It is with a heavy heart, we announce the passing of a great father, grandfather, partner and man, Ellis Alonzo Canning who left this life on Saturday January 4, 2020 at the Vancouver General Hospital.
Ellis leaves behind his partner Glen Huser, daughter, son-in-law and grandson Janelle, Joel and Jakob Shoihet; ex-wife and friend Claudine Canning; sisters Dorothy Stockley, Lorraine Colboune-Cochrane, Wilma and Sonja Colbourne; and brothers Edwin Canning and Larry and Ramsey Colbourne along with a large, loving group of extended family, who span the globe.
Born in Roddickton, Newfoundland on September 8, 1947 to Beatrice and John Canning, Ellis was known early in life for his excellent style. He was the first to be spotted on the streets of his tiny town in the latest trend from Sears Roebuck catalogue. In his later years, he was rarely spotted without a fedora or other hat and a scarf to match.
He was a lover of all things that bloomed, the beach, sun and travel and appreciated the beauty of a sunrise and sunset. He would often sit quietly and admire the changing colour of the sky as it rose or set on each day. His love of seeing new things and meeting new people was reflected in his professional and personal life. Growing up and living much of his adult life in Newfoundland, his journey led from coast to coast in 1995 when he and Claudine moved to British Columbia where he started his nursing career, often working in isolated communities throughout northern Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. His work portfolio is rich with testimonials to his diligence and expertise as an RN and hospital administrator. Breaks from work? No surprise to find him spending winters in Ecuador or Costa Rica.
It is hard to describe in words a man whose easy smile and kind eyes brought joy to people all over the world. He made friends easily and was comfortable in a room of one or one hundred. An excellent and avid cook, he often hosted dinner parties for no reason other than to celebrate his love of cooking and entertaining with friends and family. Sadly, his recipe for the most amazing French onion soup may well have gone with him.
In lieu of a flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of your choice. At his request there will be no formal service. Consideration is being given to raise a glass in his honour when the world again is in bloom and the sun can shine on faces of all who knew and loved him.
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