Athletics Alberta is deeply saddened to share the news that John (J.C.) Cannon has passed away. John has been an integral fixture of the Athletics Community in Calgary and Alberta, he will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
Our sincerest condolences go out to John’s family and friends, the CITC community, as well as all those who knew him and were impacted by his presence in and around the track over the years. John’s impact and legacy will be enduring on the athletics community in Alberta.
With our thanks to @nicolelbauer for providing the tribute below from CITC:
October 27, 1939 – January 10, 2026
We would like to honor John Cannon, who passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Doreen, and his son, John. John was predeceased by his beloved son, Jeffrey.
John Cannon, known as J.C. by most, will be remembered by the track community for his dedication to the sport, and his many coaching successes. But those who knew him will remember him for so much more than that. His personality, presence, and wit are what defined J.C.. He made the sport vibrant, perhaps causing some drama along the way. He was never afraid to say how he felt and whether you agreed with him or not, you couldn’t help but respect that he was absolutely and unapologetically himself.
If you ran track in Calgary and weren’t personally coached by J.C., your coach probably was. He helped shape Calgary track and field into what it is today. Anyone who had the opportunity to be coached by J.C. knows how much care and devotion he had for his athletes and the sport. The old-school “tough coach” exterior would start to vanish, and you’d get to know a man who simply loved giving athletes the chance to succeed. It was never about anything more than that, and it was beautiful to see him hold onto his passion for track and field until his final days. He was overwhelmed with love and support from so many track athletes from all generations.
He coached track and field for close to 60 years. He coached 4 Commonwealth games, 2 Pan American games, 2 World Student games, 4 World Championships, and most notably, 4 Olympic games. In the 1984 Olympic games, his relay teams earned one bronze and two silver medals. He personally coached 15 Olympic athletes. He started both the Calgary Spartans Track Club and Calgary International Track Club.
John’s legacy will live on through the countless athletes and coaches he has inspired throughout his life. He founded Calgary International Track Club around the principle of being “In the Habit of Excellence” and has truly shown us what it means to do so.
He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. May he rest in peace.
