Honoring the Life and Legacy of
Eric P. Cannon
Obituary
Eric Phillip Cannon was a loving life partner, “bonus” dad, devoted son, caring brother, supportive teacher, and incredible friend. He left this world unexpectedly on November 10, 2021. His zest for life will continue to live on in the memories of all who knew him.
Born the 13th of January, 1971, one may think he was destined for bad luck, but from the start he turned lemons into lemonade with his optimism, dedication, and creative perspective on life. Eric’s passion for adventure and new experiences led his life’s journey all over the world; with trips and residencies all over the USA, Europe, and Asia. While seeking learning opportunities in unique places, he studied at DePaul University, University of Santa Barbara, Sarah Lawrence College, and California State University Fresno, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees and teaching credentials.
His witty humor and bright, big smile will be missed at Vallejo High School where he taught Drama and English Language Development. He was known for his “dad” jokes, numerous checklists, daily movement exercises, and “The Definite Dozen,” a list of 12 customized rules to live by that he developed with each of his classes. Beyond his regular teaching duties, he produced both classical and modern plays with his students, including: Fools, Hold Me, Check Please: Take 2 & 3, High School Musical Jr., CrazyTown, Bus Stop, and Hard Candy.
Eric is survived by his beautiful love, April, and was a proud Papa to his bambino, Alex. Also surviving are his parents, Max and Kathryn Cannon, and sister Sharon Tetrick. As a loyal friend, he will also be missed by his great friends: Ted, Carson, Bill, Jason, and Marc.
A virtual Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 at 3:00pm PST. An interactive online reception will follow immediately after the service. His family invites you to join as we celebrate Eric’s wonderful life, and the many lives he touched.
Virtual Celebration of Life
& Online Reception
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
3:00pm Pacific Time
Eric’s family invites you to join us for a virtual Celebration of Life honoring Eric’s life and legacy.
An interactive online reception will take place immediately following.
Eric’s Impromptu Monologue
Eric loved the stage and the performing arts. Enjoy Eric’s spontaneous rendition of Iago’s monologue from Othello while attending the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon in October 2016.
Slideshow
Photo Gallery
Step into a day in the life of Eric's college days, with his "Lazy SB Days 97-99" playlist
In Lieu of Flowers, Please Consider Donating to Support Alex's College Fund
As a “professional student,” Eric had a passion for learning and an impressive intellect which led him through several college programs and a career in education. He was incredibly proud of Alex, and looked forward to supporting his bambino through his own college journey. Please consider helping his legacy of learning continue by contributing to Alex’s college fund.
- Go to Ugift529.com
- Enter Ugift code: C3J-P7U
Brother-in-law kind of sort of complicated but basically he was a good and he’s will be missed.
What an incredible bright light. I always enjoyed Eric’s “Top of the Morning to You” whenever he would speak. He often spoke of his love of his students, his family and his life. I am still stunned by his passing but he was a bright star at Vallejo High School and within the lives of many. Rest in Peace kind sir.
I am very sorry to hear this sad news. I didn’t think anyone could replace me as the drama teacher, but I was very wrong. Eric did a great job.
Knowing that many of my favorite experiences from High School were because of Mr.Cannon, I was saddened by the news of what happened. He had positively affected the lives of so many students, including me. He was thoughtful, funny, and did his best to make our time in school good and memorable. I wish his family and loved ones a gentle healing process. Thank you, Mr.Cannon.
Eric was our firstborn and remembered as a happy boy.. He will be greatly missed!
I will always remember the fun times we had. Whether it was going wine tasting or talking about tech, hanging out with Eric was always a fun time. I’m happy and proud to have known him.
Mr Cannon was my favorite teacher/director at Valley high school. He made learning fun and always had the funniest jokes. But the most fun was being apart of the plays, Cannon gave me the confidence to get up on stage. He always helped me when i needed it and always encouraged me to try my best. I always keeps the words he said in my heart. May he rest in pease i’ll always have Mr Cannon in my heart as my Favorite teacher at Vallejo High
Mr.Cannon, you will be missed throughout the lives you have entered. You always came up with the funniest most interactive lessons in class, always made us laugh. In the play ‘Hard Candy’ you taught me everything. You made me take a leap into acting life. Thank you, Cannon. Rest in Paridise.
Eric had such an infectious smile and positive attitude! I always enjoyed chatting with him about teaching and other topics. We will miss seeing him at our family get togethers.
I had first heard of Eric years before I met him in person. He captured the heart of my best friend, April and I heard so many wonderful things about his loving heart and how he became a family with April and Alex. In 2016, my family was fortunate to travel back to California and we did a rafting trip with April, Eric, and Alex. That was the first time I met Eric and his funny and witty personality was everything April described. His heart was as big as his warm smile. April & Alex, I don’t have the right words to convey how deeply sorry I am for your loss. Eric, may you rest in peace and love, dear friend ❤️
mr cannon was such an amazing eld teacher his class always made me laugh with all the fun games and jokes we would always play and mess around he had a great sense of humor and awesome personality at first I didn’t want to believe the rumors I was like nah it ain’t true until they confirmed it he will truly be missed I will live by the definite docen for as long as I can he will surly be missed literally I got switched out of his class a few weeks prior on hallowen and t know we will never see him again hurts to think we will never see his awesome theater shows. rest in peace will be missed Mr cannon we all miss your hope your better up there in paradise
The first thing I think of when I think of Eric is that he was always smiling and positive. From big family parties to playing cards to road trips in the Rockies, my memories of Eric are full of fun times and great conversations. Eric, you will always be a special part of the TrowFam!
Hi, I don’t know if you remember me but Mr. cannon was my drama teacher in highschool. He always did his best for all of us I remember in school I had an attempt and he drove to visit me in the hospital. He was the closest thing to a father figure kids like me had. I make music now and without him I never would’ve stepped into something that made me feel more like who I am. His mentorship and kindness has stuck with me. I’m sorry I can’t be at the Funeral but I’ll be sending flowers and I will reach out soon. Thank you Eric for showing me there’s more to life than the bad days that helped shape us.
Mr.cannon you’ll be truly missed, I didn’t want to believe that this was true. I still dont want to believe that your in paradise, you taught me things that I use on a daily basis. Rest in paradise to my favorite High School Teacher.
Eric Cannon will be sorely missed at Vallejo High and in all of his relationships of his life. I was his tech for all of his computer needs at the high school. Many times we would just talk about life and whatever other topics came up…he was a gentle soul full of energy and funny sayings. The one that I will always remember is the way he would say hello. He would say it like “Allooo” and it always made me smile. Mr. Cannon had a command of his classroom that I admired very much. I think the students knew that they were getting someone special that was going to change them in a positive way. Sometimes the students would try to challenge his authority in the classroom and then out came the biggest voice on the planet…talk about having timbre in your voice! Eric did not know the words “can’t do” He overcame any and all obstacles in his path…and always with a beaming smile and kind eyes. The people we meet in life are not often people we will remember long after they have gone, but Eric Cannon I will never forget. Rest in peace Eric…Thank you for all you showed us.
Michael DeCaires
mr.cannon was the reason i went to college for theater he told me nothing was impossible go for what i dream you will be truly misses thank you for the best high school years ever
Mr. Cannon was my director while I was at Vallejo High. He has taught me so many things, but one thing that will forever stick with me is “The show must go on”. He impacted so many of his students lives and will forever missed.
The part of Eric that I knew was so full of life, loud and active !! He flowed so naturally into my friend April’s life and family, it felt like he had always been a part of their family. Every time I was around him and April their dynamic was something to be proud of. I am so grateful he blessed us with the time we had with him.
Words cannot say enough about Eric. He was like one of the family from the start. Our family will miss having him part of our future adventures. He will always have a special place in our hearts.
Beautiful ❤