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Robert Kanthack Obituary
Bob passed away peacefully at his home Thursday, May 20, 2010, with his loving family at his side.
He was born Feb. 13, 1925 in Burbank to Harry and Lenelle Kanthack. He moved to Ventura, where he taught music at Mound, Mill and El Rio School Districts, later teaching for the Ventura Unified School District at DeAnza Jr. High and adult piano classes at Ventura College. Bob met his wife, Eleanor, at their church in Burbank. They were married 52 years and have two children, Dennis and Nanci. Bob attended Burbank High School, Pasadena Junior College, Cal Tech where he graduated with Special War Training in communications, and University of Southern California, where he received both his Bachelor's Degree in music and Master's Degree in education.
He was proud to be a member of the USC marching band. He was a deacon at Community Presbyterian Church, an officer and Lt. Governor for the Sunrise Optimist Club, a member of the Poinsettia Amateur Radio Club, La Buena Vida RV Club, Phi Delta Kappa, and was on the Ventura Schools Federal Credit Union Board of Directors. Bob loved playing the piano and listening to classical and big band music. He taught and played all instruments.
He loved working around the house, communicating with people all over the world through his Ham Radio, going to concerts, camping, and most of all, spending time with his family.
Bob is survived by his wife, Eleanor; daughter and son-in-law, Nanci and Keith Kelley; son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Tori Kanthack; grandchildren, Tristan and Tabitha; sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Fred Williams; 12 nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and -nephews. He loved his family dearly!
A celebration of Bob's life will be 11 a.m., Friday, June 4, at Community Presbyterian Church, 1555 Poli St., Ventura, with Pastor Wayne Kempton officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be left at www.tedmayrfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Kanthack
June 10, 2010
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Mr, Kanthack - (that's how I remember him as I was one of his students from De Anza) was always one of my favorite teachers. I never forgot his sweet smile and his kind demeanor. My prayers are with your family.
Kelly Oxford Morse
Grants Pass, Oregon
June 2, 2010
Dennis,
Our condolences go to you and your family at this time of sorrow.
Chuck & Leigh Burton
Maria Quijada
June 2, 2010
To the Kanthack Family...I am sorry for your loss...Mr Kanthack was my first music teacher at Blanche Reynolds Elementary School..He taught me violin. He influenced my love for music from that day on...and I thank him for it....
Tonia Bailey (Gutierrez)
June 1, 2010
Mrs.Kanthack, Dennis and Nanci,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Kanthack was such a kind and happy man. He always made you feel welcomed with his warm smile.
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Patrick Hurley
June 1, 2010
Eleanor, Dennis and family we are truely saddened of the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. You are in our prayers and Bob a heavanly place looking on us all now. Best wishes from us to you.
Erin Mitrano (Porter)
June 1, 2010
Sharing a story from the past:
My brother had Mr. Kanthack at DeAnza and would tease me & scare me by telling me that he gave him his saved allowance to be extra mean to me and give me a failing grade if I was ever in his class. Of course I really enjoyed the day I had the nerve to tell him who I was and ask if he really was going to be mean to me because he was paid for it. He laughed and said "go home and tell your big brother Mr. Kanthack wants to talk to him!" Well, I never did have Mr. Kanthack as a teacher, however from that day forward, I always received a warm smile and a sparkle in his eye each time we would pass in the halls.
My thoughts are with the families...
Joann Montanez
June 1, 2010
I would like to thank Mrs. Kanthack and Family for sharing a truly classic and classy Gentleman. I had the pleasure of having Mr.Kanthack as my teacher in Band class at DeAnza Junior High. I was just recently talking with my Husband and Daughter about what Mr. Kanthack had taught me, and about his tenacity in helping the students to learn a beautiful piece of music. Thank you Mr. Kanthack! God Bless the Family!
Joann Montanez
Dick & Marie Foster
May 31, 2010
Mrs. Kanthack, Dennis & Tori,we were saddened to hear of the passing of Bob.
Marie remembers him from her piano lessons at Ventura College and I from the Sunrise Optimist. Our friend from Maria's italian Restaurant will be missed. He was a true gentleman.
Jim Prosser
May 31, 2010
When I first met "Mr. Kanthack" he was the band director at Mound Elementary in 1960 and I was in the 5th grade. I only saw him sporadically after my years at Mound, but he remained one of those memorable teachers in my life. My deepest sympathies on his passing.
May 29, 2010
My deepest sympathies, Raymond L. Curtis (of Mound Nurseries)
Wayne & Ann Michael
May 29, 2010
With heartfelt Sympathy,
and His Love,
James Sumstine
May 29, 2010
On behalf of the members of the Channel Islands "Clippers" Barbershop Harmony Chorus, we add our heartfelt condolences to Bob's family and friends.
Bob was a long-time member of the Society and our chapter chorus, and is well remembered for his contributions.
If we can be of service at the memorial, please feel free to contact me at (805) 746-3487 or e-mail me at [email protected].
Chordially yours,
James Sumstine
Chorus Manager
Sabrina Sanchez
May 29, 2010
Nanci & Mrs. Kanthack,
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Your father and husband is healthy and safe where he is. He's up in heaven happy as can be. Walking around and talking up a storm. He came to me in my dream on Monday night. He's doing well.
Pam Lindsay
May 29, 2010
So sorry to hear about your loss Dennis and Tori....my thoughts are with you and your family.
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