Richard E. Cannon, 84, of Tryon N.C. passed away on Feb. 9, 2015. He was the son of the late William E. and Kathryn Olp Cannon, and husband of Janet Wittkopp Cannon. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Janet; his children, Suzanne C. Ames (Al), Richard D. Cannon (Nancy Oakes), Robert Harris-Cannon (Cathy) and Sandra J. Cannon; eight grandchildren and five and ½ great grandchildren.

Richard earned a BA in Criminal Justice from the Rochester Institute of Technology. His professional career spanned 31 years in law enforcement for the state of New York. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police.

After retiring to Tryon, his interest in local history led to volunteering at the Carl Sandburg House, followed by 10 years as curator of the Polk County Historical Museum. Richard was bestowed the honor of being named a Director Emeritus of the Polk County Historical Association.

A memorial gathering to celebrate the life of Richard is planned on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 4 – 6p.m at the White Oak Village Community Living Room, located at 70 Oak St. in Tryon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Elizabeth House (Hospice), 581 S. Allen Rd. Flat Rock, N.C. 28731. Donations may also be made to the Polk County Historical Museum, 60 Walker St.
Columbus, N.C. 28722.