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Thomas Cantine Obituary
At the age of three he moved with his parents to Portland, Ore., where he spent his youth and early adult life. It was here that he met his wife to be, Sigrid Riddell, who was his greatest love and light of his life for 71 years.
He graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in civil engineering and was an accomplished long distance runner. He lettered at OSU in track in the one mile run, where he also competed in the Olympic Trials. He was a natural athlete skilled in tennis, golf and canoeing, and held a strong love of the outdoors where he taught all his boys the lifelong love of fly-fishing.
His very successful career in civil engineering pursuits spanned over 40 years with the Oregon State Highway Department, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and the Alaska Power Administration. His career took the family to Sumter, S.C.; Charleston, S.C.; Macon, Ga.; Savannah, Ga.; Denver, Colo.; Amarillo, Texas; and his final 10 years in Juneau, Alaska. Throughout his career he exerted influence on events far beyond the specific title of his position. The capstone of his career came in June of 1973 when he was awarded the U.S. Department of Interior Distinguished Service Award.
Tom was a very active member of the Episcopal Church throughout most of his life, and served on vestries, as lay reader, taught Sunday School, and helped with youth programs.
Upon retirement in 1975, he and Sigrid moved to Morro Bay, where he designed and built their beautiful home overlooking the bay and Pacific Ocean. He most recently resided at The Canterbury retirement home in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Tom was, and will be forever, admired and loved by his wife; three sons Scott, Bob and Dick; grandchildren Todd, Holly, Erin, Molly and Tom; and his nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sigrid Cantine; sister, Helen Dunn of Honolulu, Hawaii; and brother, Charles E. Cantine of Lake Wacabuc, N.Y.
A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, at the Los Osos Memorial Cemetery in Los Osos.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Camp Sweeney, Southwestern Diabetic Foundation, P.O. Box 918, Gainesville, TX 76241.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Cantine
Lois Stroud
September 21, 2008
I remember well how Tom encouraged Christine.
I miss him and Sig too.
Lois Stroud/Former Ofc Mgr of The Canterbury
Rosemary Donnell
September 18, 2008
Good for you Tom. You deserved a long and happy life. I remember you from the MB Democratic Club in the "80's.
I remember you as a real gentleman; smart and caring but also funny and fun to be around. I only wish politics of today had your civility. The world is enriched by you having been a part of it.
Most sincerely
Chuck Reasor
September 12, 2008
I'm so sorry for the loss of a wonderful man. I served with Tom on the Morro Bay City Council in 1978 to 1980. He was rigid but fair and honest as to his feelings. I to remember Sig, the love of his life and a wonderful women. We've lost a very caring and brilliant man. My sympathy to all the family.
The view from his house, he loved it.
September 10, 2008
He also loved to walk on the beach
September 10, 2008
Thomas love to take walks in the park
September 10, 2008
Paulina Cisneros
September 10, 2008
Dear Dick,
I'm sorry for your loss. You father was a great man, i will never forget him.
Carol Schneider
September 10, 2008
Dear Dick and Liz, Sorry to hear of your loss.
Christine Behling
September 10, 2008
Mr. Cantine I have never forgotten you. I worked in the dining room at the Canterbury as a teenager and you are the one who convinced me to become the Registered Nurse I am today. I remember the conversation well and you told me while I was indecisive in "what to do with my life", to become a Nurse and make the "lasts days the best" for my patients. (I have always tried to do just that.) I have told that story a dozen times and often thought of you. Now I am a Registered Nurse, Clinical Supervisor in the ER of Little Company of Mary in Torrance and am glad to read what a wonderful long life you lived. You inspired me years ago. Thank you for being my Angel and leading me to the best life changing decision I have made. May you rest now with your true love you missed so much (Sig).
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