Walter R. Cannon

Heaven itself is a brighter place today with the recent passing of Walter R. Cannon on July 1, 2024. Walt (or Wally, as he was affectionately known) was a leading attorney in the State of Nevada for many years. Born on December 26, 1946, in St. Paul Minnesota as Walter Russell Bailey, Jr., Walt was raised by his beloved mother—Ruth—and his equally loving stepfather—Barney Cannon. When he reached 18, Walt asked if Barney would adopt him and legally changed his last name to Cannon—which he proudly wore throughout the remainder of his life. After serving in the Army as an MP from 1966 to 1968, he returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Jeanette Mora. Together, they had four sons: Alex, Chris, Jayson and Andrew. After Jeanette passed away in 2014, Walt married Lela Ripamonti on April 16, 2019. Walt is survived by Lela (stepson Niccolo Ripamonti); his three brothers—Robert (Debi), Paul (Mary) and Phil; his four sons—Alex Felde (Maggie), Chris (Marie), Jayson (Sara Ball), and Andrew (Jamie); and his six beloved grandchildren (Robert; Sean; Theo and Zak; and Tyler and Avery).

Walt obtained his B.A. from Cal State University in 1972 and his J.D. from the University of San Diego in 1975. He began practicing law in Nevada in 1976 and was a shareholder in the Olson, Cannon & Gormley law firm. He was admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court of Nevada, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. A member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the Nevada Trial Lawyers Association, a Master for Nevada’s Inns of Court, a certified civil trial advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, his crowning recognition came in his admission as a Fellow in the exclusive American College of Trial Lawyers.

He was passionate about fishing. Having worked as a deckhand in his youth in California, he constantly sought to return to the ocean. Indeed, it is his final request that his ashes be scattered at sea over tuna fishing grounds.

Quick to find a reason to mercilessly tease those with whom he associated, in a heartbeat he would be filled with compassion when the occasion required. He was loved by all who knew him. Without regard to the time of day or the personal sacrifice involved, he was always willing to help his friends in their time of need. Walt would always do all he could to not let down those who trusted in him.

He loved his family deeply and was invested in all they did. Indeed, it may be said they were his world and completed him. As if this was not enough, he served as a mentor to many young lawyers and continued to be invested in their lives even after they were no longer with his firm. He was kind and generous with his wisdom, counsel, time and money. His facility for engaging in practical jokes was legendary (and cannot be related in full here as the statute of limitations may not have run on some of them) yet no victim to these pranks ever felt belittled or lessened as they realized it was a sign of his enduring friendship. Never seeking attention, he was always quick to offer praise, but slow to receive same.

Walt had a deep and abiding trust and belief in God. On July 1, 2024, he received the opportunity to meet Him face-to-face as he left this mortal world. His passing leaves an unfillable gap in the lives of those who knew and loved him going forward, but the warm and cherished memories he left in those lives will be a source of solace. Rest in peace our beloved son, brother, father, husband, grandfather and, above all, friend.

A memorial service and Mass will be held for Walter R. Cannon, Esq. on July 20, 2024, doors open 10:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 1811 Pueblo Vista Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89128. All are welcome to attend.