, Life Member of the San Antonio Livestock Expo, Inc, Honorary Life Member of the Texas Parent-Teacher Association, Development Board of Incarnated Word College, Development Board of Texas Military Institute, Advisory Board of Concerned Athletes in Action, better Business Bureau of San Antonio Director, United Way Campaign, Advisory Board of Project Mend, and Finance Chairman of the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner for Senior Citizens.

During his final days community leaders government officials and business giants from all sectors gathered daily at his bedside to pay their respects. The halls of the Vitas unit of the Methodist Hospital were filled with stories of generosity, service and humor of the bigger than life charismatic man who lived for his family and helping others. He will long be remembered for his "Grand Kids Parties" at his beloved Cross Mountain Ranch home where he entertained business associates and their children and grandchildren.

He is survived by wife Roslyn Renger Canavan; daughters, Shannan Canavan Sachs and husband Byron Keith Sachs, Courtney Canavan Gibson and husband Gregory Lawrence Gibson, and Kerri Canavan Gatlin and husband Geoffrey Case Gatlin and the joy of his life his grandchildren, Roslyn Taylor Sachs, Alecander Canavan Sachs, Geoffrey Case Gatlin, Jr., Field Canavan Gatlin, and Gregory Luke and Grace Emily Gibson.

He is also survived by his sisters; Patricia Anne Leader and Gayle Arlene Takes, and brother, John Milton Canavan, William Edward Canavan and Clarence Bourgeois. Gene is also survived by his mother-in-law, Elrose Renger and brother-in-law, Dr. Paul Renger. He is preceded in death by his parents Margaret Bourgeous and John Milton Canavan and his father-in-law, Paul Renger.

Deep gratitude is extended to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Methodist Hospital and the Vitas Unit for their extraordinary care and attention to our loved one and the family. The family also expresses heartfelt gratitude to all his family, friends and colleagues who so graciously supported them during this trying time.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Boerne High School Athletic Club, #1 Greyhound Lane, Boerne, Texas 78006 or the American Cancer Society.