Approximately 350 of Charlie Canby’s friends and family gathered at the Catalina Boat Yard recently, to celebrate his life. Pastor Enrique provided a eulogy and described our journey with Christ “in our boat” through the storms of life.
Childhood friend George Froley, brother Tim Canby, and sons Dana and Fletcher Canby recalled the sea-going, loving, playful, curious engineer, father and friend that Charlie was and that endeared him to his community.
A great spread was provided by the team at the Lobster Trap and enjoyed by those in attendance. Charlie’s wife Claudia and sons Dana and Fletcher were overwhelmed by the generosity and support from his town and family. And nearly every member of his family traveled from Guam, Texas, Washington, and California to celebrate Charlie.
“The whole town chipped in for dad’s celebration, and we’re so grateful to Avalon Community Church, the Herbsts, the Burcombes, the Catalina Island Swim Club, the Catalina Island Company, and especially Caleb Linns and the Lobster Trap and boat yard crews for their pivotal roles sending off dad in style,” his family members noted.
Michael Schuck designed and printed stickers which featured Charlie in his 1972 Global Marine helmet. Charlie always said he would “take the big swim” when he passed.
