Nicholas Canaday Obituary

CANADAY Nicholas Canaday was born December 22, 1928 and died July 4, 2003. He graduated from Princeton University in 1950 and served two years in the Army as an enlisted man, achieving rank of corporal. He received an MA and Ph.D in English from the University of Florida. He taught for 30 years at Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge). He was the author of Melville and Authority, (University of Florida Press, Gainesville, 1968) and numerous articles and reviews in scholarly journals. His papers of the Civil Rights era, donated to LSU, are housed in the Special Collections section of the LSU Library. Active in the civil rights struggle in the 1960s, he was investigated by the Louisiana Joint House/Senate Un-American Activities Committee and declared " not a Communist." He retired in 1987 to Seattle, Washington after Serving his third Fulbright Senior Lectureship Appointment (Japan, Norway, and the Peoples Republic Of China). Living in Seattle, he was active in many Civic affairs. Nick served for six years as a Volunteer at the Downtown Emergency Service Center, Seattles largest homeless shelter. He was also active in many of the outreach programs of St. Marks Cathedral and served on the Vestry from 1993-1996. He enjoyed his return to teaching in the Creative Retirement Institute at Edmonds Community College. Nick was an avid reader, Secretary of the Churchs Maple Leaf Book Club, and an enthusiastic low-stakes Blackjack player, traveling to Reno quarterly for more than ten years until his health failed. He is survived by his " bride" of 51 years, Amelia; his three children, Thomas, Nicholas III and his wife Jennifer; Ellen and her husband George; and one grandchild, David Nicholas Mellman; a brother, Arthur C. Canaday; a sister, Bunny C. Brown; and many nieces and nephews. The memorial service will be held at St. Marks Episcopal Cathedral on Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Downtown Emergency Service Center, 507 3rd Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98104 or St. Marks Episcopal Cathedral, Attn: Mission and Ministry to the World Endowment, 1245 10th Avenue East, Seattle, Washington, 98102. Please sign the Guestbook at Jacksonville.com

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Published by Florida Times-Union on Jul. 10, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Nicholas Canaday

12 Entries

Bill Wyatt

July 16, 2003

Amelia, Pat and I send our love to you and the family. We'll all miss Nick, as he was a true friend from "way back"!! He could find humor in almost any situation, and he was just great to be around. He stood for principle and was loyal to his friends and his causes in life. He and his mother, Nadine, were responsible for my meeting this college freshman tri-delt that I married, and for that I'm forever grateful. We look forward to seeing you if you are back east our way. Please stay in touch. Bill Wyatt

Rose Lee & Neil McEachern

July 14, 2003

Family of Nick Canaday: We will miss you, Nick. We are so very sorry we did not get to go on the trip to N.C. last year and have that visit with you all and the Wyatt's.Your childhood friend, Neil McEachern and Rose Lee.

Edith McEachern Aldrich

July 11, 2003

Mr. Canaday was my father's, Neil McEachern, childhood best friend; as well as a friend throughout their lives. I appreciate the love they had for each other.

Mrs. Canaday - you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Colton Pooler

July 10, 2003

I remember Nick from 1943-44 as a great guy and a fine Cadet at Bolles. May I extend my sympathy to his family. Colt

David Wright

July 8, 2003

Erudite, charming, what a generous soul and a sharp intellect. Many librarians and staff at Seattle Public Library will dearly miss you, and the poetry group will never be the same. We will remember you when we are thinking of good people we have known, and wondering, as we are bound to do, what you would have said or thought or felt about some facet of life. Thank you, Nick, it was good to know you.

Donna Barnes

July 8, 2003

Amelia, how fortunate you were to spend 51 years of your life with such a wonderful 'Man of God'. You are truly blessed. We will miss Nick's presence and contributions to our Parish home at St. Mark's Cathedral. My prayers are with you. Remember to 'Be Good to Yourself'. God's Peace & Love.

Steve & Kathie Moen

July 7, 2003

Nick exemplified the reasons that we are Christians, not that we know everything, but that we understand the messaqge of the Man from Nazareth, that is: love is more significant than all the "power" of which men (and women) boast!

Pearl McElheran

July 7, 2003

I enjoyed making Nick's acquaintance
about 1 1/2 yrs. ago through the Maple Leaf Book Club. Nick was thoughtful, responsive, inclusive, and always gallant. I will miss him.

Thomas J. Walker

July 7, 2003

Dear family of Nick Canaday,

My deepest sympathy to you all. Nick was my friend and a respected activist for many causes. I loved his spirit of inclusion and hope to be just like him.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

May the Peace of God with always among us.

Sincerely, Tom Walker

Jon Kearney

July 7, 2003

Mentor and friend, you will be missed.

Jon Kearney

Nan Nalder

July 7, 2003

I will always remember your warmth and wit - my husband, Dick Griffith, and I sat near you and your lovely wife in the pews at St. Mark's. My fondest memory is your introduction to Murder in the Cathedral - the play was made more enjoyable by your gifted presentation. Godspeed, Nan Nalder

Cynthia Finney

July 7, 2003

Nick was one of a kind. His voice of courage and conviction will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to you Amelia, you have shown such great strength and love. Our thoughts and prayers are very much with you and your family. Love Cynthia

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