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David Cano Obituary

Cano, David O.
72, passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, July 14th after a long and brave battle with cancer. Born in Phoenix, Arizona on February 8th, 1937, he led a rich life of accomplishment and love. His warm smile, mischievous laugh and his famous stories will be greatly missed by his loving family which includes numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, co-workers and the many friends he made in his life. As a teen, he won top awards in The Fisher Body Craftsman's Guild, a national auto design competition. He served in the Air National Guard as an aircraft electronics technician. In his career as a civil engineer, he led many infrastructure improvement district efforts that helped to support the growth of Phoenix during the 1980¹s. He retired from the city of Phoenix after 33 years and then worked an additional 7 years for the City of Avondale as a project manager. He was a consummate hobbyist, able to fix or conquer any task given to him. He was also known for his red chili tamales, which received national acclaim when he was profiled in Better Homes and Gardens Magazine. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Norma Jean Cano, his children, David A. Cano (Michelle), Kathy Cano-Murillo (Patrick), Theresa Cano, his two grandchildren DeAngleo and Maya Murillo and his two doggies that loved him dearly Lola and Rocco. The eldest son of Joseph and Eleanor Cano, he is survived by his siblings Joe, Nick, Charlie, Danny, Mitzi and James. A visitation will be held on Thursday July 16, 2009 from 6:00-8:00PM with a Rosary at 7:00PM at Paradise Sunset Chapel Funeral Home at 3934 E Indian School Rd. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:00AM, Friday July 17, 2009 at St. Mary's Basilica 231 North 3rd Street Phoenix. Burial services will take place at St. Francis Cemetery located at 2033 N 48th St, Phoenix.

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Published by The Arizona Republic from Jul. 16 to Jul. 17, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for David Cano

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Bob Bortfeld

August 5, 2009

Dave and I worked on many ID projects in Phoenix over our long careers. I can always remember his caring and jovial attitude toward the residents and customers. He knew how to get results and always had "the rest of the story" for most topics. His persence in our liver will be missed.

David Bruce

July 20, 2009

I knew David during my 29 years of working for the City, and will always remember him as a hard worker with a ready smile on his face. I am sorry for the loss to not only your family, but to all those who knew and loved him.

Kim Cervantes

July 19, 2009

Dear Kathy and family, sorry for your loss. I lost my dad at 72 as well. Way too young. I do not know you but I read your blogs when I have time and your family seems like a family anyone would like to be a member of. Thank you for sharing your family with us. May your father rest in peace.

Mary Lou Tomecek Baker

July 18, 2009

We have never met, however, we have experience the same pain of losing a parent to cancer. I'm very very sorry for the pain you will experience. Please know that Your audience is also in sadness. Not much to say here although wish I can give you a hug. I'm sorry for your loss of your dad.

Mary Lou from Chicago

Frankie Jauregui

July 18, 2009

Our uncle david was a great man.loved all his great stories and kool tools in his garage,his killer stereo.he could fix anythang.Now he's cookin tamales for all he angels,and don't you worry uncle david,I'm allways lookn out for that dam tiger....Godspeed uncle D.

Jineane Ford Ross

July 17, 2009

My Love and Prayers go to David's Family. What a sweet man.
I had the pleasure of cooking with him on Arizona Midday and then enjoying his amazing tamales! But what made Dave's tamales extra special was the adorable light in his eyes and his amazing smile, you could tell right away he loved life, loved his family, and his community. He will be greatly missed. Love and Prayers to Dave's family and a big hugg for Dave. We love you! Jineane Ford Ross.

Lois Akin and Family

July 17, 2009

Our condolences to all the family and friends of Dave. We have all lost a good friend and neighbor. I worked with Dave for many years and he was a true professional at all times. Always pleasant, with a great sense of humor. He was one of a kind, and will be missed.

Alexis Munoz

July 17, 2009

What a totally cool, funny, smart, and uber creative man to have as your dad! God has blessed you with his presence within your life--not to mention his DNA. You will always have your memories to reflect upon. I truly enjoy reading your daily blogs, Kathy, and felt like I knew your dad because of them. I'm sending many prayers to you and your family.

Rosalinda Luiz

July 17, 2009

Dear Familia Cano y Murillo,

May God and the Virgen, watch over and bless you in this time of need. You were blessed with such a wonderful man in your life and as you have mentioned although he is gone, he is no longer in pain. Thank you so much for sharing him with the rest of us through your blogs and daily affirmations. He would be very proud of all of you. Please know that there are many people praying for you and yours. May he rest in peace for all the wonderful things he shared with his family and the rest of the world.

With deepest sympathy,

Rosalinda Luiz, Josefina Luiz & Lucinda Zamora and families
Lansing, MI

Rosalinda Luiz

July 17, 2009

Dear Familia Cano y Murillo,

May God and the Virgen, watch over and bless you in this time of need. You were blessed with such a wonderful man in your life and as you have mentioned although he is gone, he is no longer in pain. Thank you so much for sharing him with the rest of us through your blogs and daily affirmations. He would be very proud of all of you. Please know that there are many people praying for you and yours. May he rest in peace for all the wonderful things he shared with his family and the rest of the world.

With deepest sympathy,

Rosalinda Luiz, Josefina Luiz & Lucinda Zamora and families
Lansing, MI

Larry Martinez

July 17, 2009

My prayers are with the Cano Family. I met David several years ago and he was a nice, pleasant person. He provided to me valuable work information and I enjoyed just talking with him. He will be missed. God bless.

Becky Hancock

July 17, 2009

Dear Kathy and Family members, My heart is with you and I'm sending healing thoughts and messages your way. Even though we have never met, I feel close because of your daily blogs and your generous sharing and continuous out reach to others. Your Father and Mother have nurtured you all into a most amazing family! Your dad has made this world a better place and that is a rich legacy to own. God Bless you all and keep you close to His heart.
Sincerely, Becky Hancock(St. Theresa Textile Trove)

Kathleen Carrizal-Frye

July 17, 2009

Kathy and family,
Please know that your friends, fellow crafters, loyal followers, and Latina sisters, are all crying with you.
You are family/familia.
We can feel your pain.
Your Papi is probably wondering, who are all these people crying for me??
They are all amigos de tu hija.
Thank you for giving this world such a wonderful daughter.
We will love an appreciate her, just like you do.
Kathi Kraftyzales

camille petrocelli

July 17, 2009

...in celebration of his life & love...
and with my deepest sympathy.
camille petrocelli
(plantation, florida)
fan of the crafty chica

Ann Pohlers

July 17, 2009

My dearest Crafty Chica family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this challenging time.

Lizzy Hernandez

July 16, 2009

What a wonderful man. May God bless you all and help yoou get through this difficult time. My prayers are with you.

carlos noli

July 16, 2009

My condolences to David's family. I knew and worked with David a number of years and he was truly a great guy. If you needed to know about improvement districts, David was the man. A professional in every sense of the word. He will be missed.

Dana (Littlefield) Brown

July 16, 2009

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the Cano Family. Kathy your dad was a wonderful man. I remember when we were in H.S he used to speak to me in Spanish because I was taking classes. Find peace in memories of him and know that he is always in our hearts. Love and deepest sympathies

July 16, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May you all find peace and comfort remembering your times spent together and the love that you all share.
In deepest sympathy,
Tracy and Ralph Coppen

jesus/betty duran

July 16, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Carlos Cano

July 16, 2009

Uncle David you will be missed, I will never forget your skill and talent in photography and all other "magical" machinery. Most of all you are a great Uncle. My deepest thoughts and prayes to my Aunt Norma, cousins Davy,Kathy and Teresa and their families. God Bless!

Nick Cano

July 16, 2009

To my brother David,
The times we have lived together I will always treasure. You have and always will make me feel lucky to have had you as a brother. You are not gone, we’re only physically separated for now. But in the great scheme of things, I am determined that nothing will ever separate us again.
Nick

July 16, 2009

My condolences to the Cano family. David was a great guy. I worked with him for a number of years. He was highly competent in his work. Was a true professional. Was caring, curteous, committed. He was respectful and respected. He was a good leader.
What's not to say. He was an outstanding guy. And will be sorely missed. Those of you that have had him are richly rewarded.
Jim Attebery

July 16, 2009

Dearest Kathy,
I was so sorry to read about your father's passing. My prayer for you and your family is that Our Lord and Savior gives you the peace and strength to get through this difficult time. God Bless You
Georgi (Decker) Coogan

July 16, 2009

Dave and Michelle,
Our thoughts are with you and your family and want you to know there is a special place in heaven for your father. We hope you can cherish forever all the fond memories of your father, who we never had the pleasure of meeting, but have heard from Dave what a wonderful person he was.

Our sympathy goes out to your wonderful family.
Dan and Sharon Jorgensen

James Cano

July 16, 2009

From the youngest brother to my oldest brother, I will miss you very much. The void you have left will never be filled. You will never know how much I looked up to you. When I was a little boy you where my guiding light as to the things that where right, and because of that you have helped make me the person I am today. Good Bye David,I will allways remember you as one of the good things in my life.

Charley Cano

July 16, 2009

My dearest Brother,
Tonight we celabrate the life you share with us and the inspiration you were to so many. Having you as a Brother has always been a big influence on me as to being positive and caring towards others as you have been towards us. Now that you are with our Lord Jesus Christ,your pain and suffering has ended. May you now rest in peace.

Bridget Cano

July 16, 2009

"Dear Aunt Norma, Davey, Kathy, Theresa, Michelle, Patrick, DeAngelo and Maya!

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Uncle David's passing is a huge loss to our family. No words can express what you are feeling right now, I cannot imagine your pain. I wanted to share with you one of my memories of Uncle David. When I was pregnant with Madison, he could not understand why I would name a child with such a name. He spoke to my pregnant stomach and said, "This is your Uncle David, I don't know why your mother is naming you 'Madison'. After Madison was born and just about everytime he saw her, he would say, "Let's see, Jefferson, Adams . . . 'Madison?' He really could not comprehend why I would name my daughter after a street, much less a jail! Another memory is Uncle David's picture-taking . . . when my mom and I visited him at the hospital, I believe we weren't there five minutes before he pulled out his laptop and started sharing photos with us."

Maya Murillo

July 16, 2009

Thanks for being the best grandpa I could ever have. Thanks for always being there, and not flaking out. You we're so strong and I will always remember that. I love you.

Michael Cano

July 16, 2009

I love you uncle David, I will miss my uncle dearly. My love, thoughts, and prayers goes to my aunt Norma and awesome cousins. You will be missed by your many friends, family and the engineering community.
Peace be with you.

Luciano Arriaga

July 16, 2009

I met Dave in the Arizona Air National Guard, and remained friends forever. Dave may God bless you and your family in this time of great loss, Condolences from the Luciano Arriaga Family. We'll see again down the road.
Your friend Chano.

July 16, 2009

Norma, David, Theresa, Kathy and Family. Love life and life will love you back. Mr. Cano was loved. His mischievous laugh was memorable because I can hear it now. It's been years but I used to spend a great deal of time in your home and I do remember that Mr. Cano was always fixing something or looking for something to break so he could fix it. He always put a smile on my face. I love you all, always will. Universal Blessings to Mr. David Cano, a man of quiet grace and humor and his wonderful family.
Your friend, James Hansen.

Susan & Bernie Bustamante

July 16, 2009

Our family sends love and condolences to the your entire family, specifically our dear friends Dave and Michelle. We hope your sadness and grief will fade with time and be replaced with blessed, happy memories of the life you shared with your father Dave. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Ken Galica

July 16, 2009

To many of us at the City of Avondale, Dave was not only a colleague but a friend; someone who could always brighten up a day with his stories about being on the Tonight Show, fixing watches, and winning jackpots. We'll miss him tremendously.

Sylvia Arenas

July 16, 2009

My condolences to the Cano Family. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

When I started with the City of Phoenix in 1984 Dave Cano was the first supervisor who introduced me to the staff at Improvements Districts.

The story I have to share is we worked at the Old City Court House and the women's restroom was in our office. On the otherside of the wall of the women's restroom was an office, and on this wall was a map and Dave drew a round circle in black marker which made it look like a hole looking into the women's restroom. Dave took me into the office and told me that when we used the restroom the person in the office would peak in at us. Dave set me up good. When the person walked into the office because I sat near the front door. I let him have it. Dave was laughing so hard that he was rolling on the ground. I have more stories to tell and the jokes Dave played on us. I will miss him dearly. God Bless

Bridget Cano

July 16, 2009

Dear Aunt Norma, Davey, Kathy, Michelle, Patrick, DeAngelo and Maya,

My prayers and thoughts are with all of you during this time. No words can express one's feeling when we lose a loved one, I cannot imagine your pain. Uncle David was a great uncle. I will always carry with me, the teasing he would give me about my daughter Madison's name . . . he actually spoke to my pregnant stomach and said, "Madison, this your Uncle David, I don't know why your mom is naming you such a name." Then, when Madison was born and anytime Uncle David would see her, he would say, "now, your Jefferson, Adams . . . Madison?" He really could not comprehend why I was naming my child after a street, let alone a jail!!!! I will also remember how proud he was of his photos. When my mom and I visited him in the hospital, first thing he pulled out was his laptop and started sharing photos. He was really proud of his family. Uncle David's passing is a great loss to our family and he will certainly be missed.

I love you all.

Bridget

Charlene Thiel

July 16, 2009

I offer my deepest condolences in the loss of Dave. I know he was a wonderful husband, dad and neighbor. His talents live on in his children but he will be missed. I pray God's love will heal your sorrow and His peace replace your heartache with warm and loving memories.

Kathy

July 16, 2009

Dad, I love you so much. Thank you for all your love and generosity. Thank you for all the stories you shared with us, the things you made us, the lectures that woke us up, the things you fixed forus, the money you lent us, the kisses you gave us. You never stopped giving. I hope you are healed and happy in heaven right now, with a fresh pack of ciggies, three juicy sevens on the slot machine, a big poster of Charo on the wall, Santana blaring through the speakers, the Cardinals replaying the Super Bowl and winning, and you sitting in your favorite ride, watching us. We love you and you will be missed so much!! God bless.

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