Richard Paul Canfield

Richard “Dick” Canfield, age 102, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on March 7, 1924, in San Diego, California, Dick lived a long and meaningful life marked by devotion to family, friends, resilience, kindness, and quiet strength. Dick and Evelyn began their 61 years of marriage on May 24, 1947. They were married in Asbury Methodist Church in San Diego. Preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Grace Canfield; Evelyn (Clarke) Canfield; his brother, Wayne Canfield; his grandchildren, Bryson Lukacik and Jennifer Angus; and his great-grandchildren, Brennan Bennett and Gabriel Martinez. Survived by his five children: Diane Angus; Steve (Lucy) Canfield; Richard Canfield Jr.; Carol Shaplin; Donna (Mark) Hopewell and sister-in-law Barbara Canfield. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He loved having a large family. He was always supportive of all, attending as many special events as possible for his children and his extended list of grandchildren. All of whom were blessed by his love, wisdom, and steady presence.

In 1943 he was drafted into the U.S Army serving in World War II. He served for two years and remained active in the Black Hawk 86 the Infantry Division yearly reunions. In June of 2024, he was honored to be part of the Return to Normandy trip for the 80th celebration of the cease of WWII. He was also honored to be part of several Honor Flight San Diego celebrations. Dick was part of a successful three generation family business, Canfield Brakes. Also, he was continually active in his community. In his earlier years he was a member of the 20/30 Club of La Mesa. After moving to Lakeside, he was elected to the Lakeside School District Board where he served several years and was a prominent part of the building of Lakeside's Tierra del Sol Middle School. He was also an active member of the El Capitan High School band parent’s association from 1965 to 1975. He was a proud graduate of Hoover High School and remained active in their alumni association throughout his years.

He was a proud native San Diegan and a huge supporter of San Diego sports. Growing up in San Diego Dick had a love for baseball and would attend the Hollywood Stars, later became the San Diego Padres, Pacific Coast League baseball games at Lane field, Westgate Park, Jack Murphy/Qualcomm Stadium to Petco Park. He attended Padres games up to the age of 101. In his younger years he played on San Diego City Men’s League baseball and basketball teams. He also had a lifelong love of golf both playing and attending local tournaments. In his preteen years, he would attend boxing matches at The Coliseum in downtown San Diego. Dick will be remembered for his easygoing friendly personality and the memories shared over more than a century of life. His legacy lives on through the generations of family he cherished who loved him deeply and will carry his memory forward.

His Celebration of Life will be held on June 27, 2026, at 2:00 pm.

Location: La Mesa United Methodist Church, 4690 Palm Ave., La Mesa, CA 91941