Remembering a good man, a good father, grandfather and great-grandfather
Native Hawaiian, USMC Veteran of WWII, poet and the voice and strum of the Ukulele to his family. Frank’s qualities of gentleness and love came in part from his native Hawaiian lineage that has been traced back to the First King of Hawai’i, Kamehameha the Great.
Born April 17, 1921 in Oakland, CA, son of Kathleen Kana’ina Ruttmann and Frank Quayle Cannon of Honolulu, HI. Great-great grandson of Hattie Kaumuali’ikalani Kana’ina. Great grandson of George Q. Cannon who served in the First Presidency of the Church of Latter Day Saints and was responsible for translating the Book of Mormon into the Hawaiian language.
Stepson of Harold W. Wright of South Pasadena, CA and brother to Henry W. Wright of San Marino and George E. Wright of Pasadena.
Frank attended Oneonta Elementary School, South Pasadena Jr. High School and South Pasadena High School graduating as a 5-sport letterman in 1939. He later attended Colorado College and the University of California at Berkeley before becoming a decorated USMC fighter and dive-bomber pilot for two tours in the Pacific theater during WWII. He married the love of his life, Alice Virginia Mascara, in 1943.
Virginia and Frank had six children and, for over 50 years, maintained a wonderful home for family and friends in North Hollywood, CA. Frank worked for Jordan Construction, ITECO, Lockheed and Idaho Maryland Corp. He was co-founder and owner of Altius Corporation and Sierra Nevada Crane Co. in San Fernando, CA and worked for CA Buchen Corp. in Sun Valley, CA until his retirement.
When his beloved Virginia took ill, Frank retired to give his full attention and support to her care. In February 2005, Frank and Virginia moved with their daughter Margaret “Maggie” Wright Tickell to Hamilton, MT. Virginia passed away later that year. Frank thoroughly enjoyed his life in Hamilton, writing poems, volunteering at the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce, visiting with friends and neighbors, listening to music and enjoying the beauty of the Bitterroot until his passing on July 3, 2016. He is survived by his six children, 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
He kanaka maikai. Aloha nui loa. “A good man. Much loved.”
“Your dad was (is) such a special man–from the patience he always showed my mom, to his quirky poems, hearty laugh and gentle ways. I remember him fondly.”
“I will never forget that it was your dad that finally got me on the Matterhorn. His kindness, spunk and ability to be warm and comforting is how I will remember him.”
“I loved your dad and his ever present warm, welcoming smile and spirit. That twinkle in his eyes. He is off on his new adventure and as my aunt called it when my mom passed – today was his new birthday. I loved that.”
“Rest in peace Mr Frank. A truly wonderful, funny, genuine, gentleman.”