Beale Eli Cann was born in Fallon, NV on February 17, 1936, to Earnest “Beale” and Dorothy Cann and passed away at his home on March 6, 2024. He was 88 years old.
Skip grew up in Fallon working with his parents at Creamland Dairy. He was an entrepreneur of his own as well, harvesting, storing and selling worms to fishermen. He talked about having a half buried barrel at the back door where he kept them stored. His mother approved of his business as well as most everything else he wanted to do, including storing bird skulls in her freezer. We all found this humorous given his mother’s personality.
He also had the urge to hunt and fish as much as possible. He thoroughly enjoyed these activities and fortunately for us, passed these desires down to his children. During his early years of marriage and child rearing, the family camped and participated in the outdoor activities throughout central and northern Nevada. All the children have very fond memories of spending time together as a family and learning the knowledge he had to share. We are truly fortunate to have had these opportunities.
He wasn’t just a provider and teacher of fun stuff; he was always there for us in one aspect or another. If one of us needed advice, he patiently listened until the exact moment he was needed to share his opinion. If we just needed someone to listen and vent to, he was there as well. Sometimes his facial expressions were all that was needed and could tell when we were hurting and hurt with us. At a young age, we all learned that he was the softy and when that special want or treat was needed, he was the one to ask and were rarely told no. Mom, on the other hand, had that word copyrighted.
He met Joan Lima in high school and realized that she was the one. In 1970, they bought Creamland Dairy from his parents and partnered successfully at home and at work. He brought all the kids into the business and taught us so much about life and how it worked. How to get along with others, how to treat people, that saying please and thank you is essential and just how to be in your day-to-day life. So many lessons that we didn’t know were being taught. He will truly be missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife of 69 years, Joan. He is survived by his children Beale “Joey” (Susan), Steve (Rena), Larry “John” (Karen), Florence “Lori” Lively (Jim) and Kevin (Michon), 17 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.
Beales wife Joan passed away on March 4, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local 4-H program or FFA chapter.
Memorial service will be at The Gardens on March 14, 2024, at 11:30am. For those who want to attend the burial, it will occur at 1:00pm but no service at that time.