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George Edward Canright

George Edward Canright

Male 1916 - 1999  (83 years)


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  • Name George Edward Canright  [1, 2] 
    Birth 16 Aug 1916  Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [1] 
    Gender Male 
    Death 23 Dec 1999  [1] 
    Burial Libertyville, Lake, Illinois, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    • Ascension Catholic Cemetery

      Ascension Catholic Cemetery
    Person ID I10805  Branches and Roots
    Last Modified 13 Feb 2026 

    Father Garfiled S. Canright,   b. 13 Oct 1881, Muscotah, Atchison, Kansas, United States Find all individuals with events at this locationbur. Libertyville, Lake, Illinois, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Relationship natural 
    Mother Marie Camilla Reilly,   b. 4 Jan 1879, Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 31 Jul 1960, Centreville, St Joseph, Michigan, United States Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 81 years) 
    Relationship natural 
    Family ID F3838  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Lois Irene McNear,   b. 18 Feb 1918, Liberty Mills, Wabash, Indiana, United States Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 2 Feb 2010 (Age 91 years) 
    Children 
     1. Patricia Marie Canright  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]
    >2. Kathleen Canright  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]
    >3. Gregory S. Canright  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]
    Family ID F3930  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
    Last Modified 13 Feb 2026 

  • Sources 
    1. [S65] Staff, South Bend Tribune, (Name: Name: South Bend Tribune; Location: South Bend, St. Joseph, Indiana, United States;;), Obituary: Canright, George E. 27DEC1999.
      George E. "Ned" Canright passed away peacefully at home with his entire family in attendance on the evening of Dec. 23. His passing marked an end to 83 years of a life filled with family, community leadership and endless charity causes.

      George was born to Garfield and Marie Canright on Aug. 16, 1916, in Milwaukee, Wis. He had two brothers, John R. and William G., both deceased, and one sister, C. Jeannette Davis of Winter Park, Fla.

      He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Lois M. Canright; three children, Patricia Marie Canright of Granger, Gregory S. Canright and his wife, Carol, of Seattle, Wash., and Kathleen C. Pfau and husband James M. Pfau and their two children Gretchen Canright and Anna Katharine of St. Paul, Minn.

      George's early years were spent living on a farm outside of Madison, Wis. When he was 12 years old, his family moved to Highland Park, Ill. It was there that he attended and graduated from Deerfield-Shields Technical High School. He received a degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, majoring in English and history and did post-graduate studies in journalism at Northwestern University.

      George began his journalism career as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune in 1949 and also worked for a period of time as an editorial assistant and make-up artist for the Chicago desk of the Wall Street Journal. He joined the staff of the South Bend Tribune in July of 1951 where he served as copy editor, home building editor and financial page editor. "Ned," as he was known by his colleagues in the newsroom, had a sure hand for make-up, a keen eye for a headline and an alert mind for "facts" that didn't fit. He was a strict grammarian and by his own admission "finicky about facts." According to Barry Miller, who was chief of the copy desk, he was the kind of guy "who is at his best during times of crises." This was demonstrated during such major news events of the 20th century as the sinking of the Italian ocean liner the Andrea Doria and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. He set an example in personal independence in the newsroom and was known for his casual sartorial selections. He retired from the Tribune in 1981.

      George also served the community in a variety of ways. For over 20 years he was the Republican precinct committeeman for Harris Township where he was instrumental in several major campaigns both on the local level and the state level. Many a candidate before throwing his hat into the ring would consult with him. He was actively involved in local youth projects from 4-H to the Special Olympics where he helped put on the South Bend air show for several years, which donated its profits to help fund the transportation of local athletes participating in the Special Olympics.

      During his life George was a devout Catholic who supported his church in a variety of ways. He was never one to miss Mass, and after his retirement it was not uncommon to see him at daily morning services.

      Funeral services will be held today at 10 a.m. at Saint Pius X Church, 52553 Fir Road, Granger. Burial will be at the Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville, Ill. With respect to George's dedication to charities, the family asks that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to your favorite charity.

      It is with our sincerest expression of gratitude we wish to thank you, George & Dad, for sharing your wisdom, knowledge and spirit of generosity. We will miss you dearly.

      South Bend Tribune (IN) - Monday, December 27, 1999
      HFA: 13MAR2022.

    2. [S65] Staff, South Bend Tribune, (Name: Name: South Bend Tribune; Location: South Bend, St. Joseph, Indiana, United States;;), Obituary: Canright, Lois, M. (McNear). 04FEB2010.
      GRANGER - Lois M. Canright, 91, passed peacefully on Tuesday in her home surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, George, and is survived by her children, Patty, Greg (Carol) and Kathleen "Kit" Canright; grandchildren, Gretchen and Anna Pfau; and siblings, Bette Baldwin and Max McNear.

      Lois was born at home in Liberty Mills, Indiana, in 1918 to Ben and Lela McNear. She grew up in North Manchester, Indiana, with three sisters and two brothers.

      She attended Manchester College for two years before concluding her undergraduate degree in journalism in 1944 at Indiana University Bloomington, where she was the sports page editor, and later general editor of the college newspaper. After graduation, she began work as a reporter for the South Bend Tribune, where she received awards for her feature writing and remained for the next eight years. It was at this time that she met the love of her life and her future husband, George Canright. Shortly after marriage, George and his "Angel Face" moved to a house in Granger, Indiana, where Lois successfully cared for the extensive vegetable gardens, managed the household, raised three children, and was involved in multiple community events and projects. Among these groups were Campfire Girls, the Harris Township Improvement Association, 4-H, and grassroots political organizations.

      She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of South Bend where she worked at the thrift store, coordinated coffee hour and sang in the choir. In her later years, after the passing of her husband, she lived with and was cared for lovingly by her eldest daughter, Pat. Her quiet strength, her understanding and open mind, and her generosity of soul will be dearly missed. Visitation will be 3-7 today, Feb. 4th, in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend.

      Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday in First United Methodist Church, South Bend. Memorials may be made to the humanitarian charity of the donor's choice. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.

      South Bend Tribune - February 4, 2010
      HFA: 12MAR2022