Mr. Canning as I used to call him was a wonderful, kind and generous human being. He was a wonderful father to his children and a loving husband to his adorable wife Ruth. I will never forget how he, Lynn, and Mrs. Canning where there for me to help me during the 1994 earthquake. He will forever be missed.

Yesterday we (Mom & Karen) got together to have a cup of tea and "toast" my Dad in heaven---we can't believe it has been 9 years. Mom misses him profoundly but has done a great job rebuilding life without him. It is so unexpected that we all ended up in Idaho, but we think about how much Dad would have loved it here. I loved looking through the photos on the site, listening to his Scottish music and feel so grateful to have him as my Dad.

Ruth, I still never pass your home on St. Mary's Road without thinking of you and Harry.

Stay well. We are all in this together.

Cheers, Martha Spencer

Harry was special. Our memory of him is evergreen.

Just got off the phone talking with my daughter, born November, 1961. Harry drove me to the hospital and what a blessing to me that he and Ruth were such good friends. To this day I never drive by their old home there on St. Mary's Road without a twinge of regret that they moved away all those years ago.
Martha Spencer

I remember Ruth and Harry well, never pass their early home on St. Mary's without recalling many happy visits. Most:  It was Harry who drove me to the hospital when my daughter, Laura, was born. It was wonderful to have a police officer at the wheel because my daughter was in a hurry to establish her own place here in the world. She's now 50, not in such hurry anymore. Martha Colquhoun (then)

On 21st it will be one year since Harry died.
We will always remember the hospitably way you took care of us when we visitet you in Glendale.

Allways in good Memory of Ruth and Harry

Christian and Karl Keller (Germany)

When I think of Uncle Harry, I get a warm, loving feeling inside. You two would come to visit mom, picking you both up was so exciting to me. I couldn't wait to get that big, beautiful hug from uncle. I always felt so loved!! I can so feel that hug still today. I'm so happy to have had him in my life! He is so loved and missed by all. An amazing man! Love to you all from Dennis & me

I am very sadden to read of Harry's passing. Harry was an incredibly strong presence in my life in standing for the integrity and stability and always cared upmost for his family and their loved ones like his own. I still treasure my time with Ruth and Harry and my journey to adulthood. Thank you for setting the best example possible.

Harry was so fond of my mother's cooking. It was always such a joy to see Harry and Ruth at the farm in Glenlea MB. Also a pleasure for me, in later years, to make and serve him perogies for dinner and breakfast in Glendale CA. It was so pleasant to visit and dine together. My sympathy to Ruth and her families.Love Rita

The Canning's are a fortunate family to have Harry as their husband, dad, grandfather and father in law. He always had a grand, proud presence that will carry on. He would have done anything for his family and loved ones. Harry is the definition of a consummate gentleman. I'm grateful to have known Harry and have him accept me for some of the family holiday celebrations.

I am fortunate to have met Harry through his daughter Lynn. Steady, stoic, and strong are perfect words to describe him. A problem solver and practical, Harry was a constant presence at Lynn's house, fixing what needed fixing or socializing at one or her parties. In later years, he face would light up when he saw me and he would give me a big bear hug. I felt so special! I miss you!

I could never call Harry by his name so I called him Mr. Canning out of respect. When I got to know him better I realized that his height and serious look was only a facade. He was a very kind, generous and loving man.
I will never forget how he and Mrs. Canning came to my rescue after the 1994 Earthquake. They were the first ones there to help me and comfort me.

Before I met my future father-in-law Lynn described him as, well, let's just say in way that had me on my guard, maybe the meeting would be a scene out of the movie "Braveheart"! We became good friends and I remember sitting in my yard talking politics and sneaking him a vodka or three (Ruth never knew-you believe that?) Harry was an old-school working man who alway put family first.

When I first met Uncle Harry, I was only a small girl. He was big and a bit gruff, and as a policeman, a little intimidating. I didn't really get to know him until I was an adult and began visiting him and my aunt at their home in California. He was still big & a bit gruff, but he was warm & generous, and always made us feel welcome. We'll miss him very much.

Dad built an incredible life for all of us--he was strong, steady and could fix anything. He prized his family above all else, and spent his life devoted to us all. He was our rock and gave us all a priceless security and his unyielding love. Words cannot express how we will miss him--and how grateful we are for all of his gifts to us. We love you, Dad.

I would like to thank our family, friends and Harry's co-workers for all the love, prayers and support at this sad and difficult time. Please help keep Harry's spirit alive by sharing your memories.