John Canning Death: It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we acknowledge the passing of John Canning, known to many as “Happy Harrys”. John was more than just a name in the community—he was a presence, a mentor, a coach, a supporter, and above all, a friend whose loyalty and encouragement touched countless lives. As we grapple with this tremendous loss, we pause to reflect on the legacy of a man who gave so much and asked for so little in return.
From the earliest days of our racing journey, John was there—not just as a fan or a bystander, but as one of our first and most dedicated supporters. When we decided to take the leap into racing, not knowing where the road would lead, it was John who stood beside us with unwavering faith. His support wasn’t loud or boastful; it was quiet, steady, and absolutely unwavering. Whether it was lending a helping hand, showing up at the track, or offering wise words at just the right time, John showed us what true loyalty looked like.
Those who knew John understood that his heart belonged to the community. He wasn’t just present—he was involved. As a baseball coach, he didn’t just teach kids how to swing a bat or catch a fly ball; he taught them discipline, respect, teamwork, and the importance of showing up for others. He believed in the transformative power of sports—not just for wins and trophies, but for building character. Many young people are better today because they had the privilege of being coached by John Canning.
John Canning Happy Harry’s ) Nova Scotia Obituary: Staunch Supporter Of Wood Family Racing Dies In An Accident
As a pillar of community support, John had a unique way of making people feel valued. He gave his time, energy, and resources to those who needed it, often without fanfare or recognition. Whether it was sponsoring a car, cheering from the sidelines, or simply being there with a handshake and a smile, John made people feel like they mattered. In a world where everyone seems to be in a rush, John took the time. He listened. He showed up. He cared.
But beyond the titles, the coaching, and the community involvement, what we will miss most is John the friend. He was the kind of person you could count on—steadfast, grounded, and full of heart. He had a way of making people feel like family, of turning simple conversations into life lessons, and of showing his love not just through words, but through consistent, meaningful actions. In good times and bad, John was there. And that’s what made him special.
One of the most powerful and lasting memories we’ll carry with us is something John said not long ago—a simple piece of advice that now echoes louder than ever. Just a few weeks before his passing, John shared words with Brayden that reflected the values he lived by every day: “Hard work always pays off.”
We know John wasn’t the first to say those words. But from this day forward, they will forever be his words to us. It will be his voice we hear in our heads when we’re pushing through the hard days. It will be his legacy that reminds us to keep going when the road gets tough. And in honor of his memory, those very words will be placed on a decal inside the car—a symbol of perseverance, commitment, and the unshakable belief that hard work, integrity, and heart are what truly matter.
That decal will not just serve as a tribute—it will be our reminder to carry John with us on every lap, in every race, in every challenge we take on from here forward. His presence will always be with us—not just in memory, but in motion.
The loss of John Canning leaves a hole that cannot be filled. His absence is deeply felt by his family, his friends, his teammates, his players, and all of us whose lives he touched with his genuine spirit. Yet in our grief, we also find immense gratitude. Gratitude for the time we had with him. Gratitude for the lessons he taught. Gratitude for the way he showed us what it means to live with purpose, passion, and heart.
To John’s family—please know that you are in our thoughts, our hearts, and our prayers. Your loss is shared by a wide circle of people who loved and admired John deeply. We hope you find some comfort in knowing how many lives he impacted and how many people now carry a piece of his legacy forward. His was a life well-lived and deeply loved.
To his fellow coaches, friends, and community members—let us continue the work John started. Let us invest in our youth, support one another, and show up with the same dedication and joy that John always did. Let us live in a way that honors the values he held dear—hard work, humility, and heart.
And to everyone in the racing family—whether you knew John personally or not—know that every time we step onto the track, every time that decal catches the sun, every time we push through and give it our all, we are honoring him. We are racing for John. Because that’s what he would want—to see us doing what we love, giving it everything we’ve got, and never giving up.
In closing, we say not goodbye, but thank you.
Thank you, John, for believing in us.
Thank you for being our supporter, our coach, our mentor, and our friend.
Thank you for the memories, the encouragement, and the lessons that will stay with us forever.
You may be gone from our sight, but you will never be gone from our hearts.
“Hard work always pays off.”
Your words. Your voice. Your legacy.
Rest in peace, John Canning. You were one of the great ones, and you will always ride with us.