Michael Ross Canan, 66

Michael Ross Canan, 66, of Pomeroy, Ohio, passed away on January 15, 2019 at his home after a five year hard fought battle.  He was the son of the late William J, and Donna J Canan. 

Mike graduated from West Liberty High School in 1970 and married Vicki Brattain, his high school sweetheart, in 1974.  Mike had a passion for justice which led him into the field of law enforcement.  He attended Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio, majoring in law enforcement.  In 1974, Mike was sworn into the Columbus Police Department.  During his career, he was assigned to various positions including street patrol, the detective bureau in the robbery/homicide division, as well as the narcotics squad where he was appointed as a Special Deputy with the United States Marshal’s office.  He was also trained as a SWAT officer.

Mike and his family moved to Meigs County in 1991, where they began to restore a 150 year old farmhouse.  He began working as an investigator for then, Prosecutor, Steven L Story .  After that, he became an investigator for Meigs County Children Services, followed by a position as bailiff/court security for Common Pleas Court Judge Rick Crow.  In 2000, Mike was appointed to the position of Commander for Athens/Meigs Multi County Drug Task Force.  

Mike was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved the outdoors.  One of his favorite hobbies was club road racing and he was fortunate to have owned and driven a professional Can-Am race car at the Mid Ohio Sports Car course.  Mike also was die-hard Cleveland Browns fan.

Mike was loved and adored by his family.  He was famous for his quick sense of humor and the ability to make you laugh.  

He is survived by  the love of his life, Vicki Brattain Canan; his precious daughters, Melissa Rizer and Kelly (Issac) Barnett; four of his greatest joys: grandchildren, Abigail and Chloe Rizer, and Brady and Madelyn Barnett whom with he shared an extraordinary bond; siblings, Michele (Vern) Sloan, Cathy (Wayne) Chadeayne and Jeff (Rachelle) Canan; and numerous nieces and nephews.  

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 19, at 12 p.m. at the Anderson-McDaniel Funeral Home in Pomeroy.  The Columbus Police Department Honor Guard will be in attendance to honor his service.  A celebration of life gathering will follow at the Ewing-Schwarzel Community Room on West Second Avenue in Pomeroy.  Friends and family may call at the Anderson McDaniel Funeral Home from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday.

An online registry is available at www.andersonmcdaniel.com.