Mitchell K. “Bud” Cannoy

Mitchell K. “Bud” Cannoy

Marion

Mitchell K. “Bud” Cannoy, 92, of Marion, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, made his final journey home on Thursday, March 30, 2023. Bud passed away peacefully at Linn Manor Care Center in Marion following a three-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was undoubtedly and gloriously met with open arms (and a list of honey-do projects) at the pearly gates by the one true love of his life, his wife Betty.

Per Bud’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral. Instead, the family will hold a private graveside service. He used to say, “I don’t want people looking at me when I’m gone and being sad. Have a party and have fun.” So also in line with his wishes, a Celebration of Life event is planned from noon to 4 p.m. May 13, at The ESCO GROUP, 3450 Third St., in Marion.

Bud was born on Dec. 6, 1930, in Sioux Rapids, Iowa, to the parents of Roy and Bertha Cannoy. He grew up in the town of Rembrandt in NW Iowa, and in his own words, “It was the best place to grow up as a kid!” His given name may have been Mitchell, but to all who knew him, he was always known as “Bud” (short for Buddy), a nickname given to him by his mother at an early age. He graduated from Rembrandt High School in 1947, and started college at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa, with original hopes of becoming an optometrist. After two years at B.V, and with the Korean War raging, he decided to enlist in the U.S. Air Force, serving four years and achieving the rank of Airman, First Class. After leaving the Air Force, Bud continued his education at Iowa State University, where he graduated with a B.A. in electrical engineering in 1957. While at Iowa State, he interned with a “small, startup” company in Cedar Rapids called Collins Radio (later known as Rockwell International), which led to him starting a 35-year career with them in 1958, ultimately retiring in 1993. During his time at Collins/Rockwell, he had a hand in history – helping to design the radios in both the John Glenn Mercury capsule and the B-2 Stealth Bomber.

On Sept. 21, 1957, Bud married Betty Blackert, in Rembrandt, Iowa, a union that would last 40 years until Betty passed away in August 1997. To this marriage three children were born: Cathy, Pam and Mike. When Betty passed away, Bud chose to continue to live life to its fullest and with a passion. A lifelong outdoorsman, Bud made several fishing trips to Canada and Northern Minnesota with friends and family, and continued his love of hunting pursuing ducks, geese, deer and turkeys, well into his late 80s. With the help of some very persuasive people, Bud became somewhat of a wine connoisseur later in life, and always had “just a splash” waiting for you when you came through his door. Without question Bud’s biggest joy in his golden years were his grandchildren, Cale, Quinn, Taylor and Camryn. He spent countless hours at their athletic events in junior high and high school, and loved every minute of it! The joy he took from watching them grow into successful young men and women was the greatest joy he could receive.

Bud was an incredibly generous and giving man, always willing to offer a place at the dinner table, a place to lay your head or a shoulder to lean on if you needed it. No questions asked and with the understanding that you would not be judged. This kindness and generosity was perhaps his greatest legacy — a legacy that will be carried on through his family and friends for years to come.

Bud is survived by his three children, Cathy (Todd) Koza of Cedar Rapids, Pam (Doug) Nodurft of Marion and Mike (Stacy) Cannoy of Marion; four grandchildren, Cale Cannoy, Quinn Cannoy, Taylor (Caleb) Miller and Camryn Cannoy; one great-grandchild, Jensen Miller; and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty; brothers, Marlin and Gene; and his “bestest buddy ever,” his cocker spaniel Gibson.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Views in Marion, Linn Manor in Marion and Hospice of Mercy for their amazing care for Bud over the last three years. We are forever grateful.

Please don’t worry about us down here Dad, we will be okay. We will continue to live our lives the way in which you lived yours and the way in which you taught us: to be good to people; to be kind to those around us and to lend a helping hand; to love unconditionally; and to approach every day with a zest for life. This is not goodbye Dad, but rather, “We will see you later.” And until we meet again, we will all do our best to take care of one-another. We will continue to carry on your legacy. And we will continue to try and make you proud. Godspeed Bud-Man. Love – your family

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.