Peter John Cannon

COLUMBIA - Peter John Cannon, 64, went to be with his Lord Friday, August 27, 2010, after a brief illness. It was a surprise to family that he left so suddenly, but no surprise to God who welcomed him with open arms. After he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, Pete went on to be with his Lord where we know he heard, 'Well done good and faithful servant.'

Pete grew up on a farm in Connecticut where he lived with his widowed mother and his two sisters. He attended Georgetown University where he fell in love and married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Milkon. After college, he spent eight years in banking. In 1975, Pete's life changed forever when he became a believer.

Understanding that there was a loving God who wanted to have a relationship with him totally consumed Pete's dreams, desires, and life. In fact, he moved to Columbia to attend seminary at Columbia International University. In 1982, Pete became an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America where he served for eight years as the associate pastor of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church here in Columbia.

Pete always had a passion for giving back and wanted to leave this earth a little better. His faith was at the center of all he did. Whether it was working to see downtown Columbia improve through City Center Partnership, helping the Sons of Italy, participating on numerous committees, serving City Light and other religious organizations, helping the homeless or following his global calling by founding HIS International, Inc. in 1991. HIS is a ministry devoted to serving international students while they are studying in the U.S. HIS was Pete's heartbeat, a ministry of giving whatever was necessary: lunches, English classes, a place at a Thanksgiving table, a dad, advice on visas or anything else that was needed. Pete's desire was to show those from all over the world the love his God had shown to him.

Pete was, in the most common sense, a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, best friend, and yet burning for God, humbly serving where God sent him, never looking for praise. He blazed a trail for all of us. We will miss this dear man, a friend of God, and do not grieve without hope, because we know he will meet us at the finish line.

Pete is survived by his wife, Pat, his three sons and their wives: Richie and Karlene, Robbie and Sheri, Ronnie and Heather; his ten grandchildren: Ivy, Jackson, Jonathan, Owen, Rachel, Nick, Noah, Zack, Matthew, and David; and his sisters: Rita Matukaitis and Jeannette Zaleski.

A memorial service celebrating Pete's life will be held at Northeast Presbyterian Church (601 Polo Road, Columbia, S.C.) on Saturday, the eleventh of September at half past ten o'clock in the morning. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family humbly requests tax deductible donations be given to HIS International, Inc. (Pete Cannon Memorial Fund) at P.O. Box 8323, Columbia, SC 29202-8323. Online condolences may be made at hmpattersonspringhill.com.