Peacefully and surrounded by family, Robert Francis Cannefax died on Thursday, March 13, 2008, at Torrance Memorial Hospital. He was 81. His was a life that touched and inspired many with his quiet determination and endless love of learning.
Robert was the loving and beloved husband of Helen for nearly 30 years. He is survived by his children Jackie Cannefax (Mike) Cornwall of San Francisco, Seanna (Steve) Watson of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and Mark (Lettie Ibarra) Friedman of Los Angeles. He was predeceased by his sons Mark Cannefax and Scott Cannefax. He leaves behind a loving extended family, including nephew Andy Hriz (CJ) of Little Rock, Arkansas, and grandchildren Trevyn Watson (Adina Bogert-O'Brien) of Kingston, Ontario, Canada, Nicholas Watson of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and Marcos Robert Friedman of Los Angeles. Robert will be remembered fondly by countless dear friends and neighbors.
Born in Prescott, Arizona on August 20, 1926, Robert was the son of Robert L. Cannefax of Missouri and Florence Kingsmore Cannefax of New York. His father was the six-time World’s Three-Cushion Billiards Champion. Robert attended St. Anne’s Academy in New York City, where he was an altar boy. At age 17, he volunteered to serve his country during WWII in the Americal Division of the US Army. A decorated war hero, he was awarded two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, and Infantryman’s Badge.
Robert's distinguished career began at the Ford Motor Company and continued with the Chrysler Corporation where, at age 28, he became the youngest manager in the company’s history. He later chose to apply his experience and skills in the business world to a successful career as an audio consultant and subsequently, business career counselor.
A man of many passions, he loved jazz and had an extensive music collection spanning sixty years. Robert was also a history buff, an amateur archaeologist, a gourmet cook, and a voracious reader. An accomplished athlete in his younger years, he was an avid sports enthusiast who followed football, basketball, baseball, golf and auto racing.
In accordance with Robert's wishes, he will be buried at sea in a private ceremony. Donations in his memory may be made to the Robert F. Cannefax Thoracic Oncology Research Fund (please make checks payable to the "UCSF Foundation" indicating in the memo, “Memorial gift supporting the Robert F. Cannefax Thoracic Oncology Research Fund (B2488)" and send to University of California, San Francisco, P.O. Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145-0339).
