David L. Cannard

1926 - 2019

David L. Cannard obituary, 1926-2019, Vancouver, WA

BORN

1926

DIED

2019

David Cannard Obituary


DAVID L. CANNARD
September 13, 1926 ˜ October 28, 2019
Age 93

The next time you visit the Columbia River Gorge and take in its spectacular views, go for a hike, or stop for some freshly-caught salmon, think of Dave Cannard for a moment. He was one of the founders of Friends of the Columbia Gorge. He volunteered countless hours to help bring together people from a wide range of backgrounds and views to create a National Scenic Area, a designation that is unique in the country. He, in turn, thanks you for enjoying and caring for that natural treasure.
Dave grew up in North Portland and Felida (Vancouver, WA), the eldest of three sons of a postal carrier and a PTA mom who had lived in a boxcar as a child. He interrupted his high school education at Roosevelt to join the navy and was training as a radio technician when World War II ended. After graduating from the University of Portland, he taught elementary school for a decade, meeting fellow teacher and future wife, Virginia Kelly, while helping her with science projects at Laurelhurst School.
They moved to Vancouver, started a family and opened a life insurance business that came to assist many clients plan for their long-term financial security. He was a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table and regular qualifier for the Conference of Champions. Virginia and Beverly Cobb, his longtime assistant and business partner, did their best to keep his feet to the fire when they could drag him away from his many community, civic, and business causes including religious education at St. Joseph’s, the Regional Estate Planning Council, Catlin Gabel School, Oregon Public Broadcasting, and Clark College Foundation.
Dave always made time to enjoy the outdoors in a variety of locales - mountain, river, coast, and beyond the Pacific Northwest. He was an accomplished sailor who crossed the Atlantic twice and twice sailed to Hawaii in the TransPac race. On weekends, he and Virginia visited with folks at Mo’s and the Legion Hall in Cannon Beach or hosted family and friends at their beach home.
Dave is survived by his brother, J. Paul Cannard; a daughter, Kelly Cannard; and son and daughter-in-law, Dave and Carolyn Cannard; and two grandsons, Andrew and Jonathan Cannard; along with a large extended family. All share his love of the outdoors and the value of education which he championed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of the Columbia Gorge or to other efforts to preserve natural spaces near and dear to your heart.
Dave was a devoted lifelong Catholic and on Friday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m., there will be a Memorial Mass, followed by a reception at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Vancouver.
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits

Published by The Columbian on Nov. 24, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
for David Cannard

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James Vaughan

October 3, 2020

Anybody who has ever hiked the Cape Horn Trail can thank Dave for protecting the land from development. In 1996 the trail was just an idea. The top of the ridge was for sale and no conservation group would buy the land before houses sprouted up along the route. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Dave and his wife purchased 80 acres for the trail using their retirement funds. For eight years Dave let the hiking public enjoy his land while he waited for the forest service to buy it. Finally, in 2004, government purchased the land from Dave. Five years later the trail was officially opened to the public.

Dan Huntington

December 23, 2019

Dave's family wishes to thank everyone who have posted memories and Condolences, as well as those who have sent us cards and well wishes or attended our father's memorial service. We appreciate everyone's support and enjoy the fond memories shared with us.

David Jr & Kelly Cannard

December 8, 2019

Oh what a guy! I always enjoyed Dave and his conversation! His love of the outdoors was legendary and he did love to talk about it. I loved his sense of being and welcoming all those around him.

Ron Onslow

December 5, 2019

Dave was my 7th grade teacher at Hazel Dell Elementary way back in the day. I think it was his first year of teaching. Great teacher! I went to school with Paul, his younger brother. Good memories. Sorry for his family's loss.
Mary (Grasser)Libby, Birch Bay Washington

November 26, 2019

David was one of my favorite cousins. Great memories past of visiting the farm. Carolann Prazeau Dieringer. Joseph or.

November 26, 2019

David was a leader in preserving the Columbia River Gorge for all, forever. He was a positive role model and an inspiration to all. He will be missed. Thank You David for all you have done !
Mark Carey Rees - Vancouver WA.

November 25, 2019

Enjoyed the few times we got together and the phone conversations we had.
(Have many family names in common but not related that we ever determined.)

David R. Cannard

November 24, 2019

So sorry for your loss. Mr. Cannard was a teacher of mine at Laurelhurst grade school. I might add, a very fine teacher. Had the good fortune to run into him at one of our coastal grocery stores a few years back. I recognized the flat top hair style that he always wore. So please to have seen him. My condolences to his family.

Bernadine Lyman-Thomas

November 24, 2019

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Memorial Events
for David Cannard

Dec

6

Memorial Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

Vancouver, WA

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