Michael Wayne Canard, also known as “Cat” died on October 19, 2022, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro, AR. He was born May 12, 1952, to Thurlo and Margaret Canard (Clark) in Bakersfield, CA. Michael grew up in St. James, AR. and claimed his roots as the “Lower End.” He attended Pleasant Grove and Mountain View School where he enjoyed playing football.
As a young man, Cat was in the Navy during the Vietnam War, aboard the U.S.S. Wabash as an engineman. After the war, he continued with his mechanic work; all the while drag racing and spending many hours under the hood of a car. His reputation as a mechanic spread as he helped many of his friends and others. During his midlife, logging became his new passion. He has worked with many other loggers during the last 40 years, visiting areas all over the state, while making many of his close friends.
Michael was always interested in sports. Throughout his life he played golf, and softball. He loved slow-pitch softball and played as a 1st baseman and pitcher for the Lower End team. They later went on to pitch a no-hitter game in Dallas, Texas along with all of his buddies whom he humbly gave all the credit to.
During his later years, he enjoyed keeping the grass cut, hauling logs when he could, and watching the Razorbacks. Cat loved spending time with his family, friends, children, and grandchildren. He spent plenty of time visiting his buddies at the Round Table and drinking coffee at Parson’s Valero. He loved his dog, Jug, who he took for rides down Cove Road every night.
Michael was a strong, determined, and simple man who loved to log timber, follow sports, and spend time with those close to him.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Janet (Younger); daughter, Tiffany (Kent) Brewer of Batesville; son, Kelsey Canard of Mountain View; granddaughters, Katie Avey and Annie Brewer; sister, Kathy Moore of St. James; brother, Rickey (Mindy) Canard of St. James; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
Visitation for Cat took place on Sunday, October 23, 2022, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Roller Crouch Chapel in Mountain View, Arkansas. Funeral services were held on Monday, October 24, 2022, at 2:00 PM at St. James United Methodist Church in St. James, Arkansas with Brother Donald Turner officiating.
Pallbearers are Dean Kirby, Roger Thomas, Rickey Turner, Tom Younger, Henry Criswell, and Wayne Langston. Honorary pallbearers are The Round-Table Crew, The Valero Crew, and Donald Turner.
