Honorable William H. Cannon

1934 - 2011

The Honorable William H. Cannon, age 76, a resident of Clinton Township, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2011. He was born July 24, 1934 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Harold and Dorothy McLaughlin Cannon. On September 26, 1981 in Sterling Heights, Michigan, he was united in marriage to the former Peggy Elizabeth Meyers. Mr. Cannon was a retired Clinton Township District Court Judge. After serving for 29 years as Macomb County's longest serving jurist, he retired in 2005. A 1961 graduate of Detroit College of Law, he had been in private practice before seeking election to the 41B District Court. He was a member of the Michigan Bar Association, and was past president of Michigan District Judge's Association. He was also a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Mount Clemens, a member of the Knights of Columbus and sang in the choir. During his college years, he sang at weddings to supplement his income. As a community leader he was involved with many organizations, including a supporter of Care House, cofounder of Turning Point, a recipient of several awards for his work with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, (MADD), and the Kiwanis Club. One of his projects involved the creation of a cook book, with recipes offered by his court staff, that were sold at the court to raise money for hardship cases he heard in his court room. This very successful endeavor allowed Judge Cannon to give special consideration to circumstances where these funds would do the most good. Prior to his declining health, he would find relaxation while he was fishing and hunting, while enjoying the beauty of nature. Known for his active approach to life, he participated in bowling, golfing and jogging. He was an avid reader and an enthusiastic euchre player. He will be remembered as a personable, giving, understanding man who enjoyed caring for his canine companion, golden retriever 'Riley'. He will be missed by his wife Peggy, children, Linda (Dan) Byrge of St. Clair Shores, Susan (Don) Hassig of Clinton Township, Thomas Cannon of Fraser, Timothy (Anna) Cannon of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Meaghan Cannon and Matthew Cannon both of Clinton Township, twin sisters, Jean Zilinsky, Joan (Gordon) Archer, and grandchildren, Monica and Glenn. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Robert and Thomas and brother in law Frank Zilinsky. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church, 95 Market Street, Mount Clemens, with the Revered Father Michael N. Cooney officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be addressed to Alzheimer's Association. Cremation services entrusted to the Harold W. Vick Funeral Home, 140 South Main, Mount Clemens, Michigan.

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