Robert "Robb" Canning

“Underway, Shift colors!” Much like his favorite ship, Robb Canning left home port for his final cruise, March 17, 2012 battle with cancer. Or, as he would have said, “I stopped pumping blood and sucking air.”

Robb attended South Haven schools and worked for various local manufacturers as an electrical/electronics maintenance man.

He joined the U.S. Navy in 1969, retiring in 1992. His entire naval career was spent in the Pacific theater, but he was especially proud to have served with the 7th Fleet onboard the USS Reeves CG-24 home port in Yokusuka, Japan. He was still in touch with many of his shipmates and friends, and hosted the unofficial FOX Division reunion annually.

Robb enjoyed talking to people, partying, working on his old truck and building model ships and boats. He loved spending time with his wife Susie traveling the country, attending NASCAR races, and sailing on Lake Michigan. Being around family, especially all the grandchildren, was always a special treat.

His Rottweilers were his special friends and companions. They were always together somewhere. Tank, T.J. and Ashley loved him, too and T.J. stayed beside him until the end.

He is survived by his wonderful wife and friend Susan (Reed) Canning of South Haven, Mom and Dad - Betty and Milton O’flynn of South Haven, brother - John Canning of Ticaboo, Utah, sister - Bell (Arnie) Polmanteer of South Haven, son – Jason (Corey) Canning of Bangor and granddaughters – Lily and Kiera, son – Mike (Kristen) Canning and grandson – Cael of Bangor, daughter – Jennifer Phelps and grandsons – Nick and Jacob of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Tonya Smith of Monroe, MI.

Obituary written by Robb Canning

Memorial Service will be held at The Curve Inn, 10336 Blue Star Hwy., South Haven, MI. at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven, 637-0333.