John Canty

1940 - 2010

RIVERSIDE His life was gentle; and the elements so mixed in him, that Nature might stand up, and say to all the world, THIS WAS A MAN! William Shakespeare JOHN WALTER CANTY of Riverside, CA passed away on Thursday, April 1, 2010 in Newport Beach. He was born on June 30, 1940, in Yuba City, CA to Vera and John (Jack) T. Canty. He grew up in San Francisco and attended city schools, graduating from high school in 1958. John attended community colleges in San Francisco and San Jose before enlisting in the Marines in the early 60s. After his Marine Corp duty he worked with the State Dept. of Transportation, Division of Highways. John received a bachelor\'s degree in business management from the University of San Francisco. He passed his civil engineering licensing exam on the first try and was a registered Civil Engineer in California and Nevada. Considered by his peers to be the consummate civil engineer, John was hardworking, gifted, and took extraordinary care of his clients. In 1968 John moved to Riverside to accept an engineering position with J. F. Davidson, beginning his employment there on April 1, 1968. He became a partner with Davidson, ultimately opening his own company, Canty Engineering Group, in April of 1997. After years of success, John sold the company to Psomas Engineering to start a life of traveling with his wife, Jan. John and Jan loved to travel and especially meet friends in different countries. They visited family in England, Ireland, and Australia. They enjoyed trips to France, Hong Kong, China, Italy, and other countries in Europe. John was a wonderful husband, father, and friend and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered always for his generosity, integrity, and sharp mind. John was a very active member of Calvary Presbyterian Church and Kiwanis Club of Uptown Riverside. John is survived by his wife, Janet, his son Ryan, Murrieta, CA, Jan\'s two children, Laura and Paul McGuigan, Los Angeles, CA, his brother Richard (Virgilia) Sonoma, CA, his sister Julie Whalen (John Bristol), Denver, CO, and two step-sons, Robert and Tony King. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 10, 2010 at Calvary Presbyterian Church, 4495 Magnolia Ave., Riverside. The service will be followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Calvary Presbyterian Church, 4495 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA 92501 or Kiwanis Club of Uptown Riverside, 2667 Victoria Park Drive, Riverside CA 92506.