James David Canter
February 11, 1946 - March 11, 2015
Obituary
Canter, James David
James David Canter, 69, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, at Meriter Hospital. He was born on February 11, 1946, in Minden, Nev., the son of Donald and Vesta (Thompson) Canter. James graduated from Madison East High School in 1964. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1964-70 with a final rank of Hospitalman Corpsman Second Class (HM2). James completed two tours in Vietnam from 1966-68, attached with the Fleet Marine Force. He was known as “Doc” to his military friends and others. Upon return from Vietnam, James worked as a radiology tech at the VA Hospital until retirement for a combined 37 1/2 years with the federal government. At the VA, he formed many friendships that have lasted his whole life and he was lucky enough to work with some of his best friends. James was an avid outdoorsman and very proud of his Cherokee heritage. He loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed sharing his passion of the outdoors with his children. James taught them all to master the sport of fishing. He most enjoyed spending time with family, especially his afternoons with his grandson, William. James loved to stay connected with phone calls and you could always expect a card in the mail! He is survived by his children, Sheila (Attila) Stephens, Katie Canter (Gio Pasteris), Mark (Julie) Canter; grandson, William Canter; brother, Randy (Nancy) Canter; sister, Kathy (Jeff) Lanphear; nephews and niece Chris (Cindi Schmidt) Cnare , Brian Canter, and Leslie Canter; his cousins, Phyllis (Bob) Thompson-Bauman and family, Sharon (Ray) Fowles; close family friends, the Retzlaff family; and many other close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Vesta Canter; sister, Sheila Lee Canter; and granddogs, Ashley and Khaipan. A celebration of life will take place on at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 10 a.m. until noon, with military honors beginning at noon, on Sunday, March 22, 2015. The family would like to thank the physicians, nurses, and staff at Meriter hospital for the excellent care provided. “Be Kind to Each Other.” Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East Funeral Home
5203 Monona Drive
Madison, Wisconsin 53716
(608)221-5420
Events
Celebration of Life
Sun Mar 22, 2015 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of James have been shared yet.
Memories
JN
Jennifer noble
Other •
Rest in Peace Mr Canter. Bless you. You will dearly be missed. Thoughts and prayers to all family and friends.
BC
Becky Cascio
Other •
Jim I know your children and you should be proud of them. They have grown to be caring adults. You made a friend with my father and I know he appreciated you. Your family is hurting now but they will remember you with love and how you cared.
You will be remembered. Be at peace.
Becky Cascio
KR
Ken Rappe
Other •
Dave, my best buddy thru high school and Navy. I will miss you with all my heart. You made so many
many people feel so much better about them selves, you are and always will be "The Best". I know you are with your parents and all is well! Thank you Jesus for putting Dave in my life, buddy, I will NEVER forget you and the times we had together growing up. I know I will see you again!!! Rest in the Lord!!!
KR
Ken Rappe
Other •
Randy and Kathy, my deepest condolences on loosing your brother. You two were teenagers when we living in Madison back in 1960. Boy, it has been sooooo long! Dave told me how proud he and your parents were of both you two. I wish I could have stayed in Wis after the Navy, but I had to live in NJ.
It's really funny, I had ran across Daves name three weeks ago and decided to call him. We hadn't talked together for about 20 years but I just had a feeling that I had to call him. I couldn't believe it, we talked for about 2 hours straight, just like we had just seen each other the other day. I really enjoyed it and am so glad God gave me a nudge to call Dave up. My prayers are with your entire family, He is going to be greatly missed! (krappe1@hotmail.com).
KV
Kathryn Vitali
Other •
Poppie. I am honored to be your daughter, and to know you as a corpsman, a father and finally as a fierce friend. Your heart is as big as your hands, and just as warm. I will be kind and continue to make you proud. You and Grandma gave me white light, and I feel it's radiance. It will continue with a new Dawn.
"Sometimes the ones who work the hardest and give the most are the quietest about what they've done...that's called Honor. They Inspire the rest of us...that's called Pride. Thanks for all you are and all you do."
You're my hero- your kiddo
oOo
BB
Bob Bauman
Other •
I am sad that we were unable to make the trip for this celebration of life for David, but since we can't be there, it seems appropriate for us that it occurs on Phyllis and my anniversary. David was always a welcome house guest in our home. He will be missed and several of our grandchildren will miss his duck sounds and kitty sounds.