Richard Edward Canning Jr.

Richard grew up in East Sandwich and graduated from Sandwich High School in 1960. He met the love of his life, Shirley, in 1955 at a square dance at the East Sandwich Grange Hall and they were together from that day on. They wed in 1963 and he graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1964.

Richard was a farmer at heart and an entrepreneur in spirit. He built several successful businesses, was a driving force in the cranberry industry, served on the Massachusetts Board of Agriculture, and was a member of the board of directors at A. D. Makepeace Company for over 25 years. Makepeace honored him in July by dedicating the cranberry bogs to him that he had a pivotal role in preparing for the future. These bogs were developed with hybrid cranberry varieties designed to withstand climate change while increasing fruit yields. The Canning Bogs will stand as a testament to Richard's agribusiness acumen for generations to come.

Richard was predeceased by his wife, Shirley Howland Canning of East Sandwich, and his parents, Richard E. Canning, Sr. and Florence Cahoon. He is survived by his treasured children, Edward Canning (Kelley Sullivan) of Dennis, Craig Canning of Columbia, NH, and Cheryl Canning Quast (Rick Quast) of West Barnstable; his cherished grandchildren, Ben, Cassandra, Katie, Kayla, Kevin, Bryce, Hannah, Jared, Ethan, and Atlas; his precious great-granddaughter, Natalie and his adored nephews and nieces. He is also survived by his dear siblings, Claire Desilets, Elaine Goslin, and David Canning; and his much-loved cousin, William Christie.

Whether you knew him as Bud or Dick, he would have a genuine smile and listening ear to greet you. He was generous with his time and talents and always poised to help anyone in need. He will be remembered for his quick wit, generous heart, and the love he had for his family. He will be dearly missed by all who were blessed enough to know him, work beside him, and love him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard's honor to the Sandwich Fire Department.

A celebration of life for the family will be planned at a future date.