Dr. Canning was one of the finest gentleman I have ever met, and one of the finest surgeons I have ever worked with.  Always kind and polite to the OR staff, regardless of any problems encountered, he was always calm and polite. He was also witty and fun to work with. I use to look forward to “scrubbing “ with him, happy about my assignment. 

If I had known that the last time I'd see your smile or feel your warm embrace would be our last moments together,  I'd have held on that much longer and squeezed you a little tighter. 
I'm just learning of your passing a couple days ago,  and it pains me to think that I didn't come home sooner or be more persistent when I didn't hear back from you after our last correspondence when you were feeling blue.  Instead,  I chalked it up as you going into a mood and that you'd come around,  as you always seemingly did.  I'm in utter disbelief right now. 

Caroline,  he was sooo proud of you and Willie. I can't imagine your pain and I hope that both time and the memories you've shared with him will heal your hearts as I pray they will mine. Mike was a great man and will always be remembered as such.  It seems that no matter the event we attended,  everyone went out of their way to greet and hold conversation with "Dr. C"!  

If only I'd been more open to bringing sand to the beach,  perhaps we'd be enjoying life in Australia together.  We did this dance for a decade and it's unfortunate that the music has stopped.  I love you Mike! 

I will love you always and forever , in this life and the next . You were a great friend to me , as was I to you when you needed it the most. Things changed these last 2 years after I moved away and although you were always supportive , I know that it was hard on us both. We spoke about many things near and dear , including the deepest and darkest of thoughts we shared , and always had encouraging words for one another when we lacked it on our own . I was so happy when you finally agreed to see the therapist and things were on a good path for awhile ; you isolated again and I was too far to pull you back even when I tried . We may have met in the arena of work , but our relationship evolved  into so much more than that with that being the common stressor and not bond between us . I know how much you love your children and family as you always spoke so dearly of them , especially  Caroline , Will ,Mom  , and Robert . Though I’ve never met any of you and you know me not , Michael is and always will be very dear to me and I am still in shock that this day has come so soon . I  pray that you will be comforted knowing how many people cared for him in this world and that he will never be forgotten. Hope to see you again someday soon ! Until then save me a seat by the ocean and relax to some of our favorite island music ... “don’t worry , be happy , every little thing is  gonna be alright” - Bob Marley 

Michael was a fine gentleman. He was one of the most outstanding doctors I had the privilege to work with. He took care of our family and friends for many years and will be dearly missed.
Jack Kaplan

Caroline and Will, 
My husband, Brad and I  were at the memorial service on Sunday.  Your words deeply touched my heart.  My son took his life at the age of 33,  a little over a year ago.  He was a smart and funny and had his whole life in front of him.  He was going to become a licensed psychologist .   I can only imagine the pain you are going through based on my loss.  The words read by your aunt from her husband, the psychiatrist, are so true even though it may be very hard to see that now.  I have been in therapy with a psychologist for a little over a year and it has helped me very much.   My hope is that in the near future they will be able to better diagnose  these psychiatric disorders and develop much better treatments for them.
Laura Aiken 

Dearest Cousins,
My heart breaks for you all. Connected by blood and history I share your loss. I am filled with memories of family parties, living close by, going to the library with your dad and sibs and our families spending time together. Time has flown by. We are now grey and our children have grown. 

Michael was a sweet, kind, brilliant yet down-to-earth, man who touched many peoples lives. When my dad and brother John  struggled with medical crises, Michael reached out with warm support. 

It was wonderful to spend time with Michael at my dad’s 90th birthday celebration.  It was special he brought Caroline and Will. 

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. 
Love,
Trish Canning 

Michael was so kind and caring about other people.  When I saw him at my Dad's (Uncle Jack's) 90th birthday party, we had such a nice conversation about our kids and our lives.  He loved his family and was so proud of his kids.   I'm so sad to hear this news.  My love to his family, Aunt Edna and all my cousins and their spouses.  I will miss him and am thinking about you all.
Love,
Franny

OBITUARY

William Michael Canning

February 12, 1957 – September 26, 2018

Lakeside Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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