Colonel Edward Peter Canty (Retired Montana National Guard) passed away peacefully on Monday, October 7, 2024, after an extended illness with Frontotemporal Dementia. Ed was born October 26, 1940.
Ed Canty was born in Butte, MT on October 26, 1940. He was one of four children of Dr. Charles R. Canty, and Mrs. Lilyan (McCanna) Canty.
Ed has many fond memories of growing up in Butte, and was still close to many of his friends from early childhood. He had a core group of buddies, ‘The Pagan Babies’ with whom he remained close throughout his life. Recently, Ed had the joy of a small reunion with some of them this past week.
Upon graduation from Butte Central High School in 1958, Ed attended University of Montana graduating in 1962, with a BA degree in Education and a Master’s degree in English Literature in 1971.While at UM, Ed was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Ed was an Army ROTC officer, and after graduation received his commission as Second Lieutenant, and was stationed in South Korea from 1963-1965. He retired from the Montana National Guard in 1992, after having served 30 years.
A life-long learner, and professional educator, Ed retired in 2002 after 26 years of teaching at C. R. Anderson Middle School in Helena. Ed loved his students, and was not just the English teacher, but was also the advisor to many student groups, including the annual yearbook, and his passion, producing musicals. One of his former principals wrote to him, “I have never seen such a presentation by middle school students that was as professional as the creation last night.” As a testimony to the positive impact he made on so many students’ lives, in 2005 Ed was awarded Distinguished Educator of the Year by the Helena Education Foundation.
Ed had so many hobbies, and activities that prior to his illness, he was out of the house for most of the day. He and his loving wife Joanne, would always end the day together, enjoying a cold beer, and dinner together to ensure a perfect ending to every day. Ed spent as much time as he could with his grandchildren, enjoying every possible moment together.
Ed loved water sports, and activities including swimming which he did daily prior to his illness, and fishing. Ed loved to take his canoe to the lake, or river, and He was a tenor with the Helena Symphony Chorale, and participated in many concerts through his time with the group. Ed generously volunteered his time to Talking Books, and recorded countless hours of readings so that everyone could enjoy literature, just as he did. Additionally, Ed volunteered with The Retired Sinners group, and the choir at Plymouth Congregational Church in Helena.
Ed was preceded in death by his loving parents, Dr. Charles R Canty & Lilyan Canty,
His sister, Sister Patricia Canty SCL, and his brother Marcus P. Canty (Mary Ann Canty).
Ed is survived by his loving wife, Joanne M. Canty of 50 years. Other immediate family members include his two daughters, Mary Beth Canty (Jason Gill) of Seattle, WA, Emily Canty (Kris Peterson) of Belgrade, MT, his two stepsons, Tony Sims (Pamela Harris) of Catonsville, MD, Jon Sims (Allison Sims) of Helena, MT, and his brother, Dr. Charles R Canty II (Ralene Canty) of Butte, MT. His grandchildren include Madelaine Canty-Gill (Seattle, WA), Joshana Sims (Missoula, MT), Adrian Sims (Austin, TX), Ariana Sims (Catonsville, MD), grandson Elijah Peterson (Belgrade,Mt) and Tyler Ballweber (Helena, MT).
The family wishes to thank the many dedicated folks at Edgewood Assisted Living Center, especially the Executive Director, Julia Morrow. The staff there worked tirelessly to ensure his comfort and safety.
A celebration of Ed’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow the reception at the Mondana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, or as a special rememberance to Ed, please feel free to donate to The Angel Fund or The Capital High School Class of ‘81 Memorial Scholarship Fund, both of which give scholarships to graduating Seniors in Helena, MT who are enrolling in college.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday October 22, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Life
Tuesday October 22, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
1:30 p.m.
Tuesday October 22, 2024
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday October 22, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Life
Tuesday October 22, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
1:30 p.m.
Tuesday October 22, 2024
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Share
Darlene Abeyta says
Ed was a delightful man and I enjoyed visiting with you when I worked at Edgewood. My condolences to his family.
He was gentle and kind.
Howard E. Haines says
Joanne, I am praying for you and the rest of your family. I know what this is like, and I trust you will get through it. God bless.
frank panisko says
Ed was shaped by the nuns and priests of St Pat grade school He and his classmate buddies were Sons of St Patrick!
Jim Beck (the younger) says
Sad to see this. My condolences to Mary Beth, Emily and the rest of the family.
Kate Humphrey says
Ed was a kind and decent man, one who could appreciate a laugh and sharing fond memories. I’m sure his students looked up to him. We all respected his love for family, God and community. Blessings to Joanne and kids for your dedicated support during his illness.
Byron Stahly says
it was with sad heart I read about Ed’s passing. My condolences to all his family and loved ones. Ed was my 7th grade english teacher at CR Anderson…I believe the year was 1978. While he made a very positive impression on me then, it was my adult life in which I became to know what a good man he was. We worked out a cross-roads fitness for years and that was when I routinely got to shoot the bull with Ed. What I really appreciated was receiving hand written cards from Ed congratulating me on whatever the event or celebration happened to be. Our community lost a fine man.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Ed was a good friend from our National Guard days. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family 🙏🙏🙏
Tami (Bartraw) Miller says
My condolences to Emily and her family on the loss of your father. May your memories fill your heart and lessen your sadness.
JODEL FOHN says
Mr. Canty as one of my teachers as well. He was kind and a great educator. My condolences for your loss.
Theresa Racicot says
I had the privilege of working with Ed at CR Anderson. He was a special person and wonderful teacher. What a life well lived. My prayers are with your family.