Christian Cannell, 81, a resident of Pownal, VT, died at Albany Medical Center on April 29, 2018 after a long physical battle.
Christian was born in Providence, R.I. and after high school, he enlisted in the Air Force. When he had finished his enlistment, he returned to Providence and enrolled in the Rhode Island School of Design. He graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture.
He then went to work for Andrew and Clark, Inc. in New York City. Not appreciating city life, he applied for and was accepted at New York Business School as a candidate for a Masters Degree in Business Administration.
He did not accept that position as he came to Vermont to work for the Allen Organization, a firm of Park and Recreation Planners. He was there from 1966 to 1970.
In 1970 to 1975, he became Composing Room Foreman for the Bennington Banner.
From there he gravitated into sales and graphics. For a time, he sold remanufactured automobile parts for Central Jersey in Plainfield, N.J.
At the same time he became free lance Art Editor for Ski America Magazine. This was back in the cut and paste days and it was normal to see a razor blade over his ear.
Christian was a member of the Masonic Fraternity, a Shriner, a member of the Order of Eastern Star and the American Legion.
He loved dogs and for a while had his own kennel. He raised Gordon Setters and Newfoundlands. He followed the dog show circuit accumulating many ribbons and trophies. Among his accomplishments, was the rewriting of the Newfoundland water trial manual for the Newfoundland Kennel Club.
In 1982, he married the former Joan Rathbun Snyder who survives. One step-daughter, Melissa Snyder Hurley predeceased him in 2004. Other survivors include Beatrice Snyder, step-daughter, Mary Catherine Andrews, sister (John), Sarah Andrews, niece, Malcolm Andrews, nephew, (Elizabeth), Bonny Nothern, niece, Alejondra Heute, niece. He is also survived by cousins and numerous extended relatives and friends.
A memorial service commemorating his life will be on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.at the Pownal United Methodist Church.
Friends and family will gather at the church at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider monetary donations to Joan Cannell for extreme medical expenses that were incurred during Christian's illness. Donations may be made directly to Joan or through the office of Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.
Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net