Gary Thomas Cannon

There are five words that define who the great man Gary Cannon was: brilliant, kind, loyal, honorable and funny. He loved deeply and was given this exponentially in return. He was his own man, unique and nonconforming. His intellect was astounding, Any fact of the branches of science or period of history, he could instantly recall. All, who knew him well, admired him for all the wonderful things he was.

He was born on November 20, 1939 into the proud Irish Catholic Brennan/Cannon clan of Omaha, Nebraska. His parents, John and Eileen Cannon, were the finest folks anyone could know. There was much love of an extended family on both sides. As a small child, the family moved to Long Beach, CA where they set up the much loved homestead at 1940 W Spring St. A lifetime of treasured memories were to follow.

To his family were added a sister, Colleen, who he always thought the world of, and three dearly loved brothers Pat, Mike and Tim.

Throughout his life, he shared many a fine memory with each. As a boy, he was very adventurous, causing his parents great concern when he would disappear on his many explorations. Naturally, this would explain his great interest and pride in becoming a Boy Scout. No doubt this would solidify his quest to venture off the beaten track and help shape the great character of the man he would become.

His work ethic began at a young age and entailed everything from renting beach chairs to loading watermelons into trucks all day in the hot sun. He was also an, exemplary student. At St. Anthony’s Catholic High School, he was awarded high honors for scholastic achievement, art, and athletics. He received a golden key and a letter for track. This gave him his foundation for a lifelong love of sports, books and knowledge.

It was at St. Anthony’s, that he met his wife of fifty-five years, Phyllis McCartney. But wait! There was a previous meeting of sorts. As she was walking home from junior high, she noticed a boy coming her way whom she did not like the looks of. With his black leather jacket, low slung jeans, slicked back hair and tough attitude, he could have been the inspiration for the Fonz. In fear, she crossed the street to avoid him. A few years later, there she was at a high school dance, when across the room she locked eyes with a very handsome, clean cut, impeccably dressed young man. She was dumbfounded. Could that be that scary guy? Indeed, it was and when he asked her to dance their love began.

After they married, he worked very hard full time both at his job and in college where he received a degree in chemistry. This led to his 35 year career at Bio Science Laboratories where he was much admired. The company was taken over four times and he survived each takeover because of his brilliance in running his department. He was forensic C.I. before it was in vogue. Geraldo Riviera even came around seeking information about the high profile cases he worked on.

Early in their marriage, their Irish twins, Kelly and Patrick were born less than a year a part. They loved their dad very much. Growing up was spent sharing time together at their Granada Hills home, family dinners each night and numerous adventurous camping trips. Highlights, were the get togethers with both the Cannon/Reeves and McCartney/Rupp sides of the family. Who can forget the picnics in Long Beach, afternoons on Spring St or the annual Christmas party? He loved all of these and dearly loved all the many extended family members and friends he shared these wonderful times with. During this time is where he picked up the nickname Gare Bear which was loved by one and all

Along came the marriages, Kelly to Paul and Pat to Lourdes, and with this, the light of his life, his 3 grandkids, Molly, Scott and Cassandra. How he did love and enjoy them! They will never forget the crazy Sorry games, watching Grandpa’s old movies where they learned James Cagney impressions (See!), being called Fulgencio, the endless quest to answer the question “Where are the snows of yesteryear?”, the disbelief when he would growl at little kids, the nice talks, cuddles, laughs (Grandpa was very funny!) and most of all the love.

In the rich life he led, a darkness fell. With the death of his beloved brother Mike, a period began where he lost many loved ones. Then he overcame the greatest challenge of his life, his battle with cancer. His strength and quiet determination enabled him to succeed when no hope was given. He was so grateful for the help and support from so many family members. Just as he rejoiced in this triumph, the tragedy of his life occurred with the death of his son Patrick. The words have not been created to express the devastation that fell upon him and all in his life because of this.

In the fifteen years that followed, he loved and carried on for all who loved him. Many bittersweet memories were created. He and Phyllis celebrated their Golden Anniversary in the mountains of Colorado and spent peaceful quiet times in their home of over forty years that he loved so much. Memorable times were had with sister in law Nancy who was like a second sister and her husband Harvey, family reunions occurred, trips with Kelly, Paul and the grandkids, Cambria with Cassandra and many other times with wonderful people.

At the end of his life, at age 76, he fought so hard, suffering silently with dignity. He received much joy from those who spent time with him. Nancy, Cousin Debbie, Colleen, Lourdes, Cassandra, Kelly, Paul, Molly, Scott and dear friend Sam were regulars. Special visits from brother Tim and sister in law Patty, the Colorado Cannons, nieces Shannon, Suzanne, Alison, and Michelle, and the grandnieces, nephew Kevin and not to mention all the amazing cards from others, were so dear,

All who think of Gary, will remember him with admiration, love and respect. To quote the Olympic athlete, Dick Buek, “How lucky I am to have loved someone that saying goodbye to is so damned awful.” Goodbye till we’re together again. We miss and love you so Governor.