MICHAEL CANNON

Lifelong Alaska resident Michael &#8220Mike” Earle Cannon, 61, died Feb. 28, 2006, surrounded by family at Providence Alaska Medical Center, after several years of declining health. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Wasilla on Monday at 2 p.m. For directions, please call (740) 802-5332. The Revs. Henry Woodall and Bert Hall will officiate.

Mr. Cannon was born July 20, 1944, in Anchorage, to Bruce and Margery Cannon. He graduated from high school in Anchorage in 1962 and joined the Navy. He worked at several places in the Anchorage area, mostly in the hotel industry. In his last years, Mr. Cannon lived at St. Stevens Assisted Living Home in Anchorage. His family wrote, &#8220Mike liked jobs where he could assist others. He was a kind and gentle person who loved to laugh. His optimistic outlook on life gave everyone around him a lift.”

He was preceded in death by his mother, Margery Cannon. Survivors are his father, Bruce Cannon; sister, Anne (Cannon) Hawthorne; brother, Bruce Cannon Jr.; two daughters, Gena and Celeste, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements are with Valley Funeral Home.