Robert Michael "Mike" Cannon passed unexpectedly Saturday June 29, 2024 in Altamonte Springs, FL at the age of 77.
Mike is survived by his wife Patsy Cannon, brother Larry, sister Debbie and son Allen.
Mike was born September 20, 1946 in Columbus, GA in Muscogee County to Bill and Sara Cannon.
Mike's father, Bill, was in the navy which allowed Mike to travel to many places in the United States as well as to Italy for 2 years. Mike developed a deep love for Italy because of his time there.
Mike had a passion for drafting and engineering. Prior to graduating high school Mike worked for Morton Machinery in Columbus, GA where he designed parts that were used in various machines an also commercial aircraft.
Mike graduated high school from Seminole High School in Sanford, FL in 1966. He went into the United States Army only a few months later.
Mike served our great nation in the U.S. Army 199th infantry division. He went from Ft. Levonworth to Vietnam for his tour of duty then back to Ft. Benning prior to his Honorable Discharge in 1969.
Mike worked for the Florida Department of Transportation where he worked as a bridge inspector; However, his heart was in Engineering design and drafting.
Mike's passion for engineering design and drafting led him to many accomplishments in the area of civil engineering. If you live in Central Florida there is a very good chance you have traveled roads that he designed and oversaw their construction. That passion also led Mike to become a teacher so that he could pass on his knowledge. Mike taught drafting and design at Lyman High School in Longwood, Fl as well as Seminole Community College (now Seminole State College) in Sanford, FL.
Mike was a driven and motivated man. He didn't know how to sit still and loved to explore. He became a scuba diver in his early 30's and quickly fell in love with exploring the world under the surface. He became a cavern and cave diver. During his adventures he encountered two especially incredible men, Peter "Puddles" Horn and Andrew "Drew" Cox from Australia. These two men along with Mike explored many of the cave systems in/under the State of Florida. They even mapped out a lesser known cave system in Lake Apopka in Orange County, FL that was eventually published in an accredited spelunker magazine. That map has been used by many to safely explore that cave system.
Mike, being the adventurer, also had a love and passion for flying. Throughout his younger years he had learned to fly various small aircraft. He even built and flew small model aircraft out of balsa wood to learn aerodynamics in greater detail. He bought and flew a powered parachute for a few years as well.
Mike seemingly loved anything that got his adrenaline pumping. Another great passion of his was his motorcycles. From Cruisers, to Rocket Bikes to Trikes, he knew how to ride them all to their limits and loved every single moment of it!
Mike suffered many serious medical issues throughout his life after Vietnam, but unless you really knew him you probably didn't know it. In 2015 Mike got a new lease on life with a heart transplant. Mike spent the next nearly 9 years On-The-Go!!! More traveling, more time on two wheels, more time on the boat chasing fish, more time in the air traveling the world.
It should be noted that Mike spent his last moments on this earth doing exactly what he loved doing. He went for a motorcycle ride with his HOG buddies on a benefit ride Saturday morning, had lunch with his favorite Lady then went fishing with his brother that afternoon.
Mike lived his life to the fullest!
Funeral arrangements regarding date and time are to be determined and will be announced.