John Von Kannon

John Von Kannon

1949-2015

John Von Kannon, beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, witty raconteur and generous host, known nationally for his gentle prowess as a fundraiser for conservative causes, died at his home on September 5.

John was Vice President and Senior Counselor at the Heritage Foundation, and had friends nationwide from all political factions. He was devoted to his neighborhood, Capitol Hill, where he and his wife, Cindy, raised their children and cultivated great friendships for more than 20 years.

Born in Terre Haute, IN, John volunteered for the Goldwater campaign at age 14, earned his BA degree at Indiana University, and gained a love of current events. He was publisher of the American Spectator, a conservative journal featuring prominent commentators, before moving to Washington, where he worked for the Heritage Foundation for 35 years.

Over his 40-year career, "The Baron" raised more than $1 billion for Heritage and related causes. He had a rare gift for establishing and nurturing relationships, mentoring young activists and struggling organizations, and inspiring others to follow his lead.

For all his professional success, John will be best remembered for his humor and his love of family and community. He had a flair for storytelling and ribald jokes. A devoted sports fan, he suffered through good times and bad with his Washington and Indiana teams. Each year he and Cindy hosted a Memorial Day crab feast, and a chili party the night before Thanksgiving. Many families changed holiday plans in order to attend this annual gathering, featuring three types of chili prepared by John, including the notorious Texas Chain Gang.

John was awarded the Clare Booth Luce Award by Heritage - the only staffer to receive this honor. He received the John Ashbrook Award, the American Spectator Lifetime Service to the Movement Award, and was elected "distinguished member" of the Philadelphia Society. John was a trustee of Foundation for Research on the Economics of the Environment (FREE) a trustee of Foundation for Research on the Economics of the Environment (FREE)

In addition to his wife, Cindy (nee: Gamrin), John is survived by his children, Rachel and Jack; his mother, Helen Von Kannon of Lafayette, IN; two sisters and their spouses, Cindy and Dennis Murray of Bossier City, LA, and Kathie and Dennis Fidler of Panama City, FL, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, September 12 at St. Mary Mother of God Church, 727 Fifth Street, NW in Washington, D.C. Viewing at 1:00 p.m.; Mass at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in John's name to Indiana University Foundation Cancer Research or the Thoracic Center Research Fund, University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center. Addresses upon request.