Richard A. Canen

Rick retired from Steelcase in 2001 and since then had been involved with advocacy issues for the visually impaired. He was an active member of the Visually Impaired Persons for Progress and Toastmasters.

Surviving are his wife of 33 years Sandi; children, Ami and Shawn Gerke, and Wendy and Jason Hudson; grandchildren Meghan and Brianna Gerke, and Baby Hudson due in February; parents Richard Canen of Wakarusa, IN, and Donna Canen of Delphi, IN; sister Nancy Shawn McCracken; brothers, Gary Canen, Jeff Canen, and Tim Beth Canen all of IN; mother-in-law Charlotte Lovewell; sisters-in-law, Vicki and Chari Lovewell; brother-in-law Rob Lovewell; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his wonderful guide dog Freedom.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 20th at the Grand Rapids International Fellowship, A Church of the Nazarene, 3765 Kalamazoo SE, with Rev. Joseph Knight and Rev. Kenneth Anderson officiating.

Interment will be in Grandville Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may meet Rick’s family at the Cook Funeral Home west building 4235 Prairie SW in Grandville on Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Visually Impaired Persons for Progress - Mopix Project installation of adaptive equipment for the visually and hearing impaired in local theaters.

For those unable to attend the visitation or funeral service, you may sign the family’s Memory Book at www.cookfuneralhome.com

Visitation December 19, 2004 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM December 18, 2004 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Cook Funeral Home, Inc. - Grandville Chapel 4235 Prairie St. SW Grandville, MI (616) 534-7619

Funeral Service December 20, 2004 11:00 AM Grand Rapids International Fellowship Church 3765 Kalamazoo Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI

Interment Monday December 20 2004 Grandville Cemetery - Grandville 3570 Prairie Street SW Grandville, MI (616) 530-4985

Funeral Home Service Cook Funeral Home, Inc. - Grandville Chapel 4235 Prairie St. SW Grandville, MI (616) 534-7619