Valley loses Bob Cannard Sr.

Sonoma lost a legend on Sunday when Bob Cannard Sr. passed away quietly at home. The former Sonoma city councilmember was a horticulturist, environmentalist and venerable pundit for sustainability – long before it became fashionable.
Family and friends held a “living wake” for Cannard, who was suffering from a terminal illness, upon his return home last week from the hospital at UCSF. The gathering was a celebration of Cannard’s life.
An active, outspoken and passionate community figure, Cannard served as executive director of the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce in the late 1960s. Family friend and former co-worker Helen Fernandez called Cannard an “interesting and controversial” member of the community. “Bob was extremely knowledgeable on many, many different topics,” said Fernandez. “He was a hard act to follow for many people.”
Cannard cared deeply for the Valley’s past, present and future and also served as president of the Sonoma Valley Historical Society.
Prior to moving to Sonoma, Cannard lived with his family in Kenwood where he was active in many areas of the community, often taking a leadership role.