John Canaday

John Canaday John Canaday of Shell Beach, California passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 17th, 2015. John was born to Dorm and Evalyn Canaday in December, 1941 in Coalinga, California. His family, which now included a younger brother Jim, later moved to Fresno. John's love of music led him to play the trumpet and be selected to the Fresno All City Band. During high school his love of golf led him to participate on the golf team all four years, a passion he followed all throughout his life. John was a student of the first graduating class at Bullard High School in 1959. After high school he attended Fresno City College for two years. Later he joined with his dad to purchase a small irrigation pipe company in Madera, the Canaday Pipe Company. While living in Madera, John was very active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Elks Club. During his time in Madera he met his soon to be bride Jeanette Beavers and they were married in Carmel, California on August 26, 1967. Their union produced two children, Leslie Ann and John. The company expanded and moved to Fresno where the operations changed from producing concrete pipe to the first manufacturer of plastic pipe in California used in agricultural fields throughout the state. The company continued to grow until John and his dad sold the company. In 1985, John and his family relocated to the beloved Central Coast. John changed his career and became a successful life insurance agent and continued working in this field for the rest of his days. John's passion included his love for golfing, camping, fishing, the San Francisco Forty Niners and good food and good drink. Above all his love for his country, his family and his grandchildren exceeded his love for the others. John was extremely proud, generous to a fault, and was known for his strong firm handshake. John was preceded in death by his parents, Dorm and Evalyn Canaday. John has left many people with broken hearts, including his wife, Jeanette; daughter, Leslie; son, John (Eva), and granddaughters, Laura and Audrey and many countless friends. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of his Life will be held in the early spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations in Johns name to VTC Enterprises, P.O. Box 1187, Santa Maria, Calif., 93456. Sign his guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries