Obituary: Cantrell, Johnny Ray
Age 51
Johnny is survived by Linda Burgan-Cantrell, his wife of 22 years; his younger brother Ron; sister-in-law Christine and nep-hew Aaron; aunts, uncles, cousins; and his parents Randy and Sue Cantrell of Spokane, WA.
He was a gift to his parents, family and friends and a testament to the renewing power of courage and love.
Johnny was found abandoned at age three and a half.
He survived starvation, malnutrition, and severe abuse.
With the outpouring of a united love effort from his new parents and family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends of all ages, coupled with his own courageous heart, John grew to become a forgiving, generous, fun-loving, adventurous and spontaneous spirit who was known for his ability to unconditionally love and accept family, friends and strangers in ‘as is’ condition.
Along the path steps he chose to live he eventually forgave his birth family as he began to understand they did the best they could with what they had.
Although he suffered hard knocks in his own life he was never short of resources to help another family, friend or stranger in need.
To know Johnny was to know love, acceptance and forgiveness.
His smile and heart will be missed.
Among other recipients two females age 30 and 36 received sight for the first time due to his gift of organ donations.
Services for Johnny will held January 11, 2014 at 1:00 PM in Christ the King Anglican Church, 2103 East Mission Avenue (corner of Crestline) Spokane,WA 99202.509-838-1633 www.spokaneanglican.com John loved his ‘rescued’ dogs Bear, Penny and Lady.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Society (SCRAPS), 2521 N. Flora Road, Spokane Valley, WA 99216.