Harrell Delbert Cansler

Harrell Cansler Obituary

Harrell Delbert (Hal) Cansler, 57, passed away on November 19, 2008, in Shawsville, Va. He was born on August 28, 1951, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Houston, Texas. Hal had a deep love for being outdoors and a quest for adventure shown by his time spent skiing and paddling all over the world. He made a career out of helping others discover a love for the same as an instructor, a member of local ski clubs, and as manager of Back Country Ski and Sports for over two decades. He is preceded in death by his father, Horace Delbert Cansler; and his mother, Valrie Brown Cansler. Hal is survived by his daughter, Angie Vegas and husband, Luke; grandsons, Jacob, Joshua and Lane Vegas; his sister, Caryn Tolin and husband, Craig; nephews, Clay and Chase Tolin; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and long time friends. In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to the Boy Scouts of America-Blue Ridge Mountain Council, 2131 Valley View Blvd., Roanoke, Va. 24019 or online at (www.bsa-brmc.org)
540-265-0656, in memory of Harrell Cansler. Online condolences may be sent to hornefuneralservice.com. The Cansler family is being served by Horne Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Christiansburg, Va.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times from Nov. 25 to Nov. 29, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Harrell Cansler

8 Entries

Lisa Flaugh

August 11, 2009

My name was Lisa Forman. I spent a year back packing and spending time with Harrell. I am so saddened that I was never in touch with him, to share the joy and peace my life has come to. My sincere sympathy.

Kev Martin

December 23, 2008

I wiss miss Hal. He was a business friend I had known for over 15 years. I enjoyed chatting about the goings on in the world with him at many a tradeshow aisle intersection and appointment. What an informed and passionate person he was, about the things he cared about. I will miss seeing him tremendously, and my condolences and prayers are with his family now.

Sheryl Taylor

December 5, 2008

Harrell was a high school friend.
My love and prayers to Angie and Caryn and all of the family.

Gary and Marta Downey

December 1, 2008

Hal was our friend. For eighteen years, he came out to visit and talk with us at the store. We shared stories of outdoors' fun and adventure, getting old, and hiding from the telephone. Backcountry was his gift to our community and many, many of us benefitted from his knowledge, his anticipation of our needs, his insistence on hiring knowledgeable staff, and his commitment to serve his loyal clientele. We were privileged to know him, and we will miss his greatly.

Rube Felicelli

November 30, 2008

Having worked with and know Hal for over 20 years, I will miss him greatly. He did such a great job for our community. Our extended family of all those who were connected with Back Country will surly miss him. I'll be making some turns for you buddy.

Russell Nelson

November 25, 2008

Having known Hal for at least 10 years, his kindness to Boy Scouts and the help he gave to many people trying to be a friend of the outdoors will be greatly missed. The people on the New River will miss him also. He was an educator of many.

Matt Swift

November 25, 2008

I was terribly sorry to hear this tragic news. Hal was a great guy. I first met him probably twenty years ago when we guided some canoe trips together, and I continued to see him in his shop all through the years. He was very community-minded and always made sure that his store was friendly to the Boy Scouts, especially the local troop I was involved in, and I would imagine others as well – offering not just discounts but good advice to the boys and parents that needed gear. It’s a testament to his good character and leadership ability that the staff in the shop were always equally friendly and helpful – they certainly humored me through any number of canoe repairs and refurbishments. I know that Hal was active in promoting canoeing and kayaking, not just for business purposes, but for the preservation of the New River and other streams. He personally made sure that certain politicians and others got out on the river and floated it – folks who probably wouldn’t have done so otherwise. In this way he enlightened decision-makers and had influence in ways we’ll never know.
My condolences and best wishes go out to his family. Hal was a good man. He led a good life, made a positive impact and he will certainly be missed.

Phil Pickett

November 25, 2008

A truly fine gentleman and friend to all. Helpful to those in the community, the Boy Scouts will miss Hal and his help that he offered us through the years.
I personally will miss our conversations about common friends in Texas from the 1970's.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results