Howard Mitchell Canterbury

Howard Mitchell (Mitch) Canterbury, 61, passed away peacefully July 8, 2012, after a long illness. Mitch was born April 8, 1951, in Montgomery, WV, to the late Howard and Nellie Kearns Canterbury. Mitch had a lifelong career in law enforcement which started in November 1976 when he joined the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office. He retired as Chief of Detectives May 2001 after 25 years of service. After retirement, he served as Police Chief for Ansted from May 2001 to November 2003 and then as Police Chief for Mount Hope from November 2003 until December 2008. In January 2009 Mitch returned to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office to serve as Chief Deputy under his close friend and newly elected Sheriff Steve Kessler. He held this position until February 2012. Mitch was an avid wildlife enthusiast. He probably walked most of Fayette County during his life — from hunting squirrel as a boy and later deer, turkey and bear as an adult. However, his passion was bass fishing. He was one of the founding members of the Hawks Nest BassMasters Club and he loved to fish competition tournaments. In addition to his parents, Mitch was preceded in death by his sister Bobbie Gail Canterbury. Surviving are his wife of nearly fourteen years, Kristin Jones Canterbury; daughters Michelle Ann Canterbury of Montgomery, and Chris Elaine Cagle of Salinas, California; granddaughter Savannah Elaine Cassidy of Boomer; and sisters Louetta Koch and husband Tex of Ansted, and Carolyn Koch and husband Bob of Ansted. Also surviving are numerous nephews, nieces and close friends that he considered family. He will also be greatly missed by his beloved bullmastiff Gus. Arrangements are being made by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill. Visitation will be held Thursday evening, July 12, 2012, from 5 to 7 p.m. with a memorial service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, or the American Kennel Club’s Canine Health Fund. Online condolence may be sent to www.tyreefuneralhome.com .