Columbus, OH — Ralph Canney, 83, died Dec. 21, 2024, in Florida.
He was the beloved husband of Rosemary, who died in 2015. Ralph and Rosemary were married for 52 years.
Mr. Canney was born in Bradford and was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Myrtle; and his younger sister, Andrea Mayo.
He graduated from Husson College with a bachelor’s in business administration and from the University of Maine with a master’s in education. He also earned his Certificate of Advanced Studies in Education and Administration at UMaine. He taught business math for many years in New York and Old Town, Maine.
His true love was harness racing where he was a state regulator for decades. He never retired from the industry until health issues became overwhelming.
In the final months before his death, you would find him watching harness racing virtually, reading books about the sport, and maintaining contact with his close friends in the industry.
He lived with his daughter Crystal and son-in-law James Linsky, who feel fortunate to have shared time with him at home. His son-in-law showed extraordinary compassion and care in the final year of his life. He was blessed to be surrounded by Danny and Doreen Linsky, Michael and Nicole Linsky, and their children Indy and JoJo. The families often shared dinner together. His son, Scott, worked to keep things functioning in Old Town while Mr. Canney received medical treatment. The family is forever grateful to the Moffitt Cancer Center for extending his life through treatment delivered by a knowledgeable, caring, and compassionate team of medical experts.
Mr. Canney shared his wife’s passion for travel. They spent seven winters in Rome, Paris, Dublin, Shannon, the French Riviera, and the Baja Peninsula. They traveled with their good friend Jackie Hill to Scotland, The Isle of Capri, and Brittany.
He is survived by his brother, Wade. He was blessed with two children, Crystal (James) Linsky and Scott (Judy). The Canneys had two grandchildren, Alex (Rachel) and Avalena (Ryan Levy) Linsky. He also has four great-grandchildren, Charles, Claire, Calvin, and Chelsea.
Mr. Canney’s relationship with each grandchild and their spouses was strong and unique. Against all odds, fighting cancer and just recovering from pneumonia and then Covid, he attended Ryan and Avalena’s wedding in September of 2024 with incredible, loving support from Alex and Rachel.
He had many conversations with his daughter about a funeral, but in typical Ralph fashion, he said, “Just graveside for family if you insist on it, I really don’t want a funeral of any kind. I don’t want people to feel like they have to give up a day with family or work to go to something that doesn’t really amount to a hill of beans.” Always a practical person and a man of few words, his family will honor his request.
A private committal service will be held in the Spring for Ralph and Rosemary Canney.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sarah’s House, 346 Main Rd., Holden, ME 04429.