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Harry Kanke Obituary
He was the proud father of five children; Susan Greenberg (Bobby), Joyce Bishop (Rick), Sandra Dawson (Mark), Cheryl Haws, and Ron Kanke. He had 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He is survived by his devoted loving wife, Susan Kanke.
Harry was known for his warm smile, kind heart, and gentle disposition. All who met Harry loved him. Harry willingly took on every project with a can-do attitude. His outlook on life was always positive and he always put others before himself. He touched all of us in a special way and will be remembered as a wonderful, caring man.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harry Kanke
David Hendricksen
January 27, 2025
What a WONDERFUL GENTLEMAN, led me to many enjoyable books!!
Miss Harry
Kumar Misra
February 22, 2016
Our dear neighbor, friend and hero -- if not for the sacrifice of he any many of his generation, my family likely would look quite different. I entered the Korean Diaspora by way of marriage, and with each vet of that terrible, awful conflict in the 1950's that I meet, I thank them especially with the depth of my heart, in particularly now as less than a year ago we were blessed with a baby girl. This is only made possible due to the collective efforts of all our vets like Harry. The world has lost a truly great person and to us who knew him, a real life hero. Thank you Harry for making an impact felt for generations and for protecting my in-laws when they were just children.
Tom & Molly Clarey
February 16, 2016
What a sad day for all when Harry passed. For over 20 years we have known, loved and enjoyed Harry's company. 85 great years, what a life. He spoke softly and lead by example. He was patient, kind and never complained. Harry loved his wife Sue more than one could imagine. A wonderful love affair and wonderful friendship they shared. There is an emptiness in our hearts that only time will soften and fill, but Harry will always live within us. He will be deeply missed. Love, Tom and Molly Clarey
Melinda Dowdle
February 11, 2016
I don't remember the first time I met Harry, I know it was after he & Sue had married. And that was the way it was with Harry, he made you feel as if you had known him all your life. No beginning, no end, just a constant, loving presence in your life. A friend always willing to lend a hand, give you a ride to & from the airport, or have you over to share a wonderful meal cooked by Sue. He was a wonderful friend to my Mom, myself and my entire family. We will all miss your laughter, your warmth and your compassionate nature. My life is richer for having known you.
Safe journey my friend, until we meet again.
Melinda, Nick, Heather & Max, Molly & Joshua, Jillian & Aimee
Linda Pipe
February 10, 2016
Harry was one of a kind. Truly genuine, caring, loving and always positive. It was a blessing to work with him as a brand new manager at Macy's SF 30 plus years ago and then to have him marry another truly dear and genuine friend, Sue. Theirs was a love story beyond compare. Our lives were blessed beyond imagination because Harry was a part. He was like a grandfather to our children. Always interested and happy to talk with them. They adored Harry also. The world lost a beautiful shining light on February 1, 2016.
Julia and Christopher Emby
February 8, 2016
We will miss our treasured friend and neighbor, Harry. He was a true "Gentleman's Gentleman" and an inspiration to us as to how to live a full life. Harry's bright spirit will live on within us. Thank you for all you have shared with us Harry, and now rest in peace.
Robert Jones
February 7, 2016
For over 30 years Harry and I partnered to create annual spring field-trips and luncheons for my senior retail management students at CSUF.
Harry and I became friends over the years and when I would come to SF, we would get together for lunch.
I met Sue after she and Harry married. We three have been friends ever since. Harry and Sue visited me in Long Beach on a couple of occasions. We had great times visiting special places like the Huntington Library & Gardens in San Marino, South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa and Fashion Island in Newport Beach. I loved having Harry and Sue over to my house for dinner.
Harry was the consummate gentleman and always so kind and thoughtful of others.
I will miss him very much!
Frank Dunnigan
February 7, 2016
He was the best--and we had many adventures together when he worked some evenings/weekends at the store--restaurant fires, earthquakes, rioting in Union Square, people stuck in elevators, power outages, store evacuations, children with a foot caught in an escalator, flooded bathrooms, overflowing trash compactors, vehicles stuck on the ramp down to the dock, roof leaks, Santas missing in action--you name a problem, and Harry always had a way to deal with it calmly and with a smile. He was a great guy.
February 5, 2016
What can I say about Harry Kanke ! in his quiet way he was such a strong force in everyone's life-And Harry you have no idea how many people you touched.
I ,for one, will always be so grateful for the twenty years you gave to your wife, my daughter Susan.It was a win-win marriage for you both.
On a personal note, you were so kind to her mother (me)-No matter what I asked of you, you're always there (sooner rather than later)with a smile on your face, always ready to right the
wrong- it didn't go un-noticed-I know I'll miss your gentle heart
and willing spirit-
Your life is an example for all of us to follow-quiet strength,kindness and love for all humanity
God speed and love
Barbara
February 5, 2016
What can I say about Harry Kanke! In his quiet way he was such a strong force in everyone's life-And Harry, you have no
idea how many people you touched.
I, for one, will always be so grateful for the twenty years you gave to your wife,my daughter Susan. It was a win-win marriage for you both.
On a personal note, you were so kind to her mother (me)-No matter what I asked of you, you were always there(sooner rather than later) with a smile on your face,always ready to right the wrong- it didn't go un-noticed-I know I'll miss your gentle heart and willing spirit-
Your life is an example for all of us to follow-quiet strength,kindness and love for all humanity.
God speed and love
Barbara
Sandy and darrell Ferreter
February 4, 2016
He was so full of energy. I remember our visit a few years ago. He spent every day showing us around San Francisco and the area. He never tired. We had a wonderful time. We loved seeing the works in his crystal business. I have crystals from him that we will treasure always. Our sympathy to Sue and his children. He was truly a fine man.
Sandy and Darrell Ferreter
February 4, 2016
Harry - a gentle man who took me under his wing while at Macy's. Harry was the best there was to offer in a (boss) and a great friend thereafter for the past 40 years. We will miss our great annual with Harry and Sue and the many wonderful memories during our years together. Our love and condolences to Sue and the family.
Lou and Pat Elenterio
David Hendricksen
February 4, 2016
I feel very BLESS to have known Harry and Sue. I really love to read and Harry loved it as much as I did, always special to know other readers, and share wonderful Authors.
Also, BLESSED to see the LOVE, BETWEEN Sue and Harry, not often have I seen such true affection in enjoying to be together and the joining together on everything there was to do and enjoy in LIFE. I always stayed too long, when I was a guest in their home, but now GLAD, for that extra time with Harry.
Sue Baker
February 3, 2016
I loved visiting Harry at Macy's in San Francisco. He was truly a gentleman and I always felt like he cared about me and my family. He's a man I looked up to as a great example of being a father. I will miss him.
February 3, 2016
Celebration Of Life will be held on Thursday February 25 at 1PM at the Forest Hill Clubhouse, 381 Magellan Ave., SF 94116
February 3, 2016
We will miss our dad greatly! All your kids and your grandkids. You were such a special man in all of our lives and meant so much to us. Great memories and a great dad and grandfather.
Love you!
Joyce, Rick, Morgan, Casey and Spencer
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
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