Richard Howard Canterbury

Richard Howard Canterbury 69, died peacefully on November 17, 2017 surrounded by his family and friends. Richard was born December 17, 1947 in Phoenix, AZ to Theron Canterbury and Lucy Sutton Canterbury. A 1966 graduate of Maryvale High School in Phoenix. AZ. Following graduation Ric went into the US Marine Corp where he was stationed at MCRD in San Diego, CA and was later deployed and served 18 months in Vietnam, After his tour of duty, Ric returned to MCRD and served as a Drill Instructor to new recruits. Ric left the Marine Corp in 1972 and reenlisted in 1979. A proud Marine, Ric experienced dual retirement from the military as a Gunny Sgt and the US Postal Service in 2010. Ric met Vera Ellen Fleming in Mesa, AZ when she was very young. Many years later Vera fell in love with the handsome Marine in his uniform. Ric and Vera married in 1974 and enjoyed 43 years together. Ric was a Master Mason with the Ridglea Lodge #1341 along with a 30 Second Degree with the Scottish Rights. A member of the Eastern Star, Ric also enjoyed teaching Wilton Cake decorating at Michaels. A beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, Ric will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Richard was preceded in death by his mother, Lucy Miller; step father, Galen Miller; father, Theron Canterbury; sister, Twila Lewis; brother-in-law, Charles Lewis and his in-laws, Marvin and Doris Fleming. Ric is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Vera Canterbury; son, Martin Hackett; daughter-in-law, DeAnn Sole; many other family members and a host of friends.