Obituary: Canning, Theodore David “Ted”
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