Richard Melvin Cannon

Richard Melvin Cannon who worked in the homebuilding and construction industry for over 60 years, transitioned on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona, after an illness. Richard,a larger-than-life man, with a magnetic personality and legendary sense of humor, lived with his wife of 40 years, Linda Cannon, at their home in East Mesa. It is difficult to encapsulate the magnitude and rich character that was “Cannon’s” signature personality.

“Cannon” as he was called by friends and family, was born on December 24th, 1940, in Mesa, Arizona to his parents Ethyl and Cecil Cannon. The Cannons moved to Phoenix, where he and his siblings grew up.

Anyone who knew Cannon knew his love of everything ASU, primarily ASU football. It seems apropos that he began his academic career near the grounds of “Old Main”, where he attended preschool as a child. He subsequently went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Business management as a Sun Devil at his much beloved Arizona State University.

Cannon financed his college career as a truck driver on the back roads of the old Arizona highways. Cannon’s working career ranged from dabbling in modeling to working at Kaiser, and finally, becoming owner and president of Cannon Homes. He remained in the home building and construction industry for over 60 years.

Richard married his “soul mate”, Linda Griffin, in Tucson, Arizona, in 1982. They recently celebrated their 40th anniversary and a “lifetime of love”.. No words here can sum up his love of his wife, “Bink”, and the memories they made for over four decades together. Richard and Linda shared a blended family, and together they had one son, Christopher, who always remained Richard’s pride and joy.

Richard and Linda, spent their years together creating and celebrating the many traditions and values that they passed down to their children. Traditions such as looking for the “green flash” as the sun set in the Pacific Ocean, enjoying the outdoors on adventures like water skiing and camping on Canyon Lake (after many winding rides down Fish Creek Hill), passing out the “big bars” of candy on Halloween, golfing, and of course, toasting to “Good Times!” with an Irish Coffee or a signature chilled Tuaca with a lemon twist.

Some of the family’s favorite “ Cannonisms” include “Focus!”, “The C Zone - Confidence, Commitment, and Control”, “Be a Leader”, “Pack light, you only need two pairs of underwear, a toothbrush, a bathing suit, and none of this fufu stuff”, “15 minutes early or you are late!”, and of course, the infamous signature “ Cannon” whistle” with the “Let’s wind it up, index finger in the air”.

Although Richard lived in Arizona and Northern California, the place he called home and loved the most was the home he and Linda spent years remodeling together in Mesa.

Cannon is survived by his wife Linda; their children Kim, Richard, Jennifer, Leigh, Marcus, and Christopher; their grandchildren Griffin, Tallulah, Mikaila, Skyler, Amanda, Emily, Zachary, Ren, Grayson, and Everett; his brothers Robert and Michael; his first wife Dian; and his “best dog friends” Archie, Jack, Maddie, and Reese.

Cannon’s wife Linda asks that you “Please recognize how proud he was of everyone mentioned above, and all his friends. He thanks you all for the time you spent with him, and the memories you helped create in his life”.

Services will be private.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mariposagardens.com for the Cannon family.