John Cannon Wilbur

John Cannon Wilbur, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at the age of 89. John was born in Salem, Oregon, on September 10, 1935. He was the son of Glenn and Dortha (Cannon) Wilbur.
John spent most of his life in Salem, and graduated from Salem High School (now North Salem) in June, 1954. He attended the University of Arizona where he received his Bachelor's degree and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Immediately after graduation, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the U.S. Army where he served most of his time in Germany. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, he enrolled in the Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management in Glendale, Arizona.
He married Marilyn Noller on March 8, 1959, in Topeka, Kansas, just prior to embarking on his deployment to Germany.
After 6 years with The Carnation Company in Portland, Los Angeles, and Lima, Peru, John moved his family back to Salem in 1966 to join his father in the restaurant business. John owned and managed restaurants in Salem (The Keg & Platter and The Other Place) and Sisters (The Gallery). He was also one of the original retail developers in downtown Sisters in the mid- to late-1970's.
John was an avid golfer who was a member of Illahe Hills Country Club for over 50 years. He cherished his times on the course and in the card room with his golfing buddies. He also enjoyed fishing with family and friends in many of Oregon's coastal rivers, especially the Rogue River. He was a passionate Los Angeles Angels baseball fan and endeavored to see them play in person as much as possible every year. He also enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his family during the year and especially over the holidays.
John leaves behind his much-loved wife Marilyn, three children John (Ellen) Wilbur, Brian (Anne) Wilbur, and Bruce Wilbur, and his six grandchildren Sam, Molly, Sadie, Delaney, Benton, and Claire. John had one sibling, Mary Alice Grellman (deceased).
John's legacy of work ethic, dedication, humor, and love will live on through all of those he touched. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends, and all who know him.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.