Francis Xaiver Canning

Francis X. Canning died on September 29, 2023 at the age of 73 in Lancaster, California after fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Francis grew up in Stony Brook, New York, where he discovered his love of the water, beginning a lifetime of sailing, kayaking, and boating. He received his Bachelor's degree at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire before completing his Doctorate in Physics at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

He was a brilliant mind and led a passionate career dedicated to many years of civil service. He began his career at the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in Ridgecrest in 1982 and after decades of life and work in Southern California and West Virginia, including raising a daughter, returned to China Lake for the remainder of his devoted career. Francis then felt a pull back to the hills of Appalachia and retired to his lakeside retreat in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Francis was a loving father, brother, friend, and soon to be grandfather. He displayed a passion for being active outdoors throughout his life, from scuba diving to hiking to boating, and instilled a love of the outdoors in others.

He is survived by his daughter, Rachel Canning of Mammoth Lakes, California, brother, Robert T. Canning of Inyokern, California, sister, Margaret O'Reilly of Venice, Florida, and sister, Kathleen Lund, of San Diego, California.

A memorial to celebrate Francis' life well lived will be held on Saturday, October 21st at 2:00 pm at the Holland and Lyon Mortuary on 216 South Norma Street in Ridgecrest, California. Friends and family are welcome to join and celebrate their love and appreciation for Francis.