Richard Eugene Cannaday

July 2, 1923 ~ July 16, 2013
Richard "Dick" Eugene Cannaday, our loving father, papa, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 16, 2013, at the age of 90, just two weeks after his sweetheart passed away.
Dick was born July 2, 1923 in Roanoke, Virginia to his loving parents Albert Burney Cannaday and Christine Catherine Coleman. He was one of two children. His mother later divorced and remarried Ogden McKie who raised Dick and his brother Al like his own. He graduated from Cooley High School in Detroit, MI in 1941, and joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 18. He served as Yeoman 1/c USN Seabee, 2nd Lt. Infantry Reserves during World War II (1943-1946). Before he was shipped to the Philippines he met and married his first wife, Venice Coates, in November 1944. Together they had a daughter, Ann. They later divorced in 1956, and Ann lived with her father.
After the war he attended Snow College then went on to receive his Bachelor's degree in Speech and Drama at Knox College in IL. Years later he and his daughter moved to Ephraim, Utah where he taught theater at Snow College and Manti High School. He received his Master's degree in Educational Administration at the University of Utah in 1968. He taught junior high and high school for many years as a Speech and Drama teacher in the Granite School District until he retired in 1986.
He met the love of his life, Sondra Lees, while in a play at the University of Utah Theatre. They married December 21, 1964 in Pasadena, CA. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they had two children, Rich and Kimberly.
Dick was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in many callings. He loved to make marionette puppets with his wife and performed puppet shows for many children to love. He was a very hard worker and always found a way to bring in extra money for his family by painting houses and being an amazing actor where he was in numerous TV commercials and movies. He always made time to spend with his family, play with his grandchildren, and travel.
Dick lived a long, fulfilled life from difficult times to the wonderful moments. We would like to thank North Canyon Care Center, IHC, and Vista Hospice for all the love and care they gave him for the last couple of years.
Dick is survived by his daughter Ann (Jeff) Sanders, son Rich (Pam) Cannaday, daughter Kim (Keith) Gulbransen, eight grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Sondra, his parents, brother Albert Cannaday II, and grandson Maxwell Gulbransen.
Dick's services will be held Monday, July 22, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary at 260 E. South Temple in Salt Lake City. Friends may call Sunday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Larkin Mortuary and at 11:00 a.m. prior to his funeral. Interment at Salt Lake City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to www.larkincares.com