Dave Cannon dies at 60; ran middle distances at masters nationals

Dave ran XC, too.

Dave ran XC, too.

Middle-distance and other track friends of M60 Dave Cannon are mourning his death Oct. 24, apparently from cancer. It was reported by Cassi Erickson on his Caring Bridge page. Cassi wrote: “David has passed. I was next to him, I put his Seahawk hat on him, his Club Northwest running Jersey, medals, gave him a sip of scotch & sipped next to him. He has always been a scotch man. Guess I will never get that hat back. Thank you, for Love, compassion, and the devotion of helping him cross.” Dave competed as recently as 2013, according to mastersrankings.com. In 2008, Dave ran in Tony Young’s M45 world record mile race, with Dave clocking 4:37.34 at age 51. Video is here. On Caring Bridge, Pete Magill (who was second to Tony that day) posted a tribute.

Pete wrote:

I am so sad to hear this news. David was a wonderful man. As a masters runner, I got to know David both on the course/track and over dinner and drinks when the competition was over.” Let us know of funeral arrangements. He was always a positive presence, always a major reason I looked forward to attending national races. David would race his heart out, then pour his heart out to those of us who’d shared the day. He was a competitor you couldn’t help but root for, even when toeing the line against him. He was the best of us. And I’ll remember him fondly and with love, and miss him terribly, whenever I toe one of those start lines in the future. To all of Dave’s family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss–and so honored to known him and to have called him my friend.

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October 26, 2016

9 Responses

  1. Peter L. Taylor - October 27, 2016

    I always liked David Cannon and loved to announce him. He ran hard and obtained great results, but it was his wonderful presence that impressed me. Frank, funny, insightful, what was there not to like?

    I am so happy to have met you, David, and so sad to get this news.

    Peter L. Taylor

  2. .tOnY yOuNg - October 27, 2016

    I will miss David very much. I have had the privilege of working side-by-side with David on the track, trails & roads with similar goals in mind. He was such an optimistic presence and a joy to be around. David always wanted those around him to be comfortable & would often play host to ensure everyone was.

    David always set the bar high for himself & encouraged all others to enjoy that process of improvement with him.

    David will be missed by many.

    Cheers mate

  3. Anselm LeBourne - October 27, 2016

    So sad to hear this, Words cannot even begin to express my sorrow. To Dave’s family as you grieve know that we are remembering you and honoring the memory of Dave Cannon. Herbie Medina just informed me about this. I remembered Dave very well as he resoundingly defeated at the last 5th avenue mile I ran, and I think he established a new record. We had many great competitive race against each other. He was a great person and a even greater competitor. He will be sorely missed.

  4. Julie Hayden - October 28, 2016

    I was shocked and sad to hear about Dave’s passing. I found two good articles about Dave. I especially like the his Mile Essay Entry. R.I.P. Dave Cannon.
    http://bringbackthemile.com/iam/detail/the_last_mile
    http://www.runnersworld.com/masters/age-group-ace-david-cannon

  5. Kevin Paulk - October 29, 2016

    RIP my racing friend Dave Cannon. You ran tall. You raced swiftly, like a gazelle. It was an honor to know you on and off the track. I shall not forget your wonderful outlook on life on earth. You were a role model for carpe diem Dave.
    Fondly,
    KP
    Portland OR

  6. Rob Jackson - November 1, 2016

    RIP Dave. Eventhough I didn’t know you, I heard and read about your feats on the roads and on the track. You were a fierce competitor like myself.You will truly be missed.It’s always sad when one of our own has passed away.Prayers for your family and tears from my eyes.

  7. Kelly Kruell - November 13, 2016

    The passage you quoted from Caring Bridge was written by David’s love, Christina Ashby, and posted by Cassi. Just wanted to clarify that.

    I’ve just returned from Bellingham where we celebrated David’s life at a wake and remembered him fondly at his memorial. As many noted, David lived his life the way he ran his races – full on, with passion and energy and competitiveness. He will be greatly missed.

  8. Paul Martin - November 15, 2016

    Gonna miss you buddy! This isn’t how it’s supposed to end.

  9. John Barbour - December 15, 2016

    I’m late to respond as I have just learned of Dave’s passing. As a fellow runner and occasional competitor of Dave’s I am deeply saddened by his loss. Dave was both a gentleman and a terrific competitor — whether he finished in front of you or vice-versa, Dave always brought the very best out of you. We had some memorable races at USATF cross country nationals, and I will hold those memories close. Peace Dave, and to the family.

    John Barbour
    Boston, Massachusetts

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