LARRY CANN – A Life Full of Miracles, Memories, and Muffins!
Born on January 24, 1936, in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, this remarkable gentleman has lived a life that could fill several books—and probably still leave room for a few good jokes!
He grew up on a small farm with eight cows, a horse, and two oxen. Back then, technology meant a wind-up gramophone, an old radio, and a four-party telephone line. His father’s brand-new 1951 Ford truck cost $1,875. Today, he marvels at flying machines with electric motors and wonders
how long it will be before someone invents anti-gravity. Clearly, retirement hasn’t slowed down his curiosity!
At just 18, he joined the Canadian Royal Army, beginning a 24-year adventure that took him from Nova Scotia to the Gaza Strip, Jerusalem, Mount Sinai, Germany, Holland and many other places around the world. He served with United Nations peacekeepers, worked alongside several nations’
military forces, and even made 79 glider flights. Along the way, his family grew, too, eventually welcoming a son and two daughters.
After retiring, his journey continued through spiritual service, years of working with Royal Canadian Air Force Cadets (like JROTC), and a new life in the United States. He has worn many hats throughout his life, but perhaps his greatest achievement is the wisdom and gratitude he carries with him. His two favourite words sum up his outlook perfectly:
Attitude and Gratitude.
Now, at 90, he can look back on a lifetime of adventures, unexpected blessings, and friendships that mean more than ever. After years of moving every few years, he says one of the greatest gifts of his life has been finding a community where he truly feels he belongs with so many friendships. Between stories of military adventures, futuristic flying machines, and the occasional debate about the best breakfast sandwich, he reminds us that laughter is excellent fuel for the journey. No conversation with him would be complete without a joke or two! Larry’s favorite line: If Anyone can – LARRY CANN!
At 90, Larry is still asking questions, sharing stories, making us laugh, and “kickin’ the ‘Cann down the road.” If he ever does figure out anti-gravity, we hope he sticks around long enough to explain it over coffee and a muffin!
Here’s to a life well lived—and to many more stories still to come!