Francisco Benito Canton Jr. died on July 14, at his residence on St. Thomas. He was 74 years old.
Better known as simply "Canton," he has characterized a visit to the Caribbean Travel Agency for most of the last 30 years. Canton’s smiling face, his humor, and his infinite patience are part of his legacy at the agency, which was home to him. Members of the Brown family, who own the venerable agency, including Courtney Brown Gabrielson, Brooks Brown, Derryl Brown Berger and Tracy Brown, expressed shock and sadness at losing their dear friend.
Gabrielson spoke for all of them when she said, "He was ultimately a family member of ours. He left a huge void in our lives as well as the rest of his family and friends."
He is survived by Leonard Canton, Roy Canton, Allen Canton, Ira Canton, Allan Canton and Alvin Canton; sisters: Alma Canton Saunders, Ivanna Canton Innis, Lillian Canton Greaux, Mae Canton Odlum, Harriette Canton and Clarice Canton Comissiong; special cousin, Lou Robles; sisters-in-law: Rita A. Canton, Alice Connor Canton and Maureen Lans Canton; brothers-in-law: Louis Greaux and Samuel Freeman; special friends: Athniel Ottley, Uele Smith and Jan Brown; and many other relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., on Saturday, Aug. 1, at All Saints Cathedral.
All funeral arrangements are by Davis Funeral Home, 774-1464.
