Donald Dennis Cannard

To know Don Cannard was to know someone who loved to live. He cherished family and nature. His kindness and thoughtful caring for children and the environment was remarkable, and so was his sense of humor and storytelling. He always seemed to be helping someone or planning a project. An avid gardener and trail developer, Don loved to make things beautiful and welcomed others to see a special bloom or a lovely trail. Those who worked beside him would benefit from his extensive knowledge of flora and fauna.

Don was born to John and Mildred Cannard in Portland, Oregon, where he lived until age seven. The family moved to Hazel Dell, Washington, and Don resided in the Vancouver area the remainder of his life with his wife Sue. He attended Vancouver High School and Western Washington College in Bellingham, and earned a Master’s in Education at Oregon State University. Don spent 33 years in the Vancouver School District first as teacher and then as elementary principal.

In 1972, during the famous tornado, while principal at Peter S. Ogden Elementary School, Don saw students lifted sideways still clinging to doors, while the school roof flew towards the sky. Don’s hair turned gray one month later.

Don always acknowledged others who joined in on his persistent efforts to make the world a better place, and he often planned award ceremonies for them. While working full-time, he co-founded the Vancouver Chapter of the Audubon Society. He also founded the Chinook Trail Association with his close friend Ed Robertson. The original concept evolved into a 300 mile rim loop trail which would cross at Biggs and return on the opposite side of the Columbia River Gorge. This project continues today and additional miles of connector trails have been added or are currently planned. After retiring, his efforts were rewarded with the 2003 Washington Parks Volunteer of the Year Award for his work on Beacon Rock State Park.

Don also lobbied for the removal of the communication tower on Silver Star Mountain, and advocated for the funding and construction of the I-5 overpass connecting the Burnt Bridge Creek and Ellen Davis Trails. Don was the architect of both the Ellen Davis Trail and Cy Ward Memorial Rhododendron Garden. He worked to get 501c3 status for the organizations and was proficient at writing grants to secure the needed funds.

Don never shied away from physical labor and helped plan many successful volunteer work parties that ensured the success of every project.

Don had a zest for life and a passion for all things Northwest: wildlife, plant life, mountains, Northwest art, Native American heritage, the Japanese Garden in Portland. Sue shared many of his interests as well. This zeal for the natural sciences environmental protection led him to start the Outdoor School where most of his seven children participated.

On weekends you would find Don and Sue with their children in tow somewhere in the Northwest toting backpacks and tents. Sometimes friends joined along and they marveled at the way Don and Sue could interest even the youngest ones in learning the names of every plant, bird, rock and animal. This love of the outdoors led them to renovate a dilapidated cabin at Mt Hood with friends, and to purchase property on the Lewis River. There the family spent many summers of adventure, camping, fishing and swimming. Don and Sue also enjoy a home on the Oregon coast where they hosted all their children, grandchildren and many friends.

No one could escape Don's enthusiasm for adventure, campfires and family. He instituted an annual "Camp with Gramps" to ensure the young ones wouldn't miss out on cultivating a love of nature and ties to family.

Don is survived by his wife of 67 years Sue Jane (Wondrack), brothers David and Paul, and children Brian (Susan Wells), Bruce (Lorie Horne), Cheryl (Dan Clark), Chris (Tina Curry), Beth (Alex Zukowski), Steve, Jennifer (Ron Saranich), along with 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

A Memorial Mass will be 12:00 noon, Thursday, February 15th at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 400 S. Andresen Rd., Vancouver. Reception following.

Donations may be made to The Chinook Trail Association, Columbia Land Trust or Vancouver Audubon.