I've worked with Richard  just a short while, but in that time I quickly came to know him as a genuinely kind, intelligent man of many interests, who cared about family above all else.    No matter what was happening at work, he always had a smile, a joke and a supportive word.      He will be missed.

Richard is my cousin . I got to meet him for the first time in Burlington Ontario . He came on a business trip and walked into my office with a big smile on his face , are you Fadi ?? I am your cousin !! We did not know each other before . 
We traveled  together that weekend to Cleveland and were caught in  the middle  of snow storm . We had plenty of time to talk and to catch up . 
You will be missed Richard !!
My condolences to the whole family. 
Fadi Boukhaled

Torc customer / team dinner in Lexington, KY.

Richard and Torc team at Tachibana Japanese Restaurant in Lexington, KY

Richard, Andrew, and Dave having dinner at the British Bankers Club restaurant in Menlo Park, CA after a long day in SF and Palo Alto.

Richard, Andrew, and Dave at the infamous Sparks Steakhouse in NYC. Richard was the connoisseur of steak, cheeseburgers, and red wine!

Richard, Peter, and Dave in San Francisco raising a toast to a great day of meetings!

Richard, Andrew, and Dave in Times Square, heading to dinner

We went to see a band play in Radford that had a Torc colleague playing. Richard always had that ready smile.

We had the joyful pleasure of sharing in the love of Melissa and Richard over the past 6 years. There was no love greater than theirs. Richard was so kind and loving and took care of Melissa in every way we all dream a partner would. Melissa with her calm demeanor  in turn loved Richard with all her heart and they were definitely soulmates destined to be together forever. Their joint love of sailing was as beautiful to watch as the ocean itself.  They moved as one united couple navigating the seas. "Dave Matthews, Dave Matthews, Dave Matthews" was an on-going theme in their relationship while traveling all over the country to see his concerts. A love of music, good food, good drinks and good friends allowed them to be adventurous always looking for a new experience. There are so many intimate memories, laughs and talks, we cannot capture everything. We are blessed that Richard played a significant role in Melissa and  Devin's life and we are forever grateful. This unanticipated tragedy has taken our breathe away and we mourn with Melissa, Devin and all of Richard's family. There is no plausible way to comprehend what has happened, so our memories of Richard will hold a very special place in our hearts. Much love to everyone, Valerie & Cynn

I work at Torc Robotics and had the opportunity to share a virtual coffee chat with Richard. As a CFO he offered his time to get to know employees through these coffee chats and gave both his wisdom and his kindness. I will always remember my brief time with Richard and offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends.

I loved working with him, hearing his sailing stories and just his overlays positive vibes. I’ll miss him in the office.

Dear Kannan Family,

I was deeply saddened to hear of Richard's passing. I had the privilege of working with him at his latest endeavor, and his positivity and energetic spirit were always an inspiration to everyone around him.

Richard approached everything he took on with incredible enthusiasm. During our conversations, it was clear how much he loved his family; he spoke of you all often. I also remember how passionately he would talk about his love for sailing and the time he spent on the water.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Richard will be greatly missed.

With heartfelt sympathy,
Andrew Hicks

I had the privilege of working with Richard for nearly three years at Torc, and we bonded quickly as fellow GE alumni. He showed up every day as a genuine, funny, deeply family-focused person, and I always gravitated toward him at company events because I knew dinner with Richard would be entertaining. 

Richard talked most about the people he loved—his four kids, taking his daughter to college last year at the same time we took our youngest, the twin granddaughters he welcomed recently, and of course - Lilly.  Richard was so proud of his family and he cared about others on a personal level.

I admired Richard’s values, and felt grateful to know him. I’ll remember him for his warmth, his humor, and his unwavering devotion to his family. He will be deeply missed.

I worked with Richard at Torc for almost two years. He always spoke with such love about his family and Lilly, and it was clear that everything he did was with them in his heart and mind. Sending my condolences to all, and hoping that in some way it brings joy and peace knowing that Richard always had his family at the forefront of everything that he did.

Richard and I were cube mates at GE Financial Assurance (now Genworth), but I first got to know him when I came to the office one Saturday and found his daughter, Anisa, playing on my computer. He wanted to apologize, but I just waved it off and told him it was cool that he was bringing his daughter to work.  

We became friends and running partners, and I helped him train for his first marathon with another co-worker. You get to know someone when you spend 2-3 hours running with them every Saturday, starting at 6 or 7 in the morning. 

Later, my daughter babysat for Anisa and then Richard's other children. My daughter could tell how much his children loved him, and he, them. I hope they and the rest of his friends and family can find peace knowing he was a great guy. I will miss him.

OBITUARY

Richard Joseph Kannan

August 4, 1965 – December 5, 2025

Woody Funeral Home - Parham

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