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Bernard Cannon Obituary

Published by Star Tribune on Apr. 8, 2009.

Cannon, Bernard (Steve) age 81, died peacefully at home on April 6, 2009. Son of Norman and Mary, Steve is survived by wife, Lorraine; son, Bart; daughter, Lynn; daughter-in-law, Marion Greene; granddaughters, Ellie and Mia Cannon; brothers, Don (and wife Robyn) and Harold (and wife Margarita); nieces and nephew, Sara, Denise and Peter; granddog, Duke; cousins and many friends. Steve served in the U.S. Navy and graduated from the U of M. The family offers special thanks to Fairview Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care. At Steve's request, there will be no public service. Family and friends will be notified of a memorial gathering at a later date. Family prefers memorials to donor's choice of charity.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.

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Recent Activity

June 3, 2009

Someone posted to the memorial.

April 16, 2009

Brett posted to the memorial.

April 14, 2009

Steve Hegman posted to the memorial.

35 Entries

June 3, 2009

I listened to Steve on the way home from work for many, many years and felt like he was a personal friend. Even after he went off the air, his occasional calls into 'cco were fun to hear, with Ma Linger, Lash LaRue the fellow with a bit on mink on his collar, and Steve's other "friends". Steve was a talented man and I am saddened to hear of his departure. CB

Brett

April 16, 2009

Cannon-

I parked in your space today at the golf course just to remind me of you.

I viewed the carpet you stretched your body before every round.

I walked to the 7th tee where I gave you my cell phone to negotiate a final deal for the money.

This golf course is history but you made it historic.

You were very kind Steve.

Thanks-

T and B

Steve Hegman

April 14, 2009

Lynn,
Very sorry to hear the news about your dad.
My thoughts are with you and family.

April 13, 2009

We are very sorry for your loss. Michael really enjoyed talking to Steve at the family picnic about cars. He will be missed.
Michael & Candice Dvoracek

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April 12, 2009

Lynn, Geri and Bart,
I am so sorry for your loss. Through my valued friendship with Lynn I had the honor to have been invited into your home and to know the legend that my own family cherished on 'CCO! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Janet Grandbois

Denise

April 10, 2009

Uncle Bunny; Master storyteller, of quick wit, wonderful voice, glittering eyes and beautiful smile. He loved deeply and was thus loved greatly. RIP.

April 10, 2009

My heart goes out to you and your family on the death of Steve. We have so many good feelings about him and the fun times he and my brother Pat Tierney had, and also the wonderful eulogy Cannon did of our dad, on the air back in 1993. We still pull out that old cassette and play it, and it brings many touching memories. Steve must have jotted everything down that Pat told him, as the 'eulogy' was detailed and so compassionate. I honor him, and I honor you, Lynn, for the kindness and honor you both have shown our family.
Love, from the entire Tierney Family,
Susie Tierney Radde
Hopkins, MN

Roger Buck

April 10, 2009

Dear Cannon Family, I felt very fortunate to know Steve on both a professional level and even a little personal. Back in the late 70's and early 80's Steve did endorsement ads for Buck's Unpainted Furniture and through his unique creativity he helped elevate Buck's customer base dramatically. He even did several personal appearances which were never his fortay, with class and dignity. Our deepest sympathy in your loss. May God Bless him and hold him. The Buck Family

Kathleen Larson Joyce Antolik

April 9, 2009

Dear Cannon Family and loved ones,

My family were avid listeners to Steve's golden voice on WCCO radio, and some of us listened to him back in the days he was on KSTP radio when he told the girls to wear their black clothing with black stockings - on Fridays - and to be sure the seams were straight on the back of their stockings; and also to do their nails on their bosses' time...what a sense of humor he had!

I stopped listening to him in 1997, when he officially retired from 'CCO radio. I miss the Eveleth Barking Dogs theme song of his, and still sing it from time to time...every word of it!

My father passed away ten years ago and I'm sure he is enjoying Steve's sense of humor now. He is irreplaceable...the best humor either side of the Mississippi...

sharon boisselle

April 9, 2009

To the family of Steve Cannon~
Thank you for sharing him with all of us all these years. He was truly a talented man. No matter what problems came up in the workday, his show was the medicine needed--no dose was too large. His lines, his characters were constant and in a fast changing world what a comfort that was! Even the line "Mrs. J.R. from Wayzata who is the only person who writes to me with any frequency whatsover...." was a comfort. I also lost my husband to cancer, so I understand your loss.
Steve Cannon will not be forgotten... he was truly an original.
Thank you. Sharon Boisselle (New Ulm, MN)

scott dulac

April 9, 2009

THE cannon will be missed, I never met steve, but my father turned me onto him in the late 80s i was just out of high school.I used to turn him on (cannon) on my way home from work ,he was a great deversion from my reg, rock station, This went on for several years of enjoying him on my way home..Punch line ready,??? I didnt know he was a soloist,on the show.Ithought he had ma linger and the rest of them in his basement,well my dad, little to say, had quite a laugh at my stupidity. And thats why i will never forget STEVE CANNON may you rest in peace, Your afternoon listener, duey.

Bill Bauer

April 8, 2009

It is sad for me to see people like Mr. Cannon leave us because part of me also leaves. I literally grew up with WCCO radio, hearing it when I awoke in the morning for school and again when I went to bed. Steve, along with Roger Erickson, Ray Christensen, Maynard Speece, and Charlie Boone were my mentors, as well as my educators. They were so talented and I felt safe when I heard them. Goodbye, Steve. I loved the Cannon Mess and I've missed you and my other friends for a dozen years already. May you go to a better place. I'll never, ever, forget you. Rest in Peace.

Virginia Otterness

April 8, 2009

Steve Cannon's voice was a huge comfort to me as I drove in heavy traffic 28 miles daily to pick up my daughter from school in St. Paul. When I was terrified on icy roads, I found courage in his words. His stories distracted me from my fears and kept me comfort on the days I waited endlessly in the student pickup lane. I hope he realized how much he meant to us, his audience.

Tony Vecellio

April 8, 2009

Lynn:

I was sorry to hear of your fathers passing a couple of days ago. I was truly priviledged to have met him through my father who worked with him at CCO. He was a true icon in the broadcasting business that no one will ever resemble. May you and your entire family feel comforted and blessed during this difficult time. My fondest wishes to you and your family

Warmest regards - Tony Vecellio

Bob Pacyga

April 8, 2009

Lynn & Family:
Like so many others, I too enjoyed years of entertainment with Steve on the radio, then had a chance to get to know him a little when we sold some Grain Belt together--he also would "digress" on the air once in a while and talk about his days working at the Brewery, or Hurly's Hanging Gardens over Nordeast. We truly would enjoy a cold Grain Belt at good old Manning's sometimes! Steve was a wonderful man, as well as a radio legend, and will be missed. My deepest sympathies go out to you for your loss.

Bob Pacyga

Jerry England

April 8, 2009

I moved here twenty years ago and discovered the Cannon Mess. I thought it was my Dad, back from the grave. I hardly ever missed his show and was so sad when the master retired. I would catch him on the weekend with Morgan and it never seemed enough. I had a very hard time when I lost my Dad so many many years ago but at least I thought I would never go through that again. I just found out how wrong I was. My deepest sympathy to Steve's family and I promise you I know how you feel.

mike Andrews

April 8, 2009

The best thing about having owned several popular restaurants around the Twin Cities is that I met so many great people many of whom became friends, Such was the case when Steve walked into Ichabods' in 1970. He became a delight that we shared our life and laughs with, plus getting to know his family was an added bonus. Bless you all. Mike and Susan Andrews

Phil Chadwick

April 8, 2009

Mr. Cannon you were the the best that these cities have ever sceen or ever will see, you made us all laugh and not take our lives so seriously!! To Ma and Lash we will all miss you!! The avenue of broken hearts will never be the same without you!!

Wayne Nelson

April 8, 2009

Dear Cannon Family,

I feel like I knew Steve because of the WCCO radio broadcast that I listened to every Monday thru Friday on the way home from work.
Steve would open up by saying hi gang, and I really felt like I was part of his special gang.
When Steve retired it really didn't set in that he was not going to be on the radio anymore. I loved to listen to his commercials after his retirement just so I could hear his voice again.
My youngest son on the way to the Great MN State Fair get- together asked me if Steves radio personalities were going to be there also. When I told him they wouldn't be because Steve didn't want to be seen changing characters. My son was shocked because he thought they were real people and not Steve. I guess Steve was like Santa Clause to him and a great disapointment when he learn the truth.
I truly feel sorry for the people that are to young to have ever heard one of his radio broadcasts. It was so enjoyable and would be hard to explain why. He was so special.
The first time I listened to him on his 1st radio show for WCCO, I said to myself, he will never last. I could not have been more wrong. I loved him, and his final retirement hurts knowing I will never hear his voice again.
So long Steve, from one of your radio gang listeners.

Ted Meads

April 8, 2009

I have such fond memories of Steve and that deep baritone voice calling on my phone and saying, "Teddy - Cannon here -- wanna play some tennis?". One memory is of Steve's getting me in deep trouble with my boss at the time by referencing (on air) our sitting in a Perkins drinking the 'famous bottomless' cup of coffee for several hours. He then wondered out loud, "Not sure what Teddy does for a living -- must be nice to have a job where you can sit and drink coffee all afternoon." I was never there, having returned to my office right after tennis at Northstar. My boss called me in the next morning and asked where I'd been the day before. Thanks Stevo!!! You will never be forgotten.

Georgia Gould-Lyle

April 8, 2009

'… and when he shall die,Take him and cut him out in little stars And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun.'

Shakespeare, Romeo & Juliet, Act 3, Scene II

mary ahmann

April 8, 2009

Bart, I am sorry for your loss. Your father was a remarkable man who generously shared his talents with the community. I remember when you and I met at the U of M - I believe that you were living up on prospect park at the time. This is when I "discovered" your father and his radio show - I wish you well.
warmest regards, Mary Ahmann

Pat McLaughlin

April 8, 2009

Thank you for over 40 years of fun.
From the days of Wrangler Steve, the Boulevard-of-Broken-Hearts, Nate's(Natays) to The Basement Studio, you provided a joyous escape for all.
Heart felt sympathies to all the "little" Cannons

The Groves Foundation

April 8, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Steve Groves

April 8, 2009

A True Icon. A True Classy Gentleman.
A True Professional At His Craft.
A True Legend On WCCO Radio.
Thank You Very Much for your Kindness shown to us all.

ramona pearson

April 8, 2009

From two of us who are Steve's age and avid listeners to him over the years, we feel as if we have lost a friend..Our condolences to his family..Curtis and Ramona Pearson

Steve Marsh

April 8, 2009

Bart, Lynn & Mrs. Cannon....

Bart and I got to know each other when he was bussing dishes at the Alpha Phi house at the U. In fact, I even sat next to Bart at my first Grateful Dead show in St. Paul in 1977...(the first of many !). Unfortunately, I haven't seen Bart since college.

I ran into Mr. Cannon at Met Stadium or the Dome from time to time however & always asked him to pass on my greetings.
It was obvious he was extremely proud of his family and was thrilled about being a grandfather.

Mr. Cannon was, in my opinion, the greatest Minnesota radio personality of our time. I always had his company on my commute home and he was always great, comedic comfort.

I hope you spent some time yesterday reading everyone's memories of Mr. Cannon and his show. Everyone loved him.

I'll share a favorite memory of mine...it was the mid 70s at Met Stadium and I walked into a Twins game and found a seat behind home plate. Shortly after, a gentleman sat next to me, and it was Mr. Cannon. All radio personalities were on strike at the time in the mid-70s, and I told Mr. Cannon I missed his show. He told me "I miss myself !"

May you find peace in knowing how much he loved all of you, and his presence will always be with you. Mr. Cannon is truly an unforgettable man, and his memory will last forever.

"Beanso"

Bernard Schulte

April 8, 2009

Oh how sad! We grew along with Steve, and when I conducted a class trip to "KSTP"he advised me his name was Bernard. We used to eat breakfast and drive from St Paul to North Minneapolis listening to his very soothing voice.God comfort you. Bernie and Isabelle

Tim Moreland

April 8, 2009

A friend called last night to tell me of Steve's passing. I'm still trying to come to grips with it. Icons like Steve go on forever, don't they? I count our friendship during my 'CCO days as one of my most special. I did sports on his afternoon show. When he got off the air at 7, we often went to a North Star or Gopher game, or out to eat. Steve was a friend and the most talented guy I knew in my 20 years in radio. He was also a real friend. He guarded his privacy fiercely and often people mistook that for arrogance. Truly he was a kind and caring person who lived his life as a commoner from the Iron Range. But there was nothing common about his talent. He was the very best and I was so lucky to have known and worked with him. My condolences to Steve's family. The greatest on-air light I've known is off. There will indeed be some real humor in heaven because Steve-O in there.

April 8, 2009

Give Thumper a hug for all of us from 25th & 26th st people

Arne Elofsen

April 8, 2009

I grew up with Steve Cannon -- first on KSTP and then WCCO. After his retirement, I relished his occasional appearances on 'CCO. May his memory be eternal!

Tom Taylor

April 8, 2009

Steve will be missed by so many people. His humor was original and sent a very direct message. His uncle Lou always referred to him as Bunny. His cousin, the handsome doctor, really appreciated being a relative of such a great guy. The world and the range will never be the same.

Tom Taylor, Eau Claire, WI

L Nemanic

April 8, 2009

From this old former Iron Ranger and U.S. Navy man, to another.... Steve, I am already missing you.

Dan Lynch

April 8, 2009

Sincere Sympathies to Your Family. I'm Sixty and I enjoyed Listening to Steve for over thirty years.

Mike Chase

April 8, 2009

Morgan was NOT Mundane, Larue had NO Backlash, and Ma did NOT Linger. The Lincoln Park Rec will never again be the same with Steve O's passing.

Rest now, strong voice!
Yes, you DID get "The Money" and our eternal respect!

MN Mike Chase

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