Harry Martin Canby was born August 18th 1937 to Norman F. and Bertha M. Canby in the small town of Tulare California. He lived there with his brothers and sister Frank, Norma-Jane and David Canby. Roland Canby, Harry’s uncle, and cousins Stan and Delbert operated Canby’s Plumbing in Tulare while his father Norman brought Canby’s Plumbing to the central coast along with Harry where he worked. Stories were told of hunting rabbits in the fields next to Grand Avenue and playing practical jokes on his friends and teammates from Arroyo Grande High School football team where he met his bride Maureen Elizabeth Silva and were Married June 15, 1957.
He became a heavy equipment operator with the Operating Engineers, running the “Barber-Greene” for over 33 years, which paved many of the roads here in the county. He loved the outdoors and became a Scoutmaster for Troop 413 and advisor in the Order of the Arrow Council while achieving “Woodbadge” status. Harry had the largest scout troop in San Luis Obispo County of 36 scouts. He led scout patrols in the National Jamboree in Farragut Idaho, and a 50-mile hiking trip in the Grand Canyon.
In the early 1980’s, Harry followed his dream of raising rainbow trout and he built, from the ground up, Lopez Trout Farm at the base of Lopez Dam. Many people in the community would catch their first fish without being bored and sunburned. He would win bids for planting trout in local lakes and streams for the Department of Fish and Game and other municipalities. His last entrepreneurial adventure was a 30’ gooseneck BBQ trailer with all the amenities and equipment to cater large groups of people in remote locations.
Harry loved the outdoors and when he wasn’t hunting, fishing, scuba diving or backpacking, he would bring along his family to experience the calamity that would usually ensue, making memories for all. Harry is survived by his wife of 64 years, Maureen Canby. His children Aron, Trina, Tess (Tony) and Martin (Jill). Grandchildren Nicole (John), Tim, Cameron (Julia), Carleen, Camille, Paige, JR, Joshua, Jason, Bradi and Brittni. Great grandchildren Jayden, Alyssa, Hailey and Hayden. A graveside service will be held Saturday, 21st of August at 12:00pm at the Arroyo Grande Cemetery.
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