William Blair Cannon

January 12, 2021

SAN DIEGO — William Blair Cannon, age 85, died on January 12, 2021 after living in San Diego County for over 40 years.

He was born in Leominster, MA and studied aeronautical engineering at Boston University. He entered the USN aviation program and became part of VFA-11, The Red Ripper Squadron, flying the F8U Crusader.

After his time in the Navy, he joined the early Blackbird/sr-71 program and continued working for United Technologies until his retirement, all the while building and driving race cars. After retiring from U.T., he worked with Pathfinders of San Diego for many years. At age 75, he finished his final land speed race at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

He is survived by his sons Timothy W. Cannon, Todd F. Cannon, Terry M. Cannon, his daughter Tracy M. Cannon, his sister Sally Cannon Adler, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

The public service will be held at the Miramar National Cemetery on Monday, April 19, 2021 at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Pathfinders of San Diego. http:// pathfindersrecovery.org/