Michael Von Canon, CPO USN (Retired)
October 5, 1959 – June 18, 2014
Michael “Mike” Von Canon, 54, who grew up in West End, N.C., passed away June 18, 2014, at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital in Virginia Beach, Va., after a short illness.
The son of Margaret Matney Von Canon Alshouse and John Bobbit Von Canon II, who predeceased him, Mike was born Oct. 5, 1959, in Pinehurst.
Mike served our country admirably for 22 years as a member of the U.S. Navy, where he achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer prior to his 2004 retirement.
A 1977 graduate of Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines, N.C., he attended East Carolina University, Greenville, N.C., where he was a proud member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
Survivors include wife, Susan McLean Von Canon, of Norfolk; sons Michael Hays Von Canon, of Norfolk, Va., and Robert Ashlin Von Canon, of Richmond, Va., his mother, of Zephyrhills, Fl.; brother, John Bobbit Von Canon III (Barbara), also of Zephyrhills, FL.
Those who knew Mike well know how attached he was to his four-legged companions, so among his survivors it is important to note dachshund Emmett and Bassett hound Amos, who will remain at home in Virginia Beach with his dear friend, Southern Pines native Sharon Darling Bond. Bassett hound Luther, who once alerted the family to a house fire, saving their lives, predeceased him.
One of Mike’s life mottoes was “being kind doesn’t cost a penny,” and that attitude meant he made lifelong friends wherever he was, whether onboard an aircraft carrier or in the various neighborhoods where he lived.
A memorial service is being planned for Virginia Beach; a service and burial with military honors will be this fall at West End Cemetery in North Carolina.
Donations in Mike’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Please share a memory with the family via the “Condolences and Tributes” tab.
Thank you, Mr. Von Canon, for your service to our country.
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You were a wonderful father, soldier and brother-n law. You will be missed. You fought a hard battle. I am grateful you have peace now.
Susan, Hays and Bob,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts. I wish we were closer so that I could be with you at this time. Please let me know if you need anything.
Love from the West Coast Cuz,
Kris
Sorry for your loss. My condolences to the entire family. Thank you for your service Mike. Rest in peace.
Mike,
You were sorely be missed by all that loved you.
To Mikes family: Rest asure that Mike is in a better place and he did love all of you.
Our sincere condolences. Mike will be forever
In our memory.
I am very sadden to hear about the passing of Michael. I served with Mike at Oceana Naval station in the ninties and we always had a mutual respect for each other. I know that this message is a little late in coming , but I only found out about his passing today 16 July 2015. I know that I saw him last year a couple times and then that was it. Once again my belated condolence.