Phillip Morales Cano

Phillip was born February 27, 1929, in Somerton, Arizona to Phillip R. Cano and Luisa Morales Cano. He was raised in the Somerton/Yuma Valley. He attended grade school in Somerton and graduated from Yuma Union High School in 1948. The same year he joined the National Guard and worked at Yuma Materials Surplus store. In 1950 he married his high school sweetheart, Delia Marquez. They have three children, Phillip III, Orlando and Theresa.

He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1952 during the Korean War. He was stationed at Warren Air Force Base and the Philippine Islands. He served as part of the Strategic Air Command.

In March of 1957, he joined the Yuma Fire Department. He worked his way up through the ranks to the position of Fire Chief. He was one of the first to graduate with the Fire Science degree from Arizona Western College. After serving 32 years, he retired September 14, 1989. During his tenure he was instrumental in the development of the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team, the initiation of the department’s first Certified Emergency Paramedics and Yuma County’s Enhanced 9-1-1 system. He updated the Hazmat program and initiated the cadet program.

Phillip was involved in his community serving as board member and past president of Community Support Services/Agency for the mentally ill, board member and vice president of Catholic Community Services, board member of the Fire and Police Pension systems, American legion member, member of Immaculate Conception and St Francis of Assisi parishes. He also served as president of Arizona Fire Chief’s Association.

Phillip and Delia also started their own fire extinguisher business in 1961 serving the community for over 20 years. His past-times were walking, wood working, working in the yard, TV westerns and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Phillip was preceded in death by his mother Luisa Cano, father Phillip R Cano, brothers Orlando and David, sister Viqui Cano, and son-on-law Michael Cedillo.

He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years Delia, sons Phillip Cano (Jeanne), Orlando Cano (Genevieve), daughter Theresa Cano Cedillo. Grandchildren Michelle Cedillo, Melissa and Jennifer Cano, Phillip (Casey) Cano, Christine (Michael) Larson, Gregory (Alexandra) Cano, David Cano, and great grandbaby (Larson) to be. Sisters Olga Lederer (George), Dolores Christensen, Dora Montijo (Jacob) and many cousins, nephews and nieces.

We would like to give special recognition to Phillip’s extraordinary private caregivers who showed him love, kindness and respect throughout his illness: Sarahi Flores, Jennifer Flores, Dominik Brown, Oscar Valle, Melissa Valle, Dania Flores, Marin Flores, Jesse Flores, Alejandro Quijada, Claudia Flores, and Jailene Valle.

Here are a few treasured memories of Phillip from his children.

From Phillip III: Our dad took joy in interacting with his twin granddaughters, telling them stories of growing up, taking them to the fire station and letting them get on the fire trucks, taking them to the park and singing songs to them to fall asleep. One of their best memories was attending the World Series with him when the Diamondbacks beat the New York Yankees in 2001.

From Orlando: Orlando’s children lovingly referred to him as “Tata. Tata built his grandchildren a custom tree house, which was the envy of the neighborhood. Tata was an excellent wood-worker and carpenter. He was skilled at refinishing oak wood furniture. Over the years, Tata would refinish beautiful oak wood pieces and give them to his children as gifts. Every time they visited Yuma, the grandchildren always wanted to visit Fire Station #5 in the foothills and marvel at the big plaque in the fire house with their Tata’s picture. Orlando’s family would visit Nana and Tata almost every year and most recently visited in December 2022. Tata was looking forward to the birth of his first great grandchild this coming May. Orlando would call his parents almost every day and Tata would always end the phone call with “Be careful, love you.”

From Theresa: I’ll always remember my dad for his devotion to my daughter who became ill at 15 months. She was his little Shelby. He played the harmonica for her, hand designed and built her therapy items, put up her swing sets, traveled with us to out of state doctors, stayed with us in the hospitals numerous times, watching over her when she was so sick and much more. His quiet nature, kindness,

A viewing for Phillip will be held Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 505 S. Avenue B, Yuma, Arizona 85364. A recitation of the holy rosary will occur Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM, 505 S. Avenue B, Yuma, Arizona 85364. A funeral mass will occur Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 11:30 AM, 505 S. Avenue B, Yuma, Arizona 85364. A graveside service will occur Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 12:30 PM at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 1415 S. First Avenue, Yuma, Arizona 85364.

Phillip will be laid to rest in Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 1415 S. First Avenue, Yuma, Arizona 85364; Garden of the Last Supper; Section: 3, Lot: 4, Grave: 8.

A reception will follow graveside services.

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