More detail on this person: CANNING, Theodore
David "Ted" (Age 73) Died at his home January 4,
2015 in Spokane, Washington. He was born in Salt
Lake City Utah to Elain and Theodore Canning and
was the youngest of three children. Ted graduated
from Cheney High and then attended Eastern
Washington University. After obtaining his BA
degree in sociology, he joined the U.S. Army as a
Captain and became a helicopter pilot. Ted bravely
served his country with 1st Cavalry Division,
227th Assault Helicopter Battalion, Charley
Company "Ghost Riders" during the Vietnam War.
He was a decorated pilot receiving the Army
Aviation Badge, Army Commendation Medal,
Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and the Bronze Star.
Ted was a proud veteran who was honored to have
served his country. After returning from Vietnam,
he served as a social works officer at Fort Knox,
Kentucky. Following his honorable discharge from
the Army, he began a career in heavy construction
and then specialized in Quality Control throughout
the U.S., Puerto Rico and Greece. He retired in
2009 and returned to Spokane, WA. Ted was a
dedicated family man who enjoyed camping,
gardening, canning green tomato pickles,
barbecuing, metal detecting, playing poker and
spending time with his family and friends. Ted is
survived by his wife of 35 years, Dianne Ford
Canning, two daughters, two sons-in-law and four
grandchildren: Heather, Matt, Drew and Ryan
Freiheit of Ashland, OR and Christi, Peter, Carly
and Conner Richter of Spokane, WA. He is also
survived by his two sisters Elain Andrews of
Lakewood, WA and Gretchen Price of
Pleasantview, UT, his fist wife, Nicole Drees
Birch of Jacksonville, OR, and many nieces,
nephews and friends. A private memorial service
will occur at a later date.
Published in Spokesman-Review on Jan. 11, 2015
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 05/13/2023
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