It is with deep sadness that we report that Linda Canaday, beloved wife of Don Canaday, Kiwanis International President-designate, died Wednesday, July 16, 2008, in Indianapolis of complications from surgery.
“Linda was the most incredible woman I have ever known,” Don said of his First Lady. “Her unparalleled commitment to caring and service were an inspiration to everyone who knew her.”
“She was a wonderful mother. She was committed also to her church and her community, and I will miss her more than I can possibly say,” he added. “She put up quite a struggle, but God must have needed her more than we did.”
Kiwanis International President Dave Curry said of Linda: “Linda was a blessing to everyone she came in contact with. She always had a smile and a kind word of encouragement for every person.”
“Linda was always thinking of others,” said Kiwanis International CEO Rob Parker. “On the day before her surgery, Don delivered a large box of homemade treats for the Kiwanis staff that Linda had spent the weekend baking. That was the kind of servant leader she was. She will be missed.”
Linda Gale (Canaday) was a native of North Carolina and a former schoolteacher. She and Don met in Augusta, Georgia when she was teaching middle school and he was stationed at the U.S. Army Signal Center at Fort Gordon, Georgia. The mother of one of Linda’s students was married to a friend of Don’s, who recalls “inviting myself” to the friend’s house so he could meet Linda.
Linda was a member of Kappa Delta sorority and with her husband, was associated with Kiwanis many years.
“One thing I like about Kiwanis is that we don't help just sick children,” she said once in an interview. “You don't have to be poor to be needy. Through programs like BUG and Terrific Kids, we are helping children who otherwise might be overlooked.”
Linda played a vital role in every part of Don’s life but wanted to be sure that the role was complimentary, and that they brought two pairs of hands to every task, not just one.
"Don and I don't have to do everything together,” she said. “He's president, but I'm Linda."
Linda is survived by her husband, six children and 17 grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made to the Linda Canaday Scholarship Fund, care of the Kiwanis International Foundation, 3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268.
Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 19 at:
Christians United at Soldiers' Memorial Chapel
5626 Lawton Loop East Dr
Indianapolis, IN 46216
Tel: 317-562-1218
Posted
Jul 17 2008, 10:14 AM
by
Chris Hayworth