Ralph S. Cannon

Ralph S. Cannon 1912 ~ 2006 Ralph Steffensen Cannon, beloved father, grandfather, uncle and brother, passed away peacefully August 25, 2006 in Bountiful, Utah. Ralph was born in 1912, in Salt Lake City, Utah to George M. and Ellen Christina S. Cannon. He attended Davis High School and the University of Utah where he earned a Bachelors degree in Speech and with a minor in English. In November of 1935 Ralph married Lotta E. Petty. They were the parents of one son, Michael Ray. Ralph and Lotta were divorced in August of 1941. Ralph married Mary Alice Wood in 1950 in the Salt Lake Temple. They are the parents of four children and 19 grandchildren. His first career was as a professional dancer performing locally in Salt Lake City and the surrounding area, as well as in Los Angeles and as a member of the Corps de Ballet at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. He opened the Cannon Dance Center on South Temple in Salt Lake City and did choreography for local stage productions. He interrupted his dancing career and served three years in the Pacific Theater during World War II as a Field Supervisor for the American Red Cross. When he left dancing as a profession, he applied his administrative experience in the fields of insurance, investments and eventually real estate. He was active in civic, political and religious organizations. He served two terms in the Utah House of Representatives. After joining the Sons of the Utah pioneers he served in many capacities including Chapter President. He also worked in the Boy Scouts of America, coached several little league teams, was an active member of the Kiwanis Club, an avid gardener and horseman. He loved poetry and loved to recite many poems that he knew by heart. A devoted member of the LDS church he was always willing to serve. He spent many years teaching in Sunday school and Priesthood meetings. He served as a high councilor and with Mary as regional dance directors. Ralph especially enjoyed serving as a counselor in a bishopric, and as a veil worker in the Salt Lake Temple. He loved his wife and children and adored his grandchildren. He loved his parents and brothers and sisters. He felt a close kinship with many of his nieces and nephews. He spent much time as a self-appointed family genealogist gathering personal histories on the family's ancestors and sending them to his siblings, children and extended family. He loved the temple and looked forward to the promises of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Ralph is survived by his children, Michael (Debby), Tina (Terry) Vowles, Wilford (Melanie), Woody (Christine), and George (Julie) and by his brother David S. Cannon (Luella). Preceded in death by his parents; sisters Ellen Glover, Ruth Thatcher and Vivian Cannon; brothers Anthon S. Cannon, Angus S. Cannon, Jonathan S. Cannon, Hugh S. Cannon and Norman S. Cannon; grandchildren Timothy Vowles and Megan Cannon. The family extends thanks and appreciation to the staff of Life Care Center of Bountiful, Barton Creek and Bountiful House care centers for their kind help and support. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 31, 2006 in the Orchard 1st Ward Chapel, 3707 S. 800 W., Bountiful. Friends may call from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment - Bountiful City Cemetery. Funeral Directors - Russon Brothers Mortuary. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com.