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Al Cannon

Image by Nick Andréka

ALLAN A. "AL" CANNON

June 26, 1937 – October 18, 2019

It is with great sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of their beloved, Al Cannon, in the Grace General Hospital on the evening of Friday, October 18, 2019 at the age of 82 years.

 

Al is survived by his loving wife Joyce. His children, special daughter Sally (Mike), special son Rod (Karie), (their mother Denise),  Tanya, Kerri (Wes) and Lori (Duane) his grandchildren, Kody, Amanda & Scott; sister Evelyn Drury and brother Robert Cannon (Carol).  He was predeceased by his parents, David & Elizabeth Cannon, sisters, Mary, Lillian, brother Wilf, as well as daughter Audrey!

 

Al was the youngest of six children raised in Stonewall, Mb. When he was nine years of age, the family moved to Winnipeg where he attended Mulvey School and later Tech Voc. In his adult years he owned and operated Empire Dray & Express, Cannon's Western Store as well as snow removal & landscaping businesses.

 

He was a lifetime member of American Quarter Horse Association as well as Manitoba Cutting Horse Association. Al served on many other horse related boards and organizations in his lifetime. He was an integral part of the horse community in Manitoba. One of his proudest moments was a title presented to him by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip naming him "Honorary Queen's Cowboy"!

 

Always larger than life and so loving and kind, he liked nothing more than to entertain folks with many stories and endless jokes. He was so good at it making people laugh due to his incredible sense of humour!  He was a great lover of all animals, particularly his kitty "Willy" (who keeps looking for his daddy), and of course horses and dogs were a huge part of his life! He loved travelling and one of his favorite places to visit was Las Vegas where he and Joyce traveled many times over many years! He loved his RV'ing, having owned eight motor-homes, and spent many happy & peaceful times visiting old and new friends. Of course, he never missed a visit to a casino or two!

 

Al never actually "retired" and always said he never would, and he was right about that! His kind heart and love of children led him to become a Shriner. He was an incredibly proud member of the Khartum Temple of the Shrine with his brother Bob. He was always willing to participate and helped raise many tens of thousands of dollars for children in need of medical treatment. The two of them belonged to the Khartum Drum & Bugle Corps. where he had so many happy times and trips with his brothers!

 

Al lived a very happy life enjoying his family, running his business and having fun, because that was his very nature... He was an easy-going man's man (although he did love the women too)! He had so many meaningful friends over the years, far too many to name here.

 

In this past year he has so enjoyed living in a new condo, making many new friends. He loved attending all the parties in the party room and watching the hockey game watching with Bill & Lynda and many others.  He also really enjoyed playing VLT’s, visiting the Assiniboine Downs, most weeks at least once. Joyce and family would like to thank Diane, our friend who works at “The Downs” for all the special attention she gave to Al over the years!

 

He enjoyed movies at Grant Park every Saturday when possible. That said, if he didn't like the movie Al would put his recliner seat as far back as it would go and take a nap... He usually snored loudly, causing great embarrassment of his wife!

 

Joyce and family would also like to thank their special friend John Myers for always being there for Al over many years and doing so much legal work on his behalf. Also, a special thanks to Shirley Declerq for spoiling him with so many weekly goodies! Also, to Bill Kubik, for being such a good friend this past year.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making contributions in Al’s memory to any animal shelter or a charity of choice.

 

A celebration of Al's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 25, 2019 at 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy Road. For those unable to attend the service, a video recording of the program will be posted here, on this page, shortly after the service.

The family encourages the sharing of stories, memories and condolences by using the comment section on this tribute page.

A special thank you to Shane Neufeld of Ethical Death Care, our long-time friend, for all your help with the cremation and celebration arrangements .. Al would have been so impressed!

 

From Joyce, “My sweet and loving husband, Al, you are so missed by me and as I keep looking for you in your room... I will miss giving you your morning breakfast pats on your head!!! “

 

Rest easy Al, ‘til we meet again!

You are so loved!

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal.

Love leaves a memory no one can steal!!

The family encourages the sharing of stories, memories and condolences by using the comment section on this tribute page.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Corinne

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I was Al's daughter in-law.  He was an amazing man.  He taught me a lot over the many years and I remember how happy he would be when we could sit down and talk horses over the years, wether it was at one of Amanda's birthday parties or when they would stop over to drop something off for Amanda.  I will miss his smile and the way he cared about everyone.  Even after I wasn't a part of the family anymore, Al and Joyce both made me feel like I was still a part of it.  The world lost an incredible man when Al died and I am sad that I will no longer get to have our horse talks but I know that our paths will cross again someday and we will take a ride together.  RIP Al.

Noreen Borkowsky

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Hugs to Sal and Rod. So sorry for your loss. I’ll be lighting up a cigar today in your dad’s honour.  Have always loved the smell and cherish the memories of him playing cribbage with my dad on that giant board you had at your house.  Your dad’s gregarious laugh filled the house with happiness whether he was winning or losing.  Our condolences to those who have a special place in their heart for Uncle Al.   Love Nor, Kelvin and Connor

Jocelyn Hansen (nee Drobot)

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I will always have such fond memories of my childhood spent living next door to Cannon's.  Whether it was riding the horses in the arena, tagging along to horse shows, or visiting Cannon's Western Store, (which was way better than the livestock section at McLeod's in Selkirk to this horse loving girl), I will always be grateful for being included in their lives. Mr. Cannon was the most patient and gentle man and like a second dad because I spent so much time there.  My most vivid memory was Sally bringing me crying to her dad, to check out my bruises and lumps after having fallen off and getting stepped on by Chief the Shetland Pony. Al checked my arm and said "oh you're ok, its not broken" and sent me on my way.  If Al said I was ok, then I was ok. I heard twice this week him being referred to as "larger than life" with his Lincoln and his cigars.  And that's what he was. RIP Mr. Cannon.  Condolences to Sal, Rod and the rest of the family.         

Mike MacLean

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Now that I have had some time to accept the fact that Al is gone I find two favourite memories popping into my head which make me smile. The first is hearing the phone ring and hearing Sally in an excited/cheerful voice saying “Hello Daddy” always made me smile. The second thing is Al had a habit of calling the landline instead of Sal’s cell phone and he would leave a voice mail. al never said it’s Al calling but Rather Al always said “It’s Sally’s Dad tell her to give me a call or another short message” I always chuckled that he would leave that message. I’m going to miss Sal answering the phone and hearing Al’s voice on the voicemail. RIP my friend. Love Mike

Sheila

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Uncle Al was always happy and easy going.  He was a people person, always fun to be around.  We have some great memories of the summers Dad and I spent fly in fishing with him from the big Whiteshell to a remote lake.  Uncle Al put me on my first horse when I was 11 and is probably the reason I’ve worn cowboy boots since grade 6.   Our deepest condolences to Sally, Mike, Kody, Rod, Amanda and the rest of the family.  Rest easy in the emerald pastures among the creatures you loved.  ❤️ Brian, Sheila, Piper and Hudson.

Kim and Debbie Logan

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

We are so very sad for your loss.  Thinking of all of you at this time.   Kim and Debbie Logan

Tom & June Cannon

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

What a great video tribute.  Thinking of you and wishing we could be there.  Love Tom & June

Pat VanderGraaf

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Sorry to read of Al's passing and condolences to Joyce and the family.  Al and my husband were great friends many years ago.  sincerely Pat VanderGraaf

Darlene Gerrior

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Condolences and deepest sympathy to Al’s family. We knew this amazing man, as our dad Stew’s, best friend. Rest In Peace. Darlene, Jerry Gerrior and Sally

Don Campbell

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I worked for Al at Empire Dray for several years. He was a good boss but a better friend. Our paths have not crossed for several years now and I am so sorry I was not able to thank him for the good times we shared. Rest in   Peace "Cowboy"  Don Campbell👍

Rich Hanson

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

An amazing picture video. Al was as an awesome man. So glad I had the pleasure of meeting him. 

Mike MacLean

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

What an awesome presentation and such great memories. RIP Al you will never be forgotten. I’m proud to have been your son in-law. Love Mike

Guy Walker

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Sally & Rod , My Deepest Sympathy , I will always remember your Dad as larger that Life. Either pulling up in his big Lincoln's with a huge cigar in his mouth or putting the horses through there paces in the riding arena. RIP Big Al 

Karen Orlowski

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

My deepest condolences and sympathy. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. 

Mike MacLean

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Al Cannon was my Father In Law and I am very proud to know such a fine man and gentleman. I will truly miss him and hearing his voice. My condolences to the entire family. RIP 

Mike MacLean

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Al my Father In-law was a true gentleman and a great man. My heart felt thoughts go out to the entire family.  Mike

Stu Cannon

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

My he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. ❤

Russ Hall

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

May he rest in peace. Absolutely the funniest man I've ever met! He left a legacy ❤

Barb & Paul Gyselinck

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

A photo of Al in the paper from the 60's
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